Thread: Running that hampster wheel...

While reading MJ's success story for the 100th time in the past 4-5 years, there are certain passages that have stuck with me. One in particular describes so well what I have been going through the past 5 years, and it is frustrating the hell out of me.

The quote is as follows: (Mike please forgive me for quoting you without permission bud! ).

"I knew what great things I was capable of. I knew the Fastlane way to wealth but just couldn’t get it executed".

My question is this; how many of you feel like you honestly KNOW and UNDERSTAND the secrets MJ and so many of the other experts here have taught us, but have come up short in executing them? (concepts such as doing something BETTER then anyone else, finding a niche, Delaying Gratification, a focus on increasing value to your customer and forgetting the "how can I make money" mentality, etc.)

I graduated college in 2004 with 2 business degrees. Since then, I have absorbed as much information as possible, and have learned more then I could possibly post here. My drive has increased ten fold, and my thought process is now a complete 180 from where I was when I graduated (I used to be "that guy" referenced in MJ's story who was eager to buy that new Mustang GT and live in that kick-ass apartment, ie; the "facade of wealth" as Mike says). However, since "discovering the fastlane" ( ), I completed an MBA, invested in the stock market, purchased a primary residence AND rental property, paid off debt, and saved money. I have lived below my means, built a great credit score (780), and saved almost $30,000 towards retirement in a 401k (I know I know, a "slow-lane" vehicle, but I still did it). I have also worked my asss off, been promoted 3 times, and have worked my way up the ladder fast approaching that 100k salary. IMO, not too bad for a poor kid from NJ in only a few years (I’m 26 now).

Heres my problem; I AM STILL IN THE RAT RACE! I still live paycheck to paycheck due to my mortgage, and you bet your asss I still search for my salvation on the weekends! Despite having increased motivation, education, and DRIVE every year, I feel as though I still haven’t found my "niche". I still haven’t come across an idea I feel strongly enough to pursue to the ends of the earth to escape this. I know with every "self-made millionaire" story I read that I WILL be amongst those ranks..but I just haven’t figured out a way to do it yet. I KNOW there is millions to made on the internet, but have not found a site idea I want to run with yet. However, one thing I have learned as the years fly by faster and faster is that time will not WAIT for me to do something. I have gotten in better financial shape every year since I graduated..but feel as though I am still so far away from where I want to be.

Anyways, I know there are others here running that hampster wheel who probably feel the same way, so I'm hoping with this thread we can help motivate each other. I know that 100% of my success in life entails ACTION, so I know what I have to do here. It’s just a matter of DOING it at this point!

All the best guys,

-Mike

I can relate.

Although my obsession has taken over. I no longer live for weekends.

I work every single day. My thoughts are bombarded with internet businesses every waking moment like never before. Even dreams!

Soon, every day will be a weekend. That is what keeps me up at night.

I will admit, it is pissing me off lately that I am not closer to my goals, but I am loving the chase more than ever. I think as soon as I get to 45-50k pm, I will feel more comfortable and have more relaxed and focused thinking.

Or maybe not! Sharks love the smell of blood! Who knows.

I believe there are transitional periods for people interested in a fastlane way of life.

Everyone grows at their own pace, and there are some things you can't teach. You must go through the woes and experience for yourself. Then things begin to solidify and you move forward.

You have to remember, many things change going from a normal financial perception and traditional thinking taught by society.

May not seem like a big deal, but when you really look at it, beliefs are changing, expectations are changing, confidence shifts after knowing what's possible, and on and on.

These things are deep seated within the subconscious and take time. A lot of people like the idea of a fastlane, but don't like the reality of DOING a fastlane. = a lot of effing work... if it's work to you!

When you become obsessed, it becomes habitual and you love a portion of it. For me, that is a key ingredient I have found. But I'm like a kid with Legos... forget the box, I'm building MY OWN deal!

Mike,

Here's a suggestion....perhaps it will help...

Make a decision TODAY on what specifically you will do to pursue you goal of financial independence. Doesn't matter how you decide (pick something you enjoy, pick something you previously started, pick randomly out of a hat, etc), but decide.

THIS WILL GET YOU OUT OF THE MINDSET OF "I NEED THE PERFECT IDEA."

And then resolve yourself to spending a fixed amount of time (say 500 hours) over the next 6-12 months trying to make that specific idea a "fastlane" success. It may not be the most fun idea to you, it may not seem like the most lucrative, and it may not seem as "cool" as other ideas, but nonetheless, RESOLVE that you will spend that 500 hours doing everything in your power to make that idea a success.

THIS WILL GET YOU PAST THE SECOND-GUESSING THAT YOUR IDEA ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH.

Then create a plan. Write it down. Step-by-step. Every little thing from Step #1 to Step #1000 that you can think of to get your idea off the ground. At this point, don't worry too much about strategic ideas, worry more about tactical steps -- the things you actually have to DO to get your idea moving.

THIS WILL GIVE YOU AN ACTION PLAN TO KEEP YOU MOVING FORWARD.

Then assign a schedule to your steps. Set specific dates for each item on the list. Make them realistic, but also somewhat aggressive.

THIS WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE TO MAKE PROGRESS.

Then share that plan with someone else that you trust to help keep you motivated, support you, and provide you help/guidance/mentorship throughout the process (perhaps even post it here).

THIS WILL ALLOW OTHERS TO HELP KEEP YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR MAKING PROGRESS.

Lastly, start executing. Doesn't matter if you don't start making money right away. Doesn't matter if you decide your idea sucks. Doesn't matter if you get bored, frustrated, tired, etc. Just keep executing, keep holding yourself accountable, and keep using your mentor to keep you accountable for PROGRESS.

The goal of this exercise is not necessarily a successful "fastlane" business, the goals are:

1) To get you into the HABIT of doing, not just thinking. Once you get into the habit of actually working on the tactical tasks associated with a business every day, that will stay with you on all future businesses as well.

2) To get experience. Implementing something (anything) will give you an idea of what things work, what things don't work, how to optimize your efforts, etc. These general lessons will translate to all future businesses as well.

3) No matter how bad your idea is, if you resolve to spend 500 hours on it (and actually do), you'll most likely find that it's a better idea than you thought it was. In other words, no matter how bad the idea is, you'll likely find that you CAN make money doing it, even if it's only a little. The realization that you'll likely make is that THE EXECUTION IS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE IDEA. And this revelation (not just thinking it, but KNOWING it) will change your perspective forever, and make you realize that you shouldn't be wasting so much time working on your "fastlane" premise, and instead should be spending time on executing.

Just some thoughts...hope that helps!

One more thing... I don't think it's just a matter of doing anymore.

I "do" A LOT. I say I don't take enough action and so forth, but I do a lot. (just not enough for me )

I think there is a separation effect here... has to do with impact that the big boss talks about all the time. "Make a FREEKING impact"

More impact = more cash. I see it now, but it took a while.

Point being, you not only need to learn how to "do" you have to learn how to serve. Then serve it up BIGGER. The masses, the elite, whatever it doesn't matter.

But I think that not only figuring out how to execute, but figuring out your maximum potential impact and leverage is right up there. I dunno, these are ever changing as I go, but when I reach my first milestone, I'll be sure to chime in.

Originally Posted by mtnman

but I am loving the chase more than ever.

Ahhh music to my ears.

I think most people will find the Fastlane journey (process) to be enjoyable. You don't have to be "rich" or wealthy to truly enjoy the Fastlane process. I worked for 7 days a week on my Fastlane goals yet it didn't feel like work. I knew my ends for the means -- I knew I controlled my destiny -- I knew no one could slip the rug out from under me -- this journey of years was when I found true freedom -- not the actual event of retirement or monetary riches.

I cannot express how wealthy you feel when you have NO ONE to answer to but yourself. Even if "customer is king", you have the power to fire them as well. (I've fired many customers!). There are many people on this board who are independently self-employed and doing well. To me, I see them as wealthy.

So my point of this is this: This illustrious promise land of wealth is closer than you think and it is found in the journey. Yet for most people, people are afraid of the journey -- its like Columbus and the voyage to America on the flat earth -- there are risks, unknowns, so naturally, people defer the voyage or don't go at all.

As for execution, you gotta keep doing. "Doing" brings "luck" (shit happens) and even in failure, you learn.

Well said guys. Rereading this I am hoping this thread did not come off as lazyness or to imply that Im not doing anything, lol. I think looking at Gallardo's on EBay this morning just sparked some thought. haha. Anyways, I should clarify, I am doing several things on the "road" to where I want to be. This includes registering domains, reading books and learning every week, continuing to build my "safety net" and investments so that I can cover my mortgage for a few months when I DO make the leap, etc. My biggest frustration just deals with the fact that its been 5 years since I graduated college, and I still feel like im stuck in the middle lane with my blinker on.

I can relate to what mtmman and others have said. I do feel GREAT most days, as being on the road to success is truly a feeling that empowers you (clearing that hurdle of wondering "IF" you might make it to the Fastlane and realizing it is just a matter of "WHEN" is probably one of the most crucial steps in the journey) . I know I will LOVE putting 100% of my energy and creativity into an idea I am sure about..as I am the type of person who never gives up and will go FULL FORCE towards something I believe in. Right now I am just stuck in the "researching" phase, as I dont think Ive come across that million-dollar idea just yet (or maybe I have, but it is not something Ill love to do, and hence, do not have the desire to make it GREAT).

As Jscott said, its time for some revisions and action towards my PLAN!

Thanks guys.

By the way, my Father used to talk ALL the time about doing what you love, and how "working on something you are passionate about does not "feel" like work at all!". So I know how right MJ is when he teaches us that. Once that lightbulb is turned on and I recognize an idea I KNOW can be great..i have no doubt I will pour everything I have into it. And in fact, I look forward to it.

Hey Mike

The Vipers great. I have actually been going nuts the past few days because it has rained hard in Northern NJ, and she has been in the garage since Friday night, lol. Some people have golf, some people have gardening..for me, my biggest stress reliever is rowing through the gears with the top off on a warm night.

The car is just so much fun. (As a MURCIELAGO ROADSTER owner, Im sure I dont have to elaborate on that experience to you though! )


I do understand what you and a few other Viper owners meant now when you talked about how dangerous these cars can be if you take the power for granted. I am very careful with the car, but there have been a few times where Ive felt just how light that rear end gets going around a corner.

You were also right about something else...if I had a dollar for every time some knucklehead in a Civic or hater in a mustang wanted to race me, I would have my own Murcie by now! The car seems to attract people looking for an ego boost like a magnet!

Originally Posted by lightning

Right now I am just stuck in the "researching" phase, as I dont think Ive come across that million-dollar idea just yet (or maybe I have, but it is not something Ill love to do, and hence, do not have the desire to make it GREAT).

As Jscott said, its time for some revisions and action towards my PLAN!

Thanks guys.

That's where I was a few months back and now I'm afraid I've taken a few steps back, thankfully I got a new job, one that I actually enjoy and that doesn't demand 50-60hrs/wk and any energy I have afterwards out of me(like the previous one did )

Either way, while my finances are falling in order, this is the time to take charge and not get complacent, thankfully the "fastlane bug" has bitten my dad and Adi has been chugging along with her ideas as well, so it's time to get moving!

Originally Posted by PhxMJ

Yet for most people, people are afraid of the journey -- its like Columbus and the voyage to America on the flat earth -- there are risks, unknowns, so naturally, people defer the voyage or don't go at all.

As for execution, you gotta keep doing. "Doing" brings "luck" (shit happens) and even in failure, you learn.

This is where I'm at, feels almost like I'm afraid to get out of cruise control or park, I have plenty of resources and as my favorite book, The Top 10 Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class states, the middle class aims for comfort and does not find it, I want to aim for FREEDOM as millionaires have achieved

Originally Posted by lightning

Anyways, I should clarify, I am doing several things on the "road" to where I want to be. This includes registering domains, reading books and learning every week, continuing to build my "safety net" and investments so that I can cover my mortgage for a few months when I DO make the leap, etc. My biggest frustration just deals with the fact that its been 5 years since I graduated college, and I still feel like im stuck in the middle lane with my blinker on.

I think the point is Jscott's post (which I think is fantastic) is to pick one SPECIFIC path.

What is your path?

Pick and then follows his tips.

Awesome thread! Thanks to everyone speed ++

Originally Posted by lightning

Heres my problem; I AM STILL IN THE RAT RACE! I still live paycheck to paycheck due to my mortgage, and you bet your asss I still search for my salvation on the weekends! Despite having increased motivation, education, and DRIVE every year, I feel as though I still haven’t found my "niche". I still haven’t come across an idea I feel strongly enough to pursue to the ends of the earth to escape this. I know with every "self-made millionaire" story I read that I WILL be amongst those ranks..but I just haven’t figured out a way to do it yet. I KNOW there is millions to made on the internet, but have not found a site idea I want to run with yet. However, one thing I have learned as the years fly by faster and faster is that time will not WAIT for me to do something. I have gotten in better financial shape every year since I graduated..but feel as though I am still so far away from where I want to be.

Couldn't agree more with you my friend... the problem for me aside from passion for something in particular is focus... I am all over the damn place, never settle on anything and in turn never experience true business success. The last few weeks I felt myself giving up and the fire inside me started to die out. I even thought that the "success" I am having at work is good enough. But then this past weekend I said to myself "What the f#$% is wrong with you?" My life is to important to waste on a 9 to 5....

And ofcourse after I posted my reply the "I'm Rich. You're Not" ad appears under my post... Yeah well I'll show you Rich Jerk!