The American dream. Financial freedom. Being able to do whatever we want, whenever we want. That’s the life so many people chase after, but often don’t know how to achieve.
We often get into the grind, thinking we’re making the right choices. The sad truth is, we’re running around and around in a giant hamster wheel, working our tails off to keep it moving, but going nowhere at all.
If you can have enough money in your bank account that you never have to worry about living month-to-month or paycheck-to-paycheck, that IS freedom.
So, how do you take your life to the next level?
Step #1: Look at your earnings and make bold calls if you need a change.
The difference between where you are now in life verses when you first got out of college or graduated high school is you’re a bit more experienced in life. Whatever you’re currently doing, you’ve most likely been working on it for nearly a decade.
You’ve learned, studied, grown, made mistakes, gave up, went after again, and so on. If you take all of this into account, what stage would you say you’re at?
And most importantly, where do you see yourself in another 10 years? On your way to becoming a millionaire? Then great! Don’t change a single thing. Keep plugging away doing exactly what you’re doing.
But be perfectly honest with yourself. Do you need to make a change? Maybe you’re in over your head? You might need to make a slight or a drastic change to stay ahead. As they say, “Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results”.
Step #2: Make sure you focus on your top client.
Here’s the thing, you need to remember one person. And that person is yourself. We often forget about our own well-being and seek to please others first. If you work at an office while attempting to start your own business, will working those extra hours really net you anything?
This might sound selfish, but you have to ask what’s in it for you. What will you get out of it?
As long as you’re working for your boss, you’re helping them fulfill their own dreams and reality. They get to go on longer breaks and vacations while you plug away extra hours to make them more money.
And it’s a waste of your time! Instead, make sure you’re getting something out of it. If you’re not, consider it time wasted away from what you should be doing: setting up your business!
Step #3: Other Money
This might seem counterintuitive, but If you need some money, borrow it. Don’t be afraid of borrowing money and using that to get things going. It’s used most commonly perhaps in real estate, where someone takes out a mortgage, buys and fixes up a house, and then uses rent payments he collects on the interest.
As with anytime you borrow, it does come with risks. There can be a downturn in the economy, but I’m willing to bet that most successful businesses started out with an idea, drive, and a loan.
They often say that you need money to make money, so you can try borrowing if it’s worth the risk. It may be the only way you get to take that step.
