So decided to take a break from my work today to share this with you guys. I'm not trying to boast about my accomplishments, I just hope this post can inspire/motivate at least one of you.
I came to the realization a little while ago that I've changed my lifestyle dramatically from a few years ago. I guess I've been so busy hustling that I've never really stopped to take a look at my own progress.
I haven't had a job in nearly a year, and I never plan to. In fact, I mentioned earlier that I was looking to get a job temporarily, but either I wouldn't get selected or the place would be too far of a commute. I think it worked out for the best though, because not being able to get a job got me to where I am now. But currently, I still can't get a job but for an entirely different reason: I'm too busy.
Yeah, I love the look on most people's faces when I say that.
But I wondered if people have noticed that I can afford to live very well despite not having a job and not being on unemployment insurance.
I don't like to say how much I make, but at the moment, I make more than most of my friends with full-time jobs. I wake up whenever I feel like, I'm my own boss, and I can take time off anytime and go anywhere anytime.
Now, at 21, I'm living the way I wanted to a year and a half ago, when I first decided that there was nothing I wanted to do more than be an entrepreneur. Back then, I had no idea how, no idea what kind of business I wanted to start, no mentors, and pretty much no supporters. Of all the people in my life, I can count on one hand all the people who believed in me. Some of my relatives even tried to have an intervention with me and tell me why what I'm doing won't work, to which I was like "I'm doing it anyway." Even today, a lot of people don't know what I do. They just think I'm unemployed and looking for a job.
To be honest, up until about 3-4 months ago, I was just doing a lot of screwing around. I didn't know how to get started, so I would just read, read, and read; study, study, and study. There were a lot of people I learned from, and people who inspired me, but I've never had a mentor; I went out and learned all on my own. I preferred it that way because I'm the type of person who likes doing everything his own way, and never following anybody else. That said, sometimes doing everything your own way means you're fending for yourself. I got frustrated with my lack of progress and sometimes it just felt like I was going around in circles and not accomplishing anything. It wasn't until I decided exactly what I wanted to do and have a clear plan that things started to come together for me. When I had my plan of action, I worked on it tirelessly. Even now, I usually work about 14 hours a day running my start-ups, but you know what, there's nothing I would rather be doing. People are surprised when I tell them that I love what I do. Because to me, it's not even like work. It's fulfilling my mission and passion. I guess it's also easier to love what you do when you know you can do it of your own accord.
I will make my businesses extremely successful, and that's why I spend so much time with them. But that said, I'm happy to be where I am now. I've realized that my mindset has changed, and I've developed exponentially more confidence knowing that I am able to be financially independent; and not having to rely on a job or having to structure my time to suit a company's needs. Also I know now, if shit hit the fan and my businesses failed, I could easily redo it.
Guys, I am where I am now for one simple reason: I chose to be.
A year and a half ago I decided the things I want are to have my own business, be my own boss, and be financially independent. I knew that I had to have that kind of lifestyle, and nothing was going to make me shift from that purpose. So I embodied that lifestyle. Once I started living as if that was my current reality, it became a reality. I stopped looking for jobs, I stopped procrastinating, and I started looking for streams of income without being employed, and working on my business. And I enjoyed it. I developed a sense of comfort. I let go of the anxiety of not knowing where your next dollar will come from, and started embodying the spirit of an entrepreneur. "Working a 9-5 is not an option, I'll be an entrepreneur or nothing." This do or die attitude was the feel I needed to thrust myself into the fastlane.
Again, I write this because I can relate to a lot of you who have had a tough time making the full shift from employee to entrepreneur. I was having I tough time too even 6 months ago. Now I'm relaxed, but full of fire and ambition. My advice I can offer is probably nothing you haven't heard before, but I will tell you this: have a clear vision in mind, and make that vision your reality. Tell yourself there is no other option. Tell yourself that this is how your life is, and this is just what you do, plain and simple. Don't wait for something to happen. Don't wait for the outside word to give you permission. Start right where you are NOW, and make it happen.
Good luck everyone.
P.S. I believe much of my inspiration comes from the people on this forum. Reading people's stories has been a huge inspiration to me, and constantly reminded me that what I wanted to do was possible. Thank you all.
I came to the realization a little while ago that I've changed my lifestyle dramatically from a few years ago. I guess I've been so busy hustling that I've never really stopped to take a look at my own progress.
I haven't had a job in nearly a year, and I never plan to. In fact, I mentioned earlier that I was looking to get a job temporarily, but either I wouldn't get selected or the place would be too far of a commute. I think it worked out for the best though, because not being able to get a job got me to where I am now. But currently, I still can't get a job but for an entirely different reason: I'm too busy.
Yeah, I love the look on most people's faces when I say that.
But I wondered if people have noticed that I can afford to live very well despite not having a job and not being on unemployment insurance.
I don't like to say how much I make, but at the moment, I make more than most of my friends with full-time jobs. I wake up whenever I feel like, I'm my own boss, and I can take time off anytime and go anywhere anytime.
Now, at 21, I'm living the way I wanted to a year and a half ago, when I first decided that there was nothing I wanted to do more than be an entrepreneur. Back then, I had no idea how, no idea what kind of business I wanted to start, no mentors, and pretty much no supporters. Of all the people in my life, I can count on one hand all the people who believed in me. Some of my relatives even tried to have an intervention with me and tell me why what I'm doing won't work, to which I was like "I'm doing it anyway." Even today, a lot of people don't know what I do. They just think I'm unemployed and looking for a job.
To be honest, up until about 3-4 months ago, I was just doing a lot of screwing around. I didn't know how to get started, so I would just read, read, and read; study, study, and study. There were a lot of people I learned from, and people who inspired me, but I've never had a mentor; I went out and learned all on my own. I preferred it that way because I'm the type of person who likes doing everything his own way, and never following anybody else. That said, sometimes doing everything your own way means you're fending for yourself. I got frustrated with my lack of progress and sometimes it just felt like I was going around in circles and not accomplishing anything. It wasn't until I decided exactly what I wanted to do and have a clear plan that things started to come together for me. When I had my plan of action, I worked on it tirelessly. Even now, I usually work about 14 hours a day running my start-ups, but you know what, there's nothing I would rather be doing. People are surprised when I tell them that I love what I do. Because to me, it's not even like work. It's fulfilling my mission and passion. I guess it's also easier to love what you do when you know you can do it of your own accord.
I will make my businesses extremely successful, and that's why I spend so much time with them. But that said, I'm happy to be where I am now. I've realized that my mindset has changed, and I've developed exponentially more confidence knowing that I am able to be financially independent; and not having to rely on a job or having to structure my time to suit a company's needs. Also I know now, if shit hit the fan and my businesses failed, I could easily redo it.
Guys, I am where I am now for one simple reason: I chose to be.
A year and a half ago I decided the things I want are to have my own business, be my own boss, and be financially independent. I knew that I had to have that kind of lifestyle, and nothing was going to make me shift from that purpose. So I embodied that lifestyle. Once I started living as if that was my current reality, it became a reality. I stopped looking for jobs, I stopped procrastinating, and I started looking for streams of income without being employed, and working on my business. And I enjoyed it. I developed a sense of comfort. I let go of the anxiety of not knowing where your next dollar will come from, and started embodying the spirit of an entrepreneur. "Working a 9-5 is not an option, I'll be an entrepreneur or nothing." This do or die attitude was the feel I needed to thrust myself into the fastlane.
Again, I write this because I can relate to a lot of you who have had a tough time making the full shift from employee to entrepreneur. I was having I tough time too even 6 months ago. Now I'm relaxed, but full of fire and ambition. My advice I can offer is probably nothing you haven't heard before, but I will tell you this: have a clear vision in mind, and make that vision your reality. Tell yourself there is no other option. Tell yourself that this is how your life is, and this is just what you do, plain and simple. Don't wait for something to happen. Don't wait for the outside word to give you permission. Start right where you are NOW, and make it happen.
Good luck everyone.
P.S. I believe much of my inspiration comes from the people on this forum. Reading people's stories has been a huge inspiration to me, and constantly reminded me that what I wanted to do was possible. Thank you all.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Last edited:
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
