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20 and Hopeful

DevinMK6

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My free time tends to go by a lot faster now than before, most likely because I started back up on Netflix.

Still dread going to work.

Need to find another book to keep me occupied and start researching other niches.
 

DevinMK6

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Well, here's the 2 week mark.

Excitement is diminishing. One of my plans fell through so that got me disappointed.

I'm going to re-read TMF while I look for other books so I don't lose interest like I do with everything else.
 

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Excitement is diminishing.

That's why I asked you to return here and continually update.

Diminishing excitement (or passion) is normal. How you respond to it makes the difference between breaking through, or breaking down.

Everyone comes here excited. And then when real life knocks 'em down, they give up and return back to their job, back to their TMZ, and back to their excitable weekend.
 
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I don't remember the source of this image but I wish I'd found it years ago:
96XStLQ.png

The graph details the timeline and emotional phases of people making big transitions.

Eg. For the (a) above, it can be you discovering and reading TMFL

Remember that the initial feelings of excitement aren't meant to last forever.

Uncertainty and confusion are normal.

Don't quit, push through the struggle and emerge as a better man.
 

DevinMK6

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That's why I asked you to return here and continually update.

Diminishing excitement (or passion) is normal. How you respond to it makes the difference between breaking through, or breaking down.

Everyone comes here excited. And then when real life knocks 'em down, they give up and return back to their job, back to their TMZ, and back to their excitable weekend.

I don't remember the source of this image but I wish I'd found it years ago:
96XStLQ.png

The graph details the timeline and emotional phases of people making big transitions.

Eg. For the (a) above, it can be you discovering and reading TMFL

Remember that the initial feelings of excitement aren't meant to last forever.

Uncertainty and confusion are normal.

Don't quit, push through the struggle and emerge as a better man.

Thanks you guys. I'm not going to stop pursuing this and I plan to make it a lifelong passion. With everyone here on the forum and @fubar as my accountability partner, I believe I can be successful.

Even if things don't go my way I can't let it bring me down.
 

DevinMK6

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Very busy weekend, not much time for myself. Now that I'm back at work I have a couple hours a day to learn.
 
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Sadik

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Very busy weekend, not much time for myself. Now that I'm back at work I have a couple hours a day to learn.

@DevinMK6

You have got a lot of people motivating you here. So that's not in short supply. What you need is to get down from the clouds and get your hands dirty. You read the book, you have read many threads here. Tell us about your niche. What businesses are you looking at? What are your plans for the next 10 months of 2017?

I am not kidding here. If you asked me the same question, I can list you what I am trying to do this year and what tasks I have already done and what are in process and what are pending. Specifics, specifics, specifics!
 

DevinMK6

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@DevinMK6

You have got a lot of people motivating you here. So that's not in short supply. What you need is to get down from the clouds and get your hands dirty. You read the book, you have read many threads here. Tell us about your niche. What businesses are you looking at? What are your plans for the next 10 months of 2017?

I am not kidding here. If you asked me the same question, I can list you what I am trying to do this year and what tasks I have already done and what are in process and what are pending. Specifics, specifics, specifics!

My problem is that I can't just jump into something without doing extensive research. And when I say extensive, I mean way beyond what is actually needed. I need to just try something and not worry so much about the outcome.

For the longest time, I was very interested in the stock market. I got the ThinkorSwim platform and started playing around with trading for a couple months but never used real money (Mainly because I wasn't ready to throw $1,000+ into a brokerage account).

Recently though I've been looking into REI. Flipping houses rather than renting due to my area being mainly borderline poverty (Don't trust people not to wreck the property). I found a nice 3 bedroom house that needed updating that would provide a huge profit if done right. I asked my stepdad (real estate agent) to do a quote and see what it would be worth and he told me that there was already an accepted bid on the place. So that dropped my spirits a bit but hasn't stopped me.

My goal by the end of 2017 is to have at least $1,000 in passive income from whatever I choose to go with. I'm not sure if I'm lowballing or not but is a goal that I want to reach. Ideally I'd like to make enough to quit my job ($2,000/Month and I will).

So that's where I'm at.
 

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I have no experience in real estate and I don't live in the US, so I will leave it to the others to comment.

But you are lowballing like crazy if you think $1000 per month is too much. I made a software product in 3 months. Makes me about $600-$700 passively every month (link). I own a forum, makes about $600 passively every month! (link) I could spend 3 days on Upwork and make $1000. Not boasting, I didn't get to this easy, there's years of process behind this. But just telling you it can be done.

Don't get trapped into analysis paralysis. It took me 2 weeks to start a blog in January this year. (link) I spent $200 in total, got 600 subscribers. In the 4th week I realized this wouldn't work the way I thought it would. So either I pivot or cut the losses. I haven't decided yet. I am most likely going to give it up. Lesson being, don't be afraid to fail. @MJ DeMarco says in TMF , regret of failure is easier to live with than the regret of never having tried. Just do something, fail, learn, repeat.
 
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I have no experience in real estate and I don't live in the US, so I will leave it to the others to comment.

But you are lowballing like crazy if you think $1000 per month is too much. I made a software product in 3 months. Makes me about $600-$700 passively every month (link). I own a forum, makes about $600 passively every month! (link) I could spend 3 days on Upwork and make $1000. Not boasting, I didn't get to this easy, there's years of process behind this. But just telling you it can be done.

Don't get trapped into analysis paralysis. It took me 2 weeks to start a blog in January this year. (link) I spent $200 in total, got 600 subscribers. In the 4th week I realized this wouldn't work the way I thought it would. So either I pivot or cut the losses. I haven't decided yet. I am most likely going to give it up. Lesson being, don't be afraid to fail. @MJ DeMarco says in TMF , regret of failure is easier to live with than the regret of never having tried. Just do something, fail, learn, repeat.

Featured!
 

DevinMK6

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At home sick. I'm going to take this time to look at the different ways people start in the fastlane.

I want to take some sort of action by the end of the week.
 
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DevinMK6

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No action yet. Been struggling to find a way to start. I've been reading threads on ecommerce, import/export, buying/selling, etc.

I'm going to start selling all the electronics that are just wasting away on my desk. Maybe start flipping on craigslist until I can find someway to start.
 

Sadik

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No action yet. Been struggling to find a way to start. I've been reading threads on ecommerce, import/export, buying/selling, etc.

I'm going to start selling all the electronics that are just wasting away on my desk. Maybe start flipping on craigslist until I can find someway to start.
Watch Gary V's 2017 challenge to learn about flipping stuff. (Google it)
 

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Another introduction from another new member.


My name is Devin. I live in a small town in Oregon and I recently turned 20. I have high aspirations in life but not once have I done anything to achieve my goals. And that’s why I’m here.


I currently work in a warehouse for 10 hours a day, 4 days a week making $13 an hour. Albeit an improvement from my prior jobs, it’s not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Just like everyone else here, I want to be a millionaire. But I want to be a millionaire so that I have the freedom to do anything, and without worry. I want to be rich so that I can help my parents, my family, my friends, and the people around me. So that I can live my life without worrying about being able to pay my rent, car insurance, etc. To do the things I love with the people I love.

That’s who I want to be.

My one major flaw is that I have ZERO discipline. I’ll start with something, get really excited about it for a few weeks, and then just stop like it never even happened. But that goes with everything in my life from video games and TV shows, to going to the gym and hobbies. That’s the main thing that I need to work on.

I started reading TMF recently. I haven’t even gotten half way through the book and it’s already changing the way I think (Or maybe that’s just me getting excited about a new thing I found). I just hope that this will be the one thing that I can stick with and never lose interest in. This is where I’ll be making a change in my life for the better.

My problem is that I feel I need to surround myself with like-minded people who want to be successful in life (hence why I’m here). I see people who I went to high school with, post on social media a screenshot of their bank balance and it’s appalling. I have $450 in a tin can under my desk and that is $450 more than what they have in their banks. And they haven’t done anything to try and change that. In my town of 8,000, most of who are on food stamps or other government programs, it’s hard to find anyone who shares the same mindset. The one person that I’ve been able to find is my girlfriend. Both of her parents spent years in college to become doctors where they make $5k+ each for 2 weeks of work. That’s amazing. But they’re trading time for work, and I’d much rather have that in passive income.

But I don’t even know where to start besides here.


A little diddy about my life in an Oregon city. I intend on being an active member here and I really do want to make a change in my life. I've read through multiple threads on the forum and one post that really hit me was by Vigilante on a 1 year post.

Some people register here, post epic 1AM excitement induced rants, and never log in again as their Subway Sandwich Artist career flounders.

Yet another group registers, racks up a significant post count, zero speed/rep bank, and stays for years. If I owned the place, I would bounce them out much like you might a 29 year old child still living in your basement.

A third group comes in here talking the talk, but not walking the walk. They may get some rep, and even have some good posts, but later you learn they're actually pizza delivery drivers. Much like a kid that grew up in the church, they might know the right words to say, but don't really get the theology for themselves. They just regurgitate what they heard.

Then... there are people like YOU. YOU are who MJ wrote the book for. YOU are who MJ built the forum for. YOU are the reason people like me hang out here.

Courage. Transformation. Guts and determination. You'll get there. You are an #ActionTaker

That speaks to me because I'm usually the one to get excited but never come back again. But I want to be the determined one that gets shit done for a change.



This isn't for everyone, period. 80-90% of everyone on here won't even make it. Your post just seems like your asking to be pet and told everything will be ok, but it wont, unless you make it happen. We can't do anything for you in the real world without your own efforts.

Good luck
 

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I want to be a millionaire. But I want to be a millionaire so that I have the freedom to do anything

Steps to motivation and action.

Step 1 - The Millionaire Mindset

Stop saying you want to be a millionaire, and start saying you want to become a millionaire. Everyone wants to be a millionaire; very few people want to become one. Because regardless of what impression Facebook and Buzzfeed give us; becoming a millionaire takes work.

So instead of fantasising what it would be like to hop on your private jet to go and meet @MJ DeMarco for a power lunch before jumping into your Buggatti Veyron to meet your popstar girlfriend. Start fantasising what it would be like to get up at 5 a.m. before your job and implement some technique you learned the night before.

Fantasise what it would be like to live below your means, saving money, building it up bit by bit, until you can afford that website/course/marketing that will really boost you forward.

Say to yourself out loud 15 times in a row, "My name is _______ and I am in the process of becoming a millionaire".

Step 2 - Eliminating Distraction

My one major flaw is that I have ZERO discipline. I’ll start with something, get really excited about it for a few weeks, and then just stop like it never even happened. But that goes with everything in my life from video games and TV shows, to going to the gym and hobbies. That’s the main thing that I need to work on.

OK possibly condescending statement coming in 3...2...1...

You are 20 so I'm not surprised you are constantly distracted; from Facebook, Twitter and Buzzfeed, to meaningless "celebrities" flashing their boobs and shoving fireworks up their asses to get famous. OF COURSE YOU'RE DISTRACTED!!!

Stop paying attention to these idiots; take yourself off Facebook for a month; STOP WATCHING TV....

Start meditating; most people think meditation is just there to relax you.

Bullshit.

Meditation is a test of will, if you can pay attention to nothing but your breath, the feeling in your body and the sounds around you for 20 minutes (start with a couple of mins) you are training yourself to stay focused. You are quite literally, exercising your willpower.

The more you meditate and the less time you spend on sites clicking and scrolling, or watching mindless TV, the more you will feel like you can focus on tasks for longer and longer periods.

Step 3 - Keeping The Right Company


My problem is that I feel I need to surround myself with like-minded people who want to be successful in life (hence why I’m here).

This is the hardest one; especially if you live in a small town. However, as you rightly pointed out, this is why you're here. It's great that you feel your girlfriend's parents motivate you. Talk to them about your feelings, tell them that you are determined to gain more than most people will in your town, tell them about TMF and how you want to tread that path.

You have an accountability partner on here, and that's great; take MJ's advice, come back here for 30 days and always be thinking about finding value.

Step 4 - The Value Mindset

Next time you go out to eat; try and work out the profit margins of the restaurant you're in. Look at the food they serve and the prices they charge, the amount of customers they can fit in the place. How busy it is etc.

Then start doing that for everything you encounter, it doesn't matter how accurate your estimates are; the point of the exercise is to get you into the mindset of discovering need and providing value.

I have identified dozens of potentially profitable businesses; most of them are outside my sphere of influence and competence; however I'm tuned to looking for opportunity. I can smell need; and one day I will smell the right type of need, and provide a value solution. Right now, I am starting to sell product on Amazon and beyond, always hunting for that need I can fill.

Good luck, keep coming back, and keep your action levels high.
 

DevinMK6

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Reviving an old thread but I'm still here. Been busy recently.

Just moved out with the girlfriend. Really getting an idea on how to save and manage my money. Downsized a lot of my stuff. Going to start selling everything I don't use as much anymore (Subwoofers I never installed in my new car, video games I don't play anymore, etc.).

I've just been trying to improve my life overall. I stress about money and my future more than I should. I've started eating better, reading more, bettering my relationship, and just becoming happier. I feel that's more important right now.

Although I took a break, I haven't lost sight of what I want; to become a millionaire.

(I'm not looking for anyone to pity or chastise me. This is just an update to say that I'm still focused.)
 
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Reviving an old thread but I'm still here. Been busy recently.

Just moved out with the girlfriend. Really getting an idea on how to save and manage my money. Downsized a lot of my stuff. Going to start selling everything I don't use as much anymore (Subwoofers I never installed in my new car, video games I don't play anymore, etc.).

I've just been trying to improve my life overall. I stress about money and my future more than I should. I've started eating better, reading more, bettering my relationship, and just becoming happier. I feel that's more important right now.

Although I took a break, I haven't lost sight of what I want; to become a millionaire.

(I'm not looking for anyone to pity or chastise me. This is just an update to say that I'm still focused.)

Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey; you're doing it bud, bit by bit, you're doing. Keep going :cool::thumbsup:
 

DevinMK6

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So while browsing the forums I came up with something I could possibly do.

I have an idea of using a very common household item and marketing it for a completely different purpose. I feel it could sell fairly well if marketed correctly and for the right price. I've searched for the item intended for the new purpose and it comes up in different variations unlike what I want to use. I've already began searching Alibaba for prices, most of which are ~$6 a piece.

My only problem is the size of the item. It would be made to be collapsable and discreet when not in use but if I went through with it and had hundreds or so shipped to me, it would take up an entire room in my apartment. Not sure if I want to go through with it or not.

Also one of the designs I'm looking at is sold for $40 (For it's intended purpose.)
 

DevinMK6

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(This post was created during my drunken stupor)

I'm awake at 2 in the morning while my girlfriend is asleep in our bed. I'm watching re-runs of American Dad while typing this post on my girlfriends Mac. I'm thinking to myself "Why do I want to become rich?". I instantly think of my dad who is medically disabled and is working for my aunt (who is by the way well off because of her many smart investments and savings as she worked as a bank teller for 20+ years). My passion is cars. I want to help my dad build a jeep as a project car so we can grow together as father-and-son. I want to be able to donate money to charities and animal shelters to help better people's lives.

I consider myself a "Jack of all Trades". I jump from hobby to hobby and absorb information very quickly. But as I read more and more about entrepreneurship, I see that most successful people focus on one thing and grow off of that. And I just don't think I can do that. I'm very worried as to where I'll end up in life and that scares me. I want to be someone that people can look up to and say "I want to be like him". I want to e successful and help the people around me.

I don't know why I'm posting this right now. Maybe because I have social anxiety even when talking through the internet and I need to be intoxicated to do so. Or maybe because I'm posting on an entrepreneurial site so it makes it feel like I'm actually contributing to my financial success.

I think I'm going to start off by taking some Udemy courses for web design and start from there. I have my eye on a buddy of mine from High School who is a personal trainer. Once he gets certified and is committed to helping others I think I'll design a website for him and bring him more clients.

But who knows. I'll probably end up like another person that just cruises on in through the forums and leaves it all behind in a week or so. Just to go back to their 9-5 job. But I'm going to finish "A Paperboy's Fable" tonight and then I will pick up another book to read.
 
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(This post was created during my drunken stupor)

I'm awake at 2 in the morning while my girlfriend is asleep in our bed. I'm watching re-runs of American Dad while typing this post on my girlfriends Mac. I'm thinking to myself "Why do I want to become rich?". I instantly think of my dad who is medically disabled and is working for my aunt (who is by the way well off because of her many smart investments and savings as she worked as a bank teller for 20+ years). My passion is cars. I want to help my dad build a jeep as a project car so we can grow together as father-and-son. I want to be able to donate money to charities and animal shelters to help better people's lives.

I consider myself a "Jack of all Trades". I jump from hobby to hobby and absorb information very quickly. But as I read more and more about entrepreneurship, I see that most successful people focus on one thing and grow off of that. And I just don't think I can do that. I'm very worried as to where I'll end up in life and that scares me. I want to be someone that people can look up to and say "I want to be like him". I want to e successful and help the people around me.

I don't know why I'm posting this right now. Maybe because I have social anxiety even when talking through the internet and I need to be intoxicated to do so. Or maybe because I'm posting on an entrepreneurial site so it makes it feel like I'm actually contributing to my financial success.

I think I'm going to start off by taking some Udemy courses for web design and start from there. I have my eye on a buddy of mine from High School who is a personal trainer. Once he gets certified and is committed to helping others I think I'll design a website for him and bring him more clients.

But who knows. I'll probably end up like another person that just cruises on in through the forums and leaves it all behind in a week or so. Just to go back to their 9-5 job. But I'm going to finish "A Paperboy's Fable" tonight and then I will pick up another book to read.
Hey bro,

You just seem kinda lost from what I can see. I'm a little younger than you and know how you feel. You are hungry for something more but at the same time have no idea what to really do - so you dabble in different projects/ideas, never committing to anything or really getting anywhere.

I know very little about you so I can't help much, but what I can offer is the following.

1. You sound like a chronic over thinker - an easy way to fix that is stay busy and have goal you can work on everyday
2. Theres nothing wrong with working 9-5, it just depends on what you personally value. So don't think having a job makes you less. If you don't like it, work on building skills that you can use to make money instead.
3. Stop getting drunk. It's bad for your health and will steal your precious energy.
4. You mentioned gym and your lack of discipline earlier. Building a fit and strong body will take discipline and it will really increase your self esteem. If you want to do that, pm me and I will help you for free mate as lifting is a passion of mine.
5. Be grateful for what you have, work hard towards what you want, read good books and be a good person.
6. Don't even think about getting rich when you are laying in bed drunk at 2am watching tv. Sort yourself out, develop some skills and get some experience - then find ways to add value to the world. If you think how can you get rich, you will kill the process before it even starts.

Regards,
Maverick.
 

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