I have done a crapload of work. Years worth of work, as a matter of fact. I’ve learned my industry, done the background work, and out produced and outperformed the competition. I know everything there is to know about my sector, and have created more than many of the best in my field.
And what I have to show for it?
A whole bunch of articles. And even more work.
I started this journey with a simple goal in mind. I wanted to live a simple life overseas, and create a comfortable future for myself and any kind of hypothetical family I might have. I had boyish fantasies of sleeping with a lot of women and partying, but that wasn’t the main focus. I grew out of this quickly as I realized how important money was in this world. If you don’t have it, God help you.
My point is that while I wanted my entrepreneurship to fund fun experiences, but I always wanted to stay realistic.
But now things are different.
The world is truly globalized. Gen AI and the internet have made it a sink or swim world, even though life is generally improving for everyone. If you’re not at the top of your game providing a service in person, you had better be capturing a share of the global economy online. The rewards are pretty nice. If you can $40,000/year for 5 years from a blog, you’re looking at being able to take mini retirements in middle income countries. Double this number and work may become optional for you if you can be frugal.
But right now, I have nothing. I’m tired, and I’m realizing why most people don’t live in poorer countries, and I’m realizing why most people don’t start a business. It’s hell on Earth, just to buy yourself some time. At this rate, I’m going to get about half my life back, which is pretty cool. I’ll just have to watch my spending.
So…the top 1% is the top 1%.
If the top 1% of people in the world were a country, it would make up 80 million people. You can literally choose to join this club, via the internet. It just requires time, patience, and a willingness to learn. I know I’m on the way up, because I’ve seen good signs, and I’m willing outwork everybody.
I guess this blog post can function as a sort of Easter Egg for someone midway through the journey. When they’re certain they’re going to win but it feels like the work keeps piling on. Don’t stop. Honing your craft is easy, once you get used to feeling really drained. I beg the Lord for more energy, but somehow I find myself continuing to work. And this is the key. You need to want “it” so badly you’re practically willing to kill yourself working. You need to be obsessive. If you’re not, there’s no point in even trying.
This blog isn’t really designed for non workaholics. But if one of you guys is here, just randomly reading, you don’t need to be obsessed with the grind to embody this article. You just need to be obsessed with the vision.
So yeah, I’m drained, but I’m going to keep going. If I’m awake, I live out my purpose.