You’re sitting in the middle of your canoe…

Legs outstretched, paddle in hand. 

Looking around, you take in the infinite stretch of river that surrounds you. 

The water is a deep, complex blue, with a current so fast, you barely need to paddle.

You close your eyes for a moment, enjoying the sun on your skin.

Everything is great…

Until it’s not. 

You see a cluster of sharp, grey rocks in front of you… 

And they’re approaching way too fast. 

You pick up your paddle, frantically slicing through the water to change course… 

Suddenly… a strange question interrupts your panicked thoughts:

“What is the river doing to avoid the rocks?” 

“It’s not doing anything,” you think to yourself. “It’s just being a river.”

And while you’re busy trying not to capsize your canoe… 

The river is just existing. 

Now, only one of you has a chance at overcoming the rocks ahead…

Because only one of you will allow the Universe to take the reins.

(And with the way you’re flailing that paddle around… it’s definitely not you.)

The river does “nothing” because it knows that the Universe will carry it forward the same way as before. 

When it comes to Taoism, trusting the natural movements of the Universe is called flow. 

It’s how you access the Tao — or existing in harmony with the world around you…

And this is exactly what the river is doing by doing nothing.

Lao Tzu’s 6 Teachings 

Lao Tzu, meaning “Old Man” or “Old Master,” was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer.

He founded Taoism, a philosophical system, and religion, based on the belief that humans (and animals) should strive to live in harmony with the world around them.

This harmony is the natural way, or path of the Universe, which is also known as the Tao. 

The word Tao literally translates to “the way,” or “path.”

So, by living your life in accordance with the Tao, you will exist in a constant state of flow, or harmony. 

The Tao creates a sense of flow around us…

A balanced existence where one accepts what is, and rejects what is not... 

It’s an effortless action, a paradox Lao Tzu calls Wu Wei.

(But more on that later.)

Now, you’re probably thinking: 

“How do I exist in a constant state of harmony with everything around me?” 

I get it. 

Living in “perfect” balance with the world sounds awesome, but how do you actually achieve it?

Luckily, Lao Tzu was a smart man. 

He kindly left behind some guidelines in a book called the Tao Te Ching. 

The Tao Te Ching gives guidance on how to live your life in harmony with the Tao, or The Way. 

Now, this probably seems like a massive undertaking… and it is.

But luckily, our man Lao Tzu left us 6 ways to get in flow with the Tao.

1: Letting Go of Ego

Lao Tzu said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

To me, this is all about labels… the boxes and identities we put ourselves in… 

The words we use to create a sense of self. 

“I’m an entrepreneur…” 

“I’m a Husband…”

“I’m a musician…” 

Labels like these give you a tidy, safe sense of self… 

Or a chance to flex your ego, if you ask Lao Tzu. 

Lao Tzu said that humans naturally want to identify with labels that suggest things like wealth, success, possessions… 

But these labels are far riskier than you realise.  

When the reality that constructs your labels ends… 

Like an entrepreneur losing a business… 

You’re left with a sense of “nothingness” about who you are.

But, if you’re trying to live in harmony with the Tao… 

Reframe “nothingness” as an opportunity. 

A chance to shed the ego…

A chance to be whoever and whatever you want to be…

A chance to simply be a human being.

So, take the labels out of it and turn the spotlight in on yourself.

Ask yourself: 

“Who am I without the labels?”

Because trust me… you will find nothing but treasure in the answers.

2: Humility in Action

Lao Tzu said, “Humility keeps you from putting yourself before others.”

In the “Rat Race” of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of being the first at everything.

But when it comes to the Tao, being “first” is how you get yourself kicked out of flow. 

Because the “Need to Be First” is a massive amount of mental effort. 

And that effort — that need to be “first” erodes your humility.

Lao Tzu said that humility is key because without it, you will fail to recognise the role that everyone else played in your success. 

Think about it like climbing a mountain. 

You want to be first to the top…

 And you’re ready to do whatever it takes. 

You use and abuse everyone you pass on the ascent, borrowing food, water, and supplies…

Then, when you reach the summit (first, obviously) you look around to celebrate.  

But nobody else is there. 

Being first doesn’t feel as good as you thought it would. 

Because, if it wasn’t for the kindness and support of everyone else… 

Would you have made it to the top in the first place?

When you focus on nothing but a desire to be “first”...

You erode your substance.

Your gratitude. 

Your humility. 

And you end up regretting the path that led you to “success.” 

So, humility is a practice and a necessary one for the Tao. 

And if you’re ready to get in flow, start practising humility now.

Because without humility… things are very lonely at the top. 

3: The Beauty of Wu Wei

Lao Tzu said, “He who rushes ahead doesn’t go far.” 

Surprisingly, this quote isn’t about the “Tortoise and the Hare” story.

Though it fits pretty nicely, doesn’t it?

It’s based on Wu Wei, a Taoist concept meaning “effortless action” or “non-doing.”

But, despite what it says, Wu Wei doesn’t actually mean doing nothing. 

It’s more about letting yourself just be. 

Think about Wu Wei like being in a Flow State.

You’re so focused on what you’re doing that you become one with it…

Existing so deep “in the zone” that there is no separation between you, and what you’re doing.

That intertwined sense of “being” is the same flow that helps you tap into the Tao. 

But, it’s a struggle to access this state because of one simple thing:

Impatience.

As humans, we tend to want things NOW. 

But that’s not how the Tao works.

The Tao can’t be rushed… everything must play out in its own time.

So, patience is a necessary virtue if you want to get in flow.

Because at the end of the day, the way things play out isn’t up to you.

It’s up to the Tao. 

And, since the Tao operates on the Universe’s timeline (not yours)...  

You’ve got time to give Wu Wei a shot. 

So, the next time you feel a call to action… 

Sit back, take a breath, and let things unfold the way the Tao intended. 

Just remember to put your “patience pants” on first. 

4: The Gift of Adversity

Lao Tzu said, “If you realise that all things change, there is nothing you will try and hold on to.” 

Much like Lao Tzu’s view on labels, his position on adversity is all about letting go. 

Humans are nothing if not creatures of habit. 

That’s part of why so many of us resist change… or at least are scared of it. 

Because where you are now is comfortable. 

It’s familiar. 

It’s safe. 

So why give up that comfort for something that “could be”?

Instead, you plant your feet in familiarity and refuse to budge.

But, that’s the thing about discovering, “what you might become”...

It will remain a mystery until you stop running from change… and turn towards it, instead. 

Now, the truth about change is: it’s inevitable.

It’s going to happen whether you’re ready for it or not. 

And that gives you a choice… 

Will you push the change away in fear?

Or do you turn towards it, come what may? 

Lao Tzu recommends water as a teacher because water constantly adapts to navigate through obstacles…

And while change is hard for all of us…

If you embody the fluid nature of water…

You will begin to welcome change with open hands.

So, if something new is coming your way. 

Stop. Take a breath. And step back.

Let the Tao take the lead.

5: Finding Joy in the Present

Lao Tzu said, “When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” 

If you think anything like the old me… a private jet or Lambo means “you made it.”

But equating happiness with materialistic things is a dangerous path.

Because, as soon as you sign the papers for your Lambo… 

You’re thinking about a second, more expensive car…

Then a third one… and a fourth one… and a fifth one.

When you focus on materialistic desires, you’re feeding a bottomless pit that will never be satiated.

And this kind of behaviour stems from a scarcity mindset — focusing on what you don’t have, rather than what you do. 

But this isn’t the path of the Tao. 

The Tao seeks harmony and peace… 

And if you’re living in a constant state of “want,” you can’t get into flow.

Instead, take a page from the Tao Te Ching and focus on contentment.

Allow yourself to find happiness in simplicity — in the “little things.”

Look at what you have around you right now…

A roof over your head, a fridge full of food, people who love you…

And tell yourself, “I have everything I need, right here, right now.”

And believe it. 

6: Accepting Your Flaws

Lao Tzu said, “When you accept yourself, the whole world accepts you.”

And to me, it all boils down to this: no one is perfect. 

When you accept that nobody is perfect (yourself included)… you begin to cultivate compassion for yourself and others. 

When it comes to the Tao, whatever is… is and whatever isn’t… isn’t. 

Nothing is good or bad, right or wrong… it just is.

Everything is perfectly imperfect. 

So, while I know you don’t need permission to be your authentic self… 

I’ll give it to you, just in case. 

You can let yourself off the hook for not being “perfect.”

Because “perfect” is bullshit, anyway. 

Flow with the Tao

The river is pushing you closer and closer to the sharp, grey rocks. 

Your frantic, chaotic paddling has gotten you nowhere. 

In your current state, it feels easier to continue panicking.

But instead… you try something different. 

You take a deep breath. 

You take your paddle out of the water.

And you decide, in that moment, to just be a river. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: If you want to see what my life looks like travelling the world whilst scaling our company, you might like our new Youtube channel. It’s a deep and adventurous behind-the-scenes of my life with Gabi.

You can watch the next episode here.

Today, I want to introduce you to someone. 

Someone who has a natural curiosity about the world around them. 

Someone constantly asking questions to understand the “how” and “why” of everything. 

Someone who relentlessly innovates — unable (and unwilling) to silence their desire to improve the world.

Any clue who I’m talking about? 

You might have a spark of familiarity in the back of your mind… 

Which checks out, since you’ve already met this “someone” before — a few times, actually.

When you learned about Melanie Perkins and Ned Heaton…

When you read the story of how I made my First Million dollars…

We all have this “someone” in common… 

And that someone is the Entrepreneurial Spirit. 

Ok, so maybe the Entrepreneurial Spirit isn’t a specific “someone”...

But it’s a persona… 

A way of being… 

The embodiment of a driven, entrepreneurial-minded soul, tying us together and keeping us striving for more.

It’s about living a purposeful life… 

A life by design, not default.

I’ve talked about the Entrepreneurial Spirit in other newsletters, so I wanted to shed some extra light on it today…

Because what is the Entrepreneurial Spirit, really? 

What does it mean to have an Entrepreneurial Spirit?

Well I’m glad you asked, because it means more than you might think. 

What is the Entrepreneurial Spirit? 

The Entrepreneurial Spirit is a way of being.

It allows you to embrace a life of personal freedom, happiness, and self-actualisation… 

It gives you a strong sense of vision, empowering you to trust your creative capabilities… 

It sparks a desire to solve problems, fueled by a want — and a need — to help others… 

The Entrepreneurial Spirit calls you to answer: 

What do I want out of life?

And how do I get there?

But, as I’m sure you already know…

These can be incredibly difficult questions to answer.

The Traits of the Entrepreneurial Spirit 

The thing about the Entrepreneurial Spirit is that everyone is born with it…

It’s that natural curiosity about the world around us. 

But, like other aspects of self… the Entrepreneurial Spirit needs to be cultivated.

It needs your attention…

It needs to be nurtured...

And it needs self-awareness to grow.

This self-awareness comes from developing (and maintaining) traits within yourself.

Traits that allow the Entrepreneurial Spirit to thrive, not die. 

1. Resilience & Antifragility 

The Entrepreneurial Spirit wants you to focus on building your resilience and antifragility muscles…

And yes, you need both, because both are equally important.

Being an entrepreneur means you will inevitably face rejection in some way...

An investor saying your business isn’t the right fit, right now…

A potential client who doesn’t have the finances to buy your product… 

Or, your family saying, “Why don’t you just get a normal job like everyone else?”

But, despite the rejection, the Entrepreneurial Spirit wants you to remember:

You’re not like everybody else.

You put yourself in tense situations… 

Situations where you know you’ll be told no…

But, you’re not afraid. 

You seek adversity because you trust yourself to adapt, overcome, and evolve. 

That’s resilience and antifragility.

And that’s what the Entrepreneurial Spirit wants from you. 

2. Problem-Solving & Innovation

The Entrepreneurial Spirit wants you to fine-tune your problem-solving and innovation skills…

Because these are the skills that made you an entrepreneur in the first place.

You chose this path because you saw a problem that needed fixing…

One that caused everyone around you to scratch their heads…

An issue with no solution in sight…

But finding an answer to the problem doesn’t scare you — it intrigues you…

And because you know there is always a better way, you find one.

By keeping your problem-solving and innovation skills sharp, you can continue finding solutions to everyday problems that affect the lives of everyday people.

To envision a better world for yourself and others…

And to carve a new path forward. 

That’s what the Entrepreneurial Spirit wants from you.

3. Learning & Leadership 

The Entrepreneurial Spirit wants you to commit to learning and expanding your knowledge… 

Because as entrepreneurs, we are naturally curious.

By committing to a life of learning, you constantly challenge your beliefs and worldviews.

You expand your mind by seeking out new perspectives…

And in doing so, create a culture of learning for everyone else around you. 

But, if you keep your new arsenal of knowledge to yourself…

No one can benefit from it. 

The Entrepreneurial Spirit wants to remind you that it’s your responsibility to share what you’ve learned with the people around you. 

True leaders — and true entrepreneurs — commit to learning for the greater good… 

And by doing so, you build a better future for yourself and others. 

That’s what the Entrepreneurial Spirit wants from you.

Your Guide

The Entrepreneurial Spirit is why — and how — entrepreneurs are changing the world. 

It pushes you toward a life of personal freedom, happiness, and self-actualisation… 

It encourages a way of living that openly rejects the traditions of the Status Quo…

And it opens a line of questioning that forces you to ask yourself:

“What do I want out of life, and how can I achieve it?”

The (harsh) truth is that nobody can answer these questions for you… 

Not even the Entrepreneurial Spirit itself.

So, instead, consider the Entrepreneurial Spirit a guide.

A part of your consciousness that wants you to strive for more by working on the traits that make you your absolute best self. 

Because, if you don’t…  

The Entrepreneurial Spirit will be extinguished by the sameness of the Status Quo. 

And nobody benefits from that — least of all, you.

Stay awesome, stay powerful.

P.S: If you want to see what my life looks like travelling all over whilst scaling our company, you might like our new Youtube channel. It’s a deep and adventurous behind-the-scenes of my life with Gabi.

You can watch the next episode here.

Two pills sit in front of you on a table. 

One Red Pill and one Blue Pill.

You see a note that reads: 

“You must pick between the two pills… Red or Blue…”

Each has different side effects, different impacts, and different outcomes. 

If you take the Blue Pill, your life will remain exactly the same.

You’ll have the same job, same amount of money, same house in the same city…

This is the safest, easiest choice.

One that doesn’t require change. 

But what about option two? 

The Red Pill. 

Reaching across the table you see another card, 

It reads: “The Red Pill will catapult your life forward.”

You’ll build the business you’ve always wanted, create wealth you never thought possible, travel to places you’ve never seen, and live the life you’ve always dreamed of. 

This is the thrilling, sexy choice. 

But it’s also the hardest. 

It requires the most transformation.

The most commitment.

The most dedication. 

The most change. 

Now, before you make your choice, there’s one question you have to ask yourself: 

Am I happy with my current life? 

… Or is it time to choose the Red Pill? 

Mind Over Matter

I’m not the first person to tell you that there is no “magic pill” that will give you happiness in life, or success in your business.

If there was, you wouldn’t be reading this newsletter.

Maybe you want the freedom to live wherever you want in the world…

Run your dream business…

And watch your bank account grow.

Maybe you want to live your dream life… 

But you’re not. 

You’re here, reading these words, because the Red and Blue Pills aren’t real. 

But, the ability to shift your mindset?

That’s 100 percent real.  

Think about it this way:

A Blue Pill Mindset offers you the same results as the (imaginary) Blue Pill. 

This mindset keeps you stagnant in your current lifestyle and you’re left feeling: 

→ Overworked,

→ Unfulfilled,

→ And overwhelmed.

But, it feels like you’re exactly where you should be.

Because a Blue Pill Mindset is based on tradition…

On maintaining the Status Quo and the restrictive idea of “should.” 

What life “should” look like. 

What you “should” be happy about.

But where’s the room in “should” for the Entrepreneurial Spirit? 

For the desire to be a part of something bigger?

For the desire to chase — and achieve — your dreams? 

With a Blue Pill Mindset, there isn't room for any of those things… 

But, I’m here to tell you that there is so much more life can offer you. 

It’s all up to you.

And that’s where the Red Pill Mindset comes in. 

Catapulting Forward

Much like the side effect of the Red pill itself, a Red Pill Mindset is about catapulting your life forward. 

It’s the complete opposite of a Blue Pill Mindset. 

It allows you to break free from your current lifestyle and move towards a life of:

→ Freedom,

→ Adventure,

→ And empowerment. 

A Red Pill Mindset, helps you break free from the Status Quo. 

It moves you far, far away from the concept of “should.” 

Allowing you to break free from the day-in-day-out sameness that makes your mind and soul ache for something more — anything more. 

A Red Pill Mindset rejects anti-growth ideas like, I shouldn’t want a better future. 

It’s about accepting a paradigm shift…

To let go of what you think you know about life, work, and your place in the world. 

Sounds hard, doesn’t it? 

That’s because it is.

A Red Pill Mindset is undoubtedly more work than a Blue Pill Mindset because it takes:

→ Commitment to yourself, your business, and achieving your dream life. 

→ Consistency to show up for yourself and your business every single day. 

→ Confidence to know that you deserve success, wealth, and happiness. 

And, like anything in life and in business, it gets easier with practice and time. 

Time to Shift

The thing about shifting your mindset from Blue to Red, is that it doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. 

Start with how you think — think about thinking.

This can help you recognise thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck in a Blue Pill Mindset. 

Next, think about the specific ways the Status Quo is holding you back from living your dream life.

What limiting beliefs have you been carrying that keep you in a cycle of sameness? 

Now, I want you to dream big…

Think about what your dream life looks like, how you can achieve it, and why you deserve it. 

I should point out that you need to make sure you’re answering these questions from the right mindset…

So, let’s look at an exercise that can help shift your mindset so you can focus on what’s really important.

Below is a table with Blue Pill thoughts and how you can replace them with Red Pill thoughts instead:

Does the Blue Pill Mindset column sound familiar? 

If it does, the Status Quo has a tighter grip on your mindset than you think.

So it’s time to break free. 

The Red Pill Mindset can change your life in ways you’ve never imagined… but it’s not without effort and hard work. 

And, as Pierre Corneille once said: 

“The greater the effort, the greater the glory.” 

So let’s get started on our Red Pill lives, shall we? 

1. Practice Mindset Shifts

After reading the table above, identify any Blue Pill thoughts that you have…

And give yourself time to sit and think about them.

Then ask yourself:

• Why do I feel this way? 

• Who told me that? 

• Why do I agree with them? 

Then, think about the evidence that rejects everything the Status Quo has told you to think.

What skills do you bring to the table?

What values do you live by that prove you belong in the Red Pill column? 

Write them down, type them out, or go through them like affirmations. 

And repeat it…

Every. Single. Day. 

You might not believe them at first… 

But confidence starts from within, and understanding comes from repetition.

Tell yourself you believe in this new way of thinking, and repeat, repeat, repeat. 

You’ll be surprised when simple sentences turn into personal beliefs. 

2. Create a Mindmap

Now I want you to think about your goals and what your dream life looks like to you. 

Maybe you want to backpack across Asia as a digital nomad, or maybe you want to buy a boat, a car, or pay for a family holiday. 

Whatever it is, it doesn't matter…

Because with a Red Pill Mindset, you get to choose the life you want to live.

It’s up to you. 

Start by asking yourself the following questions (and remember these are just a framework):

• Who do I want to be?

• What do I want to achieve? 

• Where do I want to live?

It’s hard to achieve something that you can’t explain, so start there. 

Then, make them come to life… at least on a miniature scale, for now. 

Whether you call it a mindmap, a “vision board,” or an aspiration chart, find a way to make your dreams real in a physical way. 

For example, my partner Gabi created a vision board years ago with a picture of a beach in Thailand.

In the picture, there was an ocean bay bordered by towering rocks, with red, blue, and green fishing boats speckled in the water.

Now, when we look out of the window from our home in Thailand, we see the exact same scene. 

So, I’m telling you it works. 

Take your dream life and write it down…

Draw or paint it…

Create a graph or a digital collage. 

Do whatever you have to do to visualise it.

Because visualisation makes it real — and something “real” is something you can actually achieve. 

3. Find a Coach or Mentor

If you want to break free from the Status Quo, and adopt a Red Pill Mindset… 

You can’t do it alone.

A support system is key when you start breaking free from societal expectations and conditioned limiting beliefs.

So find someone you trust, someone who inspires you, and someone who you can be honest and vulnerable with…

Someone who understands what it’s like to be limited by the Status Quo. 

Because it might seem like you don’t "fit" into the puzzle that is your dream life. 

That’s okay — and normal — but it’s a one-way ticket to feeling stuck if you can’t figure it out. 

Having someone in your life who understands what you’re going through is essential to help you establish your trajectory.

Whether they’re a partner, a friend, an "accountability buddy,” or a mentor… 

This person can be an invaluable asset when figuring out what to do next. 

The Choice Is Yours

So, you might not be able to shift from Red Pill Mindset to Blue Pill Mindset overnight. 

Actually, there’s no “might” about it. 

You can’t.

It’s impossible to change your life overnight. 

But it is possible to change your life in steps. 

By pushing back on tradition, the “should’s,” and the Status Quo. 

By taking charge and actively crafting the life you always wished you had. 

And by showing up for yourself every day.

It’s hard, but if you want it… what’s stopping you?

Two pills sit in front of you on a table. 

You see one Red Pill, and one Blue Pill.

The note on the table says you have a choice to make. 

So…

… Are you choosing the Red Pill or the Blue Pill? 

Stay awesome, stay powerful.

P.S: If you want to see what my life looks like after I adopted a Blue Pill Mindset, you might like our new Youtube channel.

It’s a deep and adventurous behind-the-scenes of my life with Gabi growing impact businesses while travelling the world.

You can watch the first episode here.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:

Maintenance is not sexy. 

You probably don’t want to hear this… 

But largely, financial freedom comes from maintenance.

I bring this up because last week we talked about the limitations a scarcity mindset can have on your life and, ultimately, your finances. 

But here at The Wild Goose Chase, we’re seeking financial freedom… 

The freedom to do what you want with your money.

But before you get there, you have to adopt a daily practice of financial discipline. 

Yes, I said daily. 

The daily tasks you need to stay on track… 

The stuff that seems “small” but has a big impact… 

The boring work that is absolutely necessary for financial success.

And you won’t create financial freedom by ignoring your finances.

(Because honestly… you’ll probably never “feel like doing it.”)

You have to check in on your finances every single day. 

You have to track your saving and spending trends every single day. 

You have to strategize and plan ahead every single day.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re thinking:

“I have to check my finances every day?” 

I get it. 

It can seem like a lot, especially if you’re not used to it. 

It takes a lot of self-discipline.

How do I know this?

I used to be homeless and broke…

So, I know what it feels like to have no money.

But I knew this wasn’t the life I wanted for myself. 

I wanted financial freedom.

Now my business is making over 8 figures in revenue…

And it’s because I took control of my financial health. 

I decided what my financial goals were…

And dedicated time to review my finances daily.

I stopped letting money run my life.

Instead, I took control.

I figured out how to better manage my finances, and kept more of the money I made.

So, I wanted to share the tasks I used (and still use) with you dear reader, so you can have the financial freedom to do what you want with your life.

Avoidance Spells Disaster

Now, Iet me ask you a question: 

If you opened every one of your bank accounts right now, would you be surprised at what you saw?

I’m going to guess the answer is probably “yes,” and that’s because we spend a lot of time lying to ourselves about our finances. 

We lie to ourselves about how much time we have… 

“I’m too busy to look at my finances every day.”

We lie to ourselves about how much effort it takes… 

“I don’t have the time to put all that effort into my finances.” 

And we lie to ourselves about how it's better to stay in the dark.

“I just won’t look and worry about it later.” 

When you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of where to start, it can feel easier to just ignore it. 

It can even feel good to ignore it… because what you don’t know can’t hurt you… right? 

But the truth about finances is simple: 

If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know what’s going on. 

You don’t know if your wealth is growing…

You don’t know if it’s going up, or even backward…

You don’t know what your general financial health is.

The longer you avoid looking, the worse it’s going to get.  

And you’ll wish you made time to deal with your finances earlier.

So, how do you manage your finances instead of letting them manage you? 

You start prioritising daily financial discipline. 

Today. 

3 Daily Tasks for Financial Discipline 

I’ve made it a habit to review my money daily, and now, it's second nature to me. 

I’m not going to lie to you, it’s going to be hard at first… and that’s okay. 

Finances can bring up a lot of unresolved stuff around guilt, shame, or embarrassment… 

I’ve been there before and it’s not fun. 

But you don’t overcome financial guilt, shame, or embarrassment by pretending it doesn't exist. 

Instead, you use the discomfort as an opportunity to propel you forward. 

And luckily, it doesn’t take much to transform financial stress into financial empowerment.

Task 1: Daily Check-Ins

This starts with reviewing ALL your numbers — daily.

And yes, it’s honestly that simple. 

Think of this practice as a “health check”…

A way to inform yourself about what’s going on with your finances. 

And if you have a business, it’s a great opportunity to review your numbers around revenue, expenses, and profits too.

Now, when you’re reviewing your numbers, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are they going up? 

• Are they going down? 

• What can I see?

• What are the trends? 

By looking at the cold, hard data of your finances daily, you eliminate any and all surprises.

And you can see what might be setting you back from your financial targets.

This can help you better understand if you’re taking the right actions to reach your goals, or whether you need to adjust and realign.

You need to become obsessed with your numbers…

So, build this muscle now.

If I can turn $0 into $1 million (and now over $20 million)...

There’s no doubt in my mind that by adopting this habit today, you will improve your financial health tomorrow.

Task 2: Daily Trend-Tracking 

Once you know your numbers… you can now start looking for trends. 

Daily trend-tracking lets you see the trajectory of your finances.

When you know the direction your finances are going, you can decide what is aligned with your financial goals, and what’s not.

Here’s a simple example: 

Say you like coffee, and you go to Starbucks almost every day. 

When you open your bank account, you notice a shocking number of Starbucks transactions.

After you do the math, you know exactly how much you’ve spent on coffee…

And it’s a lot more than you thought. 

So, by looking at your numbers, you were able to successfully identify a money-sucking habit you didn’t know you had.  

Trend-tracking helps you recognise what’s working, what’s not… and what you might want to change.

And now that you have tangible information to work with…

You can make data-informed adjustments that will bring you closer to financial freedom.

Task 3: Daily Strategic Action 

Thanks to daily check-ins and trend-tracking, you now have a better idea of:

1. What’s going on with your finances, and

2. How you’re spending your money.

Now you need to figure out if your spending patterns are getting you closer, or farther away from your goals — and why.

If they’re getting you farther away from your goals, what changes do you need to make to get back on track?

This is where daily strategic action comes in. 

When Gabi and I started our business in 2019, we had $5k in our bank account.

And we had a goal to grow Dashdot into an 8 figure business.

So we came up with a simple, daily strategic action to help us get there:

Maintain our current spending habits and lifestyle.

The problem with making more money is, it’s easy to spend more money — more money, more problems, am I right?

So, we chose the strategic action to live humbly based on our business financial goals.

And our business made 8 figures in under 4 years.

Your strategic actions might look different from ours, and that’s okay…

But as long as the actions you’re taking are in alignment with your financial goals…

Your success will skyrocket. 

Maintain Momentum

Nobody likes to be unpleasantly surprised, especially when it comes to your financial health.

But if you keep track of your daily numbers, you’ll always know what’s happening…

And never be shocked at what you see. 

So, besides being in the know about your own finances… 

Financial discipline puts you in control of your money… 

Not the other way around. 

When you know what your financial health is… 

When you know what you’re spending and earning…

When you know what you need to do to meet your financial targets… 

You get a completely unique snapshot of your life in a way you’ve never seen before. 

A birds-eye view of every financial decision you’re making…

A punch-you-in-the-face reality check of whether those decisions are getting you closer to where you want to be, or farther away. 

And, at its core…

That is what daily financial discipline is about. 

Gaining control, clarity, and confidence about your finances to propel you toward the life you’ve always wanted. 

And it can all start today. 

It’s as easy as:

1. Reviewing your numbers every day,

2. Tracking-trends in your spending and looking for patterns,

3. And choosing the right, strategic actions to reach your financial goals.

If I can do it, so can you. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. ’Goose & Gabi’ on Youtube: We’re FINALLY launching our new Youtube show this Sunday (we had trouble publishing last week). If you’re keen to experience more behind-the-scenes of my life running an 8-figure company while travelling the world, then tune in tomorrow for episode 1!

2. 'My Business Playbook’ Podcast: Brand new conversation with Laura Higgins came out this week. Check it out for more of my story, business strategy & mindset practices.

3. ’I recorded the ENTIRE CALL with my $20M mentor’: Our friend Chali needed some guidance on scaling his business. We jumped on a call and hit record. If you’re looking for tactical business tips, this is for you.

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

I used to be so broke that I had to steal food. 

I’d wander the aisles of the supermarket, pretending to shop…

Sneaking food off the shelves when nobody was looking… 

Leaving with a full stomach, and empty bags.  

Now, looking back on that part of my life… 

Especially given where I am now, as someone who: 

• Owns a $20m company,

• Can work from anywhere in the world, 

• Is in the best relationship of my life

It was a massive transformation.

Now, if you’re reading this thinking: 

“That’s nice, Goose, but it’s not possible for me”... 

I get it… because I’ve been there too. 

Before, my internal narrative sounded something like: 

“Other people can achieve wealth… success… their dream life… but not me.” 

But, if I can be frank with you for a second…

That thought process is bullshit. 

It’s holding you back. 

It’s limiting your potential.

And it’s keeping you stuck exactly where you are.

What’s a Scarcity Mindset?

It’s the belief that there isn’t enough to go around… 

The idea that you have to take what you can — while you can — to get ahead.

The fear that there won’t be any left for me.

A scarcity mindset is rooted in survival… 

It likes to remind you that you have to act now in order to survive.

That’s why this type of thinking is sometimes referred to as a Depression Era Mindset. 

During the Great Depression, scarcity was a very real part of life. 

Supplies were limited, rationed, or simply gone… 

And you had no control over it. 

But, when things got better, people began to hoard whatever supplies they could…

For fear that something might happen again. 

They lived life in a permanent state of lack…

Of not having enough… even if they did.

That’s scarcity. 

Subconscious Scarcity

So now you might be thinking: 

“I get the concept of scarcity... but I didn’t live through the Great Depression, so what’s my excuse?” 

This is a really common thought when you have a scarcity mindset. 

You didn’t live on rations, or deal with the aftermath of a war…

So, you don’t have a reason to feel this way… right?  

I get it. 

But let me be crystal clear: feelings of scarcity are not always your choice. 

Maybe your family experienced financial struggles when you were a kid. 

You grew up in a home where every dollar was treated like the only dollar. 

You grew up being told that whatever money is out there has to be shared by everyone. 

Now, you’re an adult who believes that the entire world is so strapped for cash, that you can never achieve your goals.

That kind of scarcity… it’s not conscious. 

It’s subconscious. 

It seeps into the deepest part of your mind… 

And though it might seem impossible to recover from, I promise you that it can be healed. 

The first step is to recognise the scarcity patterns that are running the show from your subconscious mind. 

The second next step is to figure out what kind of scarcity your subconscious mind is holding onto. 

For example, think about the last time you said “no” to an opportunity. 

You probably justified your answer with different reasons: 

• I don’t have enough money, or

• I don’t have enough time.

But you need to question these defences in order to move past them. 

Did you truly feel like there wasn’t enough money? 

Or did you learn that as a kid, and never stopped believing it?

Did you truly feel like there wasn’t enough time? 

Or were you so used to telling yourself so, that you responded on autopilot?

Your answers to these questions will help identify the areas in your life where you are experiencing “lack” — whether that’s money or time. 

Then, you can then work on rewriting your scarcity narrative. 

So yes, it’s important to consciously adopt a positive mindset, and move away from thoughts like, “there isn’t enough for me”… 

But it’s equally as important (if not more important) to recognise that scarcity starts in the subconscious mind. 

By delving into the hidden parts of your mind, you can start deprogramming years of conditioning that has you stuck in a cycle of scarcity. 

And by getting out of your own way, you can finally move towards the wealth, success, and happiness that you’ve been craving your whole life. 

What’s an Abundant Mindset? 

Well, it’s the complete opposite of a scarcity mindset. 

Instead of thinking there isn’t “enough”… 

You believe that there is — and will always be — enough. 

Instead of worrying about what you have, or don’t have … 

You believe that the universe is conspiring to give you everything you want in the volume you desire. 

Instead of holding yourself back…

You believe that by opening yourself up to opportunities, you will attract more abundance into your life. 

And, when you start to embody a truly abundant life… 

You get to decide what that looks like for you. 

Things like: 

• Financial abundance → Increasing the amount of money you make to have financial freedom. 

• Time abundance → Freeing yourself by trusting that there will always be more opportunities. 

• Relationship abundance → Surrounding yourself with people who love you and make you a better person.

Cultivating an abundant mindset is about transforming your limiting thoughts and beliefs, into limitless possibilities.

And you might think that's a massive shift... going from "never enough" to "always enough"... 

That’s because it is.

But, it gets easier once you realise that abundance is all about the power of attraction. 

What you put out into the universe is exactly what you’ll get back. 

I know, I know… it can sound a bit “woo-woo.”

But don’t knock it ‘till you try it.

You might be surprised by what a little “woo” can do. 

Visualisation as a Tool

Cultivating an abundant mindset starts with visualisation. 

And who better to lean on than the OG of visualisation himself, Neville Goddard.

Goddard teaches you how to manifest anything you want in your life…

And you do it right before you fall asleep. 

Here’s how it works: 

As you’re getting ready for sleep, snuggled up in your bed…

Think about what an abundant life would look like to you.

An overflowing bank account… 

Endless clients…

Your dream home… 

Whatever it is, it just doesn’t matter… 

What matters is that you imagine it in as life-like a way as possible.

You’re asking the universe for what you want here, so you have to be specific. 

What would you see… 

What would you do…

What would you touch…

How would you act…

You’re literally imagining the situation as though it’s a reality.

Now, with this vision in your head, you drift off to sleep.

Your theta brain waves get to work on your subconscious mind, and begin manifesting your reality through visualisation. 

And, through this process, you can actually teach yourself how to live in the reality you’re trying to manifest.

Goddard says, “If you live your desire as though it were already true, then no power on earth can stop it from becoming fact.”

And, as someone who regularly used these tools to manifest my dream life into reality…

I know it works. 

Because when I look back on where I was…

I know that the power of my mind got me to where I am today. 

Life in Abundance

I used to be so broke I had to steal if I wanted to eat. 

Now, I run an 8-figure business with complete location independence.

And the biggest difference between those two versions of myself?

It’s not the money or the “success.” 

It’s not where I live, or who I share my life with. 

It’s not the fact I’ve traded alcohol for self-actualisation. 

It’s the fact that I live my life with an abundant mindset — not one of scarcity. 

It was a decision I made because I wanted to live a better life…

The life I’d always imagined.

So, I swapped scarcity for abundance. 

And it’s a decision you can make, too. 

So, why not start today? 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: I run a $20 million company fully remotely, whilst exploring the world with my partner Gabi. Want to follow the adventures we get up to?

Our new Youtube show is coming this SUNDAY.
Hit subscribe, watch the first episode when it lands tomorrow, and leave a comment to let me know you came from the Wild Goose Chase newsletter <3

»» youtube.com/@gooseandgabi ««

Excited to finally to share our adventures with you.

Did you know there's a system in your body that performs better under stress?

I first heard about it from Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who wrote the book Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder.

Most people think this book is about systems, economies, and politics… and it is.

But, it’s not just about that. 

Antifragility also applies perfectly to your personal and professional development. 

So… 

What is Antifragility? 

For me, I like to compare it to working out.

When you work out, you put stress on your bones.

Weights, abnormal movements, repetitive motions…

It’s a lot for your bones to go through when they were designed to be rigid.

So, how do your bones respond to that constant, physical stress? 

Not by crumbling, cracking, or breaking… but becoming more robust. 

When your bones undergo stress…

They build up more bone tissue…

They become denser and stronger… 

And through this process, your bones become more resilient to stress. 

That is antifragility. 

If you’re not big on the gym, let’s look at another example — the Hydra.

The Hydra was a mythical sea creature from Ancient Greece who protected the Underworld. 

When humans fought the Hydra, they attacked 1 of its 9 necks.

But that’s because they didn’t know the Hydra’s superpower… 

When 1 head is cut off, 2 grow back in its place. 

It regenerates… growing twice as strong in a matter of moments. 

That is antifragility. 

Going through adversity and coming out stronger on the other side. 

Harnessing life’s unpredictabilities, so you’re ready for anything.

Knowing that no matter what happens, you’ll not only survive it… 

But you'll grow from it too. 

Resilience vs. Antifragility

Now, while antifragility and resilience are similar, there is a distinct difference between the two. 

To me, resilience focuses more on the concept of “adapt and overcome…”

But if you add antifragility into the mix, it becomes “adapt, evolve, and overcome.”

Antifragility takes resilience one step further. 

Where resilience teaches us to bounce back…

Antifragility teaches us to bounce back, and use that momentum to grow.

Both skills are important, but antifragility enables you to grow through chaos.

Every “setback” is actually a stepping stone towards your personal development…

It’s not about being unbreakable — it’s about using “setbacks” to build a stronger, more adaptable you.

3 Ways to Implement Antifragility 

So, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Hmm, I’m keen on trying this antifragility thing...”

Just remember: it’s not going to be a walk in the park. 

Your bones don’t get stronger because you want them to. 

They get stronger through continuous exposure to discomfort and stress. 

And, coincidentally, it works the same for antifragility. 

1. Seek Out Discomfort

Going to the gym usually leaves you sore, sweaty, and exhausted.

It’s a challenging feeling that some people love…

And other people don’t.

If you fall into the second category, then your current solution is probably quite simple: 

Avoid going to the gym.  

But, if you’re seeking to embody the principles of antifragility… 

Avoidance isn’t really an option. 

Antifragility requires you to step into life’s challenges and embrace the discomfort. 

So, instead of avoiding the gym… 

Join a fitness class…

Book a session with a personal trainer…

Or find a gym buddy. 

Seek out ways to immerse yourself in discomfort. 

Because, before you know it, you’ll be showing up to the gym regularly. 

The same theory applies to life’s challenges… 

Rather than avoiding them… step into the discomfort.

And when you do that, you begin to reframe what discomfort actually means.

Because in the journey of antifragility, discomfort doesn’t mean, “avoid at all costs…” 

It means, “growth happens here.” 

2. Use Stress as a Tool

Avoiding stress in our lives is a common practice.

But the crux is: life is inherently stressful.

So, rather than avoid stress…

You can use it as a tool.

When it comes to exercise, it’s nothing but stress.

You lift weights to add resistance to your movements…

That resistance makes your muscles work harder…

And working harder means more stress for your bones. 

Our instincts tell us that stress = bad (something that should be avoided at all costs.) 

But ironically, adding stress to our bodies makes us physically stronger. 

I guess that means that not all stress is bad? 

When it comes to antifragility, that’s exactly what it means. 

Taleb mentions that, stress as a tool, is like developing an immunity to a poison.

By exposing yourself to small doses of poison every day, the poison loses its potency. 

Every day, you become stronger as it becomes weaker, until one day…

You’re completely immune to its effects. 

Using stress as a tool is the same thing. 

As you face difficult challenges — and as you continue to grow through those challenges — you develop more confidence.

You start to believe that there is nothing you can’t conquer…

You start to believe that, “Whatever happens, I know I’m going to be okay.”

You start to become antifragile. 

3. Keep Learning

If you want to get fit, you’re not going to get there with “sameness.”

Using the same weights, for the same routine, will get you the same results. 

If you want to get really fit, you need to learn how to do more…

To learn something new to get new results. 

The same idea applies to antifragility. 

Take the opportunity to learn new things at any (and every) chance you get. 

If you’re not qualified for your dream job…

Learn the skills you’re missing. 

If you don’t have a community to lean on…

Learn how to build relationships. 

If you want to create a business that breaks the Status Quo…

Learn how to make that shit happen. 

You don’t become antifragile by letting life’s challenges bowl you over.

You do it by understanding that life’s challenges are an opportunity to learn something new. 

Thrive not Survive

Antifragility is about more than just surviving.

You get put through the wringer… 

You get kicked while you’re down… 

Shit hits the fan over and over again… 

And yet, you persist. 

There’s no doubt that resilience is an important trait for entrepreneurs to have. 

You need to survive the tough times this lifestyle will inevitably throw at you. 

But at what point is surviving not enough? 

At what point do you decide that you want more from what life has to offer?

At what point do you start embracing the messiness of life?

If you start working toward antifragility… 

That point could be right now. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful.

I was listed by Entrepreneur.com as one of the Top 10 Real Estate Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023. 

A year on from then, and I’ve been thinking about what it means to be an entrepreneur…

What makes an entrepreneur an entrepreneur?

After reading my short spiel in that article, you’d probably say, “Yep, he fits the bill.” 

But for most of my life, I didn’t identify with the label.

The Status Quo belief is that most entrepreneurs:

• Go to some Ivy League school 

• Start a business in their parent’s garage

• Know the right people in fund their vision

And given this checklist, I don’t qualify.

When we think of an “entrepreneur”, we think of people like Jeff Bezos. 

A guy who went to Princeton…

Launched straight into investment banking…

And developed Amazon’s software in his garage. 

We think of Elon Musk. 

A guy who was building tech at 12… 

Who borrowed $28,000 from his dad to start his business…

Then sold two of his companies for $190 million when he was 31. 

And we think of Mark Zuckerberg. 

A guy who went to Harvard at 19…

Created Facebook from his dorm room and launched it within 2 weeks… 

Then dropped out, moved to California, and secured $12.7 million in venture capital.

These guys are the titans — the poster boys of what the Status Quo tells us an entrepreneur is…

But very few of the entrepreneurs I know have this fantasy ‘origin’ story.

Yet these stories are placed on a pedestal and seen as the rule — not the exceptions.

But there are thousands of other examples out there… 

Of people who didn’t “fit” the standard mould.

People who built something from nothing because they had a problem to solve.

People like me…

And maybe, people like you too. 

Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht — Canva

Ever heard of Canva?

Considering the graphic design platform hit 170 million users last year…

You probably have.

Canva creators, Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, started as university students in Perth. 

Perkins spent her free time teaching students Microsoft and Adobe software.

She was fed up with how difficult graphic design was for students… 

So she decided to do something about it.  

After years of prototyping, Perkins and Obrecht created a solution: Canva.

After securing investors, they landed $3M in investments and Canva went live in 2013. 

When Perkins and Obrecht created Canva, they were students… 

But now, they are entrepreneurs breaking the Status Quo.

Ned Heaton — The Turtle Tribe

As a kid, Ned saw plastic washing up on the shores of his favourite camping spot.

He wanted to do something about it so he started volunteering at Ocean Crusaders.

The founder of Ocean Crusaders told him, “We can keep collecting plastic off this beach our whole lives, but it’ll just keep coming back.”

This was all the inspiration 11-year-old Ned needed.

He created The Turtle Tribe, a company that sells eco-friendly products to reduce ocean plastics.

Since launching in 2018, things have skyrocketed for Ned. 

Ned entered, and won, Changemaker of the Year at Be the Change awards, despite being 5 years under the age requirement.

And his parents sold their family business to work at The Turtle Tribe full-time.

When Ned created The Turtle Tribe, he was just a kid…

But now, he is an entrepreneur breaking the Status Quo.

Janine Allis — Boost Juice 

If you’ve been to Australia, you’ll know that it’s easier to spot a Boost Juice than spot a kangaroo…

And you can thank Janine Allis for that. 

When Janine took a trip to America, she noticed one thing right away: healthy fast food options. 

As a mom of 3, she was frustrated with the lack of similar options in Australia. 

So she decided to create one — Boost Juice. 

Boost Juice is the go-to chain for healthy smoothies, juices, and protein shakes.

Since its launch in 2000, Boost Juice has opened 580 stores in over 13 countries (with new franchises opening every day).

When Janine created Boost Juice, she was a mom of 3…

But now, she is an entrepreneur breaking the Status Quo. 

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

What do each of these entrepreneurs have in common?

They saw a problem and decided to fix it. 

Mel and Cliff saw how hard graphic design was.

Ned saw how much plastic was in the ocean.

Janine saw how few healthy food options there were. 

While their origin stories differ from Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos…

(They didn’t start with huge bank balances or contact books)

They all embrace the entrepreneurial spirit…

A way of thinking that embraces and drives change, rather than waiting for it. 

This is what defines an entrepreneur. 

The vision to see something that no one else can… 

And the passion to make it happen. 

Now that sounds a little more like my story… 

My Entrepreneurial Journey 

I started my first “business” at 14, running music shows at a local town hall. 

I loved it, and I was great at it. 

I loved it so much that I dropped out of high school and started planning music festivals.

I asked my parents for help, and they pulled together $10k so I could put on my own festival.

But in the end, the event ended up costing more than it made…

And I lost the full $10k (and then some.)

So, I switched gears, and moved to Melbourne to manage nightclubs.

In the depths of this environment, I became addicted to drugs and alcohol. 

That addiction cost me my health, my home, and any cent I had.

This wasn’t the legacy I wanted to leave behind. 

Then in 2018, my partner Gabi and I bought an investment property.

We had no idea what we were doing…

So we ended up buying the wrong property, in the wrong place, and the wrong time.

The result?

We lost a bunch of money. 

But because of this, we saw a huge problem in the real estate industry and created a solution: 

A service that helps people when they need it most, and technology that makes getting it wrong nearly impossible. 

That solution is Dashdot, now one of the fastest-growing companies in Australia.

The reason I’m telling this isn’t to brag. 

I’m telling you this so you can see how little my story matches the Titan stories. 

My story is messy and complex… 

It’s curvy and it’s painful…

Which is part of the reason why I never felt like I could call myself an “entrepreneur.”

Because, my journey didn’t have highlights like the Bezos bios.

It wasn’t a massive family loan to millionaire status like Musk. 

But here I am. 

So I guess after all, I am an entrepreneur. 

Redefining Entrepreneurs

If your story is dark, messy, and complicated…

If it goes against the grain of the entrepreneurial Titans like Musk or Zuckerberg…

If it breaks the Status Quo… 

It’s not something to be ashamed of. 

It’s something to be proud of. 

Because no matter where you came from, or how long it took you to get here… 

You’re here because of your lived experience. 

Your commitment and dedication. 

Your unbreakable entrepreneurial spirit. 

Mel Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, Ned Heaton, Janine Allis — all of these people, including myself, are entrepreneurs that go against the Status Quo.

We all have different stories. 

Yet we’re all, by definition, entrepreneurs.

We’ve faced problems that we wanted to solve.

We’ve created solutions that nobody before us had. 

We’ve dedicated our lives to something more.

And, at its core…

Isn’t that what makes an entrepreneur an entrepreneur?

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: What entrepreneurs do you look up to? I’d love to hear who inspires you.

I remember the moment so vividly…

My heart was racing, and I felt like I was about to take the biggest leap of faith in my life.

“I’ll have to speak to Gabi about this,” I said nervously as I raced out of the room to get her…

It was early 2019, and Gabi and I were trying to work out how to start our company. 

We wanted to help people Escape the Status Quo… 

And we’d figured out a way to help people do that using real estate. 

But, the problem was…

We had no idea how to turn that idea into revenue, and, ultimately, into a business. 

We were basically broke, living in a run-down fixer-upper (the worst house, in the worst street, in the worst neighbourhood), with barely enough money to make ends meet. 

Not only that, we didn’t know anyone who’d done what we were trying to do. 

Everyone we got advice from on “how to start a business,” told us we should join local community groups and schmooze local business owners in the hope of maybe… 

… just maybe… 

Landing a “referral” client. 

Which… never sat well with Gabi or I. 

You see, we didn’t want to build a business where we had to rely on other people to put food on our table. 

We didn’t want to go cap-in-hand to other people asking, “Please, do you know anyone I can speak to?”

It sounded risky, and slow. 

We wanted to be the master and commander of our ship, and we didn’t want to rely on other people's charity to keep us on an economic even keel. 

Also, we knew, that in order to create the life of freedom and abundance that we personally desired, we would have to build a business that wasn’t constrained geographically. 

A business we could run from anywhere in the world. 

(As I write this letter to you, I’m overlooking the Andaman Sea from our home in Thailand.)

Not a business that required us to take cups of coffee to local real estate agents to stay in their good graces…

And on top of all that, we couldn’t afford to go that slow. 

We’d already made the decision to go all-in on the business. 

We’d burnt the boats, and had no safety net…

Just a very, very small amount of savings that were dwindling fast…

If we didn’t find a solution that could tick all our boxes, and soon…

We’d be toast.

And that’s when I met Ben Slater. 

A moment that would change our lives forever.

Risk it for the Biscuit

You see, I believe that once you commit to your vision…

When you truly decide what you want in life…

The universe conspires to make it happen. 

(Or perhaps it was just the excellent Facebook algorithms…)

Either way, I stumbled upon this guy talking about how he was helping business owners grow from $0–$50k months…

With reliable consistency…

Online…

From anywhere in the world…

And doing it insanely profitably.

Now, at the time, even the idea of $50,000 a month was more money than I could really conceive…

And to be honest, it almost sounded a bit too good to be true. 

Nonetheless, I was intrigued. 

So, I did my homework… I read his book… And I started to realise, “Holy shit, this could be the real deal”

So, I reached out to Ben to line up a conversation. 

Which leads us back to where I started this newsletter. 

Sitting in the bedroom of our run-down house (that I still affectionately refer to as “the crack den”)...

Realising that this was one of those fork-in-the-road moments that would have a massive impact on our life. 

You see, I believed that Ben could do everything he said…

But, we also had to invest almost all the money we had left, in order to work with him. 

Ultimately, we took that leap of faith. 

And that’s when everything changed.

In just a few short months, we hit not just $50,000 a month…

But whilst working with Ben, we scaled from $0 to over $200,000 per month…

And we did this in less than 8 months. 

Now, less than 5 years later, our company Dashdot is on track to do over $20 million in annual revenue… 

Which would never have been possible if we hadn’t met Ben. 

Now, the reason I’m telling you this is because I want you to have the same opportunity that we did. 

You see...

I believe that if you truly want to Escape The Status Quo, you need to master the Three Pillars Of Personal Sovereignty: 

1. Location Independence

2. Financial Freedom

3. Self-Actualisation

And those pillars stand upon a foundation made of the Four Cornerstones of Unconventional Success:

1. The Art of Business

2. The Science of Wealth Creation

3. The Craft of Lifestyle Design

4. The Journey of Personal Evolution

And if I were to put that on the stovetop and simmer it down for a while, it would probably read something like…

“Make as much money as you need, to live whatever life you want, wherever you want to live.”

Which sounds pretty good right?

And what I can now tell you, from personal experience is… 

The best way to do that, is to start building a business.

And there is no one in the world that I think is better equipped to help business owners get to their first $50k months, than Ben Slater. 

In fact, I believe this so strongly that I gave this advice to my brother (who is now working with Ben to scale his Farm-To-Table retail food business.) 

You see, what Ben teaches is very unique. 

It isn’t just the tactics of business… These go out of date pretty quickly.

He approaches business from a place of principles, models, and philosophies. 

Many of which, Gabi and I still use in our business today. 

Now, over the years, Ben has become a great friend. 

Recently we caught up, and we were discussing you (yes, you, dear reader.) 

I was talking about how so many of you who read this newsletter (over 35,000 of you as I write this,) want to get started on the path to Escape The Status Quo…

Which is when I realised there was an opportunity… 

An opportunity to help you unlock the next step on your path to personal greatness…

The same opportunity that Gabi and I had. 

So, we’ve partnered with Ben to bring you something very special — and very limited. 

The LeadFLOW System

If you’re ready to grow your business to your first $50k month (and beyond...)

Ben is offering to teach you the exact same stuff he taught Gabi and I. 

It is centred around his proprietary LeadFLOW™ system

The goal with LeadFLOW™ is to create your own audience of at least 20,000 subscribers, that you can warm up and then sell your products and services to. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. ICE: Create an Ad That Markets Your Lead Magnet.

2. COLD: Give Away Your Lead Magnet — Add People to Your Email List.

3. WARM: Create Content that Warms Your Leads Up.

4. HOT: Test and Refine a Conversion System that Turns Leads into Clients.

If some of these words sound unfamiliar to you, don’t worry… 

Ben will teach you everything you need to know to build this automated business machine for yourself. 

But in essence…

Just like dating, or any other form of relationship — you need to warm people up towards you. 

Then, you need to deliver value, position yourself as an authority, and create a transformational change in the life of your customer or client. 

And whilst this may sound deceptively simple… 

There’s actually a deep level of sophistication in the thinking here, and… 

It’s the same framework we use today in our $20m revenue business, even 5 years after learning it. 

So, if you want to build a business that can help you unlock the freedom and lifestyle you desire, (and, quite frankly, deserve) then this could be for you. 

Your Invitation

As I mentioned, Ben is offering to teach you this system… 

Plus a treasure trove of other business growth wisdom…

Through a combination of content, coaching, and community. 

You will get access to all the information and support you need to succeed at this crucial stage of business.

This offer is limited, and as a special bonus, the first 20 Wild Goose Chase subscribers who take action will receive a 10% discount. 

Why? 

Well, Ben doesn’t usually offer discounts, but he wanted to do this for you… 

Because he believes so deeply in helping people like you to Escape the Status Quo. 

(He’s also an avid reader of this newsletter)

So, if you want to get access to the system that kickstarted my business… 

All you need to do is watch this short, 13-minute video where Ben explains how it all works. 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Until next time…

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: Every week with this newsletter, I aim to deliver some kind of transformational nugget that will help you create a better life for yourself. 

And this is no different. 

I truly believe, for those of you who are ready, this could be an opportunity that will change the course of your life. 

If it worked for me, it can work for you too. 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

The most successful people are successful because they commit to their goals.

They do the boring, un-sexy stuff, day in and day out. 

They put their ALL into the seemingly "small" stuff that isn't really small at all.

Because it’s not the sexy stuff that actually leads you to your goals. 

I was listening to a podcast recently where a very wealthy entrepreneur was sharing the “secrets” to his success. 

Clearly, the interviewer was hoping for some earth-shattering list of secrets… 

But there were none. 

All of the secrets were simple. 

Things that anyone could do.

And sure, they might be considered “boring” by your standards… 

But things that move the needle often are. 

So, I started thinking: 

If someone asked me about my secrets to success, what would I say? 

And I landed on 8. 

8 habits that might not be sexy or exciting, but have been key to my growth.

8 habits that helped my company, Dashdot become the 12th fastest-growing company in Australia. 

8 habits that aren’t just “nice to have.” 

In my opinion, they are absolute truths for success.

Habit 1: Set Big Goals (and Focus on Them Daily)

When people think about goal-setting, they often think of New Year’s Resolutions. 

Things like “lose weight,” or “drink less” 

These are fine goals to set… 

But they’re not big goals. 

Big goals are the ideas that — when you say them out loud — they seem a bit… “out there.” 

“I want my business to make at least $50k a month.” 

“I want to live on the beach in Thailand.”

“I want to retire my parents early.”

But the reality about reaching that level of success is, you can’t get there without setting a big goal in the first place. 

The kind of goals that actually move the needle. 

(Research as far back as the ’80s shows that, “specific and challenging goals led to higher performance than easy goals, "do your best" goals, or no goals.”)

So, how do you set those big goals? 

First, you decide what you want. 

(And if you need help with that — start here.)

Now you know what your goals are, you have to begin integrating them. 

Start writing your goals out daily — yes, on actual paper. 

Stick them up around your house and remind yourself what you’re working toward. 

And make note of the steps you’re taking to achieve your goals…

Because maintaining momentum is how you keep moving forward. 

So find a way to preserve momentum, and do it every day.

Habit 2: Exercise Daily

Look, I’m saying this as someone who used to be unfit.

I was so out of shape that I had to make a change if I wanted to keep moving towards my version of success.

The question is… 

Is success really success if you’re not the best version of yourself?

Regular exercise has been a major key to my success as both an entrepreneur and a former alcoholic because it:

• Keeps me physically healthy.

• Keeps me mentally healthy.

• Keeps me in a routine that works.

And, as it turns out, exercise is 1.5x more effective than counselling or medication for your mental health. 

So figure out what works for you…

Maybe it’s 3-hour weights sessions. 

Maybe it’s a 30-minute walk at lunch.

Climbing, hiking, fitness classes, dancing… 

Honestly, it doesn’t really matter…

Because prioritising exercise isn’t really about what you choose to do…

It’s more about choosing to do something and committing to it regularly. 

And, for a lot of folks, committing to exercise doesn’t actually start with exercise itself.

It starts with a mindset shift about physical activity in general. 

“I hate that I have to exercise.” → “I’m grateful to move my body in a way I love.”

“I don’t have time to exercise.” → “I’m thankful for the time freedom to exercise when, where, and how I want.” 

“Working out is a chore.” → “Working out is how I stay at my best mentally and physically.”  

So, if you haven’t been moving your body enough lately…

Reframe how you think about it. 

Find something physical you like to do. 

Then commit.

Habit 3: Eat Healthy

Whether you’re working a 9–5, or living the entrepreneurial life… 

Things get busy. 

Fast. 

And when life gets busy and stressful, good eating habits are the first things to go.

We turn to quick-and-dirty meals instead of eating food we know will make us feel good…

And it’s only sustainable for so long before we start feeling the impact. 

Junk food is linked to a bunch of awful things like memory problems and depression… 

And while I’ll always advocate for a balanced diet (whatever that means for you...)

Eating unhealthy meals 24/7 isn’t good for anyone, period. 

So, while I’m not a nutritionist — and I won’t pretend to be — I feel my best when I take a deliberate, focused approach to eating.

And what works for my body is 80% nutrition-packed meals that fuel my body and my mind…

And 20% foods and treats that fuel my happiness and well-being. 

But, more importantly… 

You have to make time to eat regularly and stay properly hydrated. 

It’s easy to get lost in a task, or a meeting, or a project and “forget” to eat. 

To scarf something down over the sink because you’re “too busy” to have a proper meal. 

To hit 5pm and think “Hmm, did I drink any water today?” 

You can’t be successful if you’re not taking care of yourself. 

And you can’t take care of yourself if you’re not fuelling your body properly.

So, while “healthy” eating may be subjective… 

It’s key to figure out what healthy eating looks like for you—and stick to those choices.

And for the love of all things good and holy… 

Drink some damn water. 

Habit 4: Sleep Well

I’d be lying if I said I’ve always committed to regular, consistent sleep.

And I imagine you would too. 

Using the late-night hours to “get ahead...” 

Staying up late to be “more productive...” 

And then you wake up the next morning feeling like shit. 

Sacrificing sleep isn’t how you achieve success. 

And a bad night's sleep massively impacts your ability to reach your goals. 

Most notably, it impacts your:

• Creativity 

• Problem-solving 

• Decision-making

And, what do you need to continue working towards success? 

• Creativity 

• Problem-solving 

• Decision-making

See the issue?

To fix your bad sleeping habits, you need to figure out what’s causing the issue.

Doom-scrolling into the early hours of the morning? 

Put your phone in a different room before bed. 

Restless because of your racing mind?

Try a quiet, calming routine before bed, like meditation. 

Distracted by lights, noises, or phone notifications? 

Set up a sleep-conducive environment for yourself (cold, dark, quiet) 

If you’re not sleeping well, it’s time to do something about it. 

Habit 5: Learn Something New Every Day

Successful people see learning as a lifelong commitment…

And they commit to learning something new every single day.  

Adding learning to your daily routine is good for so many reasons.

It keeps you motivated and engaged… 

It keeps you adaptable and open to change…

But most importantly, it keeps your mind healthy and young.

Because when you stop learning, your mind begins to deteriorate. 

Your brain becomes senescent way before its time.

And the worst part about your mind turning to mush?

You could have easily prevented it. 

Learning opportunities are literally everywhere. 

It can be as simple as striking up a conversation with a stranger. 

In a single conversation, you can learn from them…

You can learn about them…

And you might take home something new that piqued your interest.

So, what do you do with that newly gained nugget of knowledge?

You continue learning.  

Head to YouTube…

Read a blog from an expert…

Listen to an audiobook…

Whatever works for you and your learning — do it…

Because the possibilities to expand your mind are limitless. 

(And 99% of them don’t require a classroom or a textbook.) 

With learning opportunities everywhere you look…

And a mind that’s ready and eager to keep growing… 

There’s really no excuse not to learn new things. 

Ask yourself, “What am I curious about?”

“What topics am I excited to learn more about?” 

You’ll be more stoked about what you’re learning if your curiosity led you there.

That’s how my business started…

I followed my curiosity which led me to learning about real estate and the problems that needed solving.

So don’t let your brain get old. 

Learn something new everyday…

Because you have no idea where your new-found knowledge will lead you. 

Habit 6: Practice Metacognition

I want you to think about the last time your mind was totally consumed by a thought or idea. 

Did you stop and think about why that happens? 

Why you think the way you do? 

It’s okay if you haven’t (most people don’t.)

But this practice of thinking about thinking — called metacognition — is a critical part of your road to success. 

It’s asking yourself:

• Why am I thinking the way I’m thinking?

• Why am I doing the things I’m doing?

• Why am I acting the way I’m acting?

In short, it’s ‘thinking about thinking’.

Metacognition is how you become self-aware…

How you recognize your thought patterns…

And how you discover your deepest needs, wants, and desires. 

At first, metacognition sounds convoluted and intimidating. 

But it’s not that difficult in practice.

Some of my favourite ways to practice are journaling, meditation, and check-ins with myself and my partner.

 Each metacognitive practice is a chance to: 

1. Name what you’re thinking and feeling.

2. Try to explain the “why” behind it. 

3. Identify gaps in your knowledge/ chances to learn.

By practicing metacognition, you become more familiar with the inner workings of your own mind. 

You start to notice patterns, ideas, and barriers that show up time and time again…

And you have the opportunity to use those patterns to your advantage. 

To address barriers and find ways to overcome them.

Successful people question themselves (and achieve greater success) because they’re getting to the answers faster. 

The answers about what they want, why they want it…

And the deliberate, intentional steps to get there.

The ability to think about thinking is a skill that sets successful people apart. 

So start practicing now.

Habit 7: Develop Discipline

This might be the “unsexiest” habit of them all…

But discipline is a must for achieving success. 

And, despite what you might think, self-discipline isn’t all that complex. 

At its core, discipline is simple:

It’s about showing up for yourself (and your goals) every single day. 

When things get tough, discipline means you focus and keep going. 

When an idea isn’t working out, discipline means you reassess and you keep going. 

When you don’t feel like showing up, discipline means you do it anyway, and you keep going. 

If I had to pick one thing as the greatest contribution to my personal transformation…

It would be discipline.  

From spending my days partying to growing a successful, impactful business…

From turning nothing into my first $1 million (and now, over $20 million…)

From swapping alcohol and drugs for a fulfilling life… 

I owe it all to developing a consistent schedule and committing to daily practices…  

To discipline.

Habit 8: Find Joy in the Hard Things

I won’t lie to you, sometimes the journey to success sucks. 

It’s challenging… 

It tests you… 

It’s tiring… 

But there’s something beautiful about the difficulty. 

Something inspiring about persevering, no matter how hard it is.

Something almost divine about being put through the ringer, and coming out the other end a better person.

(If I were a cheesier person, I might say something about a caterpillar emerging as a butterfly… but I won’t.)

Shit’s going to hit the proverbial fan…

You’re going to be put in challenging situations... 

And the cold, hard reality is: you have no control over what happens. 

So if hard things are necessary to achieve success… 

You better learn to love the process.

The only thing you have control over is your mindset.

You get to control how you perceive the maintenance you need for success.

You get to choose to live every day with joy and excitement, no matter how monotonous or “boring” your tasks are.

And, the attitude you choose can make or break your journey to success.

So, you could let the hard stuff kick you while you’re down…

Or you could find joy in the process that’s getting you closer to your goals. 

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. 

But there’s only one right answer if you want to be successful... 

To embrace every single day with joy and appreciation, no matter how much “maintenance” you’ve got on the agenda. 

Complaining doesn’t get you results. 

Gratitude is the attitude for achieving success. 

Absolute Truths

The idea of “success” may appear like a sexy journey... 

Money, happiness, and excitement at every turn… 

Living every day zooming down the fast lane…

But… that’s just not reality. 

From the inside looking out, success is a journey filled with hard work and commitment. 

Prioritising maintenance every single day…

Committing to the tasks that seem “small...”

And watching those “boring” tasks lead you straight to success. 

So, my 8 habits might not be sexy or exciting…

But they’re my absolute truths for success.

And, if you’re ready to show up and put the work in… 

They can be your truths, too. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S Any habits to your success that I missed? 

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

Hey Adventurer, 

Welcome back to The Wild Goose Chase — and happy 2024. 

For the past few weeks, my partner Gabi and I rode motorbikes through Northern Thailand… 

As someone who finds it hard to switch off, let me tell you… it was a really amazing few weeks. 

I love being on the bike, I love exploring little villages in Southeast Asia, I love sharing new experiences with Gabi…

Truly one of the things that makes me happiest. 

Plus I managed to actually disconnect (again, very hard for me)... 

And now I’m back and ready for a phenomenal 2024!

Whether you spent your holidays with a jam-packed party schedule, or enjoyed some quiet time (thanks to the boundaries you set after the last newsletter…)

I hope you had a great holiday.

And I hope you’re ready for a brand new year stacked with opportunity. 

A few weeks back I wrote a newsletter about “starting” my new year in December vs January. 

5 years ago, in December 2018, I decided to quit alcohol, change careers, and start improving myself. 

Since then, December has been a time for reinvention.

A time to reflect on the past year… 

Release any burdens that are holding me back…

And reset for a new year by crafting and testing new goals. 

(You can read more about my Reflect/Release/Reset cycle here.)

If, like me, you decided to start your new year in December…

You hopefully have a clear vision now of what your goals are this year. 

You already know how you want to grow this year…. 

You already know who you want to become this year… 

Which is awesome. 

But I’m sure you’re thinking…“Great Goose, now what do I do?”

Well, dear reader, I’m glad you asked.

Now that you have: 

• an idea of what your goals are…

• clearer insights into what you truly want, and…

• data on what works and what doesn’t…

You can start to use this information and begin designing the life you’ve always wanted to live. 

Ready?

Lifestyle Design 101

Lifestyle Design is a philosophy that I live by, based on one critical concept: 

It’s entirely possible for you to consciously design, build, and enjoy a life based on your:

• Passions

• Interests

• Values and

• Goals

Instead of living your life according to the Status Quo.

You can carve out your own path. 

You can live life on your own terms.

You can create your dream life — and turn everything you’ve always wanted into reality...

Sounds pretty good, right?

It is… but it’s also hard. 

The good news?

You’ve already started the work.

By reflecting on the past year… 

Releasing what no longer serves you…

Resetting, figuring out, and testing new goals and dreams…

You’ve already started designing your dream life. 

Now, you just have to keep it up…

Here’s three practical steps to help you do just that:

Step 1: Write Out Your Goals

Despite what you think about visualising the goals you set for yourself… 

The best way to manifest them is to write. them. down.  

Go old-school with a pen and paper and physically write them out. 

But here’s the thing: you’re not just writing a grocery list of your goals. 

Things like: 

• I want to be a happy billionaire one day

• I’d like to live on the beach in Thailand

• I want to live a life full of adventure 

These aren’t goals… they’re wishes. 

Instead of writing down goals that reflect doubt and hesitation… 

You’re going to write them down confidently.

You’re going to write them as if you’ve already accomplished them. 

You’re going to tell the universe or God or whatever power you believe in exactly what you want (because these ways don't read between the lines.)

For example: 

I want to be a happy billionaire one day.

I am the world’s happiest billionaire. 

I’d like to live on the beach in Thailand. 

I am living (and working) on the beach in Thailand.

I want to live a life full of adventure.

I am living a life full of adventure. 

See the difference? 

Now, before you think, “It feels weird to write down things that I’m not.” 

Let me tell you two things. 

First…

Being uncomfortable is part of the deal.

If it feels weird, that means it’s working. 

(Plus I never said it would be easy, remember?)

Second…

There’s actual science behind writing your goals out like this. 

By reminding yourself every day of what you’re working towards, you train your reticular activating system (RAS) on what’s important to you.

How does it work? 

Well, the RAS connects your subconscious and conscious brain, filtering in or out information in your environment based on what it thinks is important for you to see.

The classic example here is if you decide you want a yellow car… suddenly you start seeing yellow cars everywhere, right? 

This is how the RAS works. 

You declare that you want something. 

You start to see more opportunities for it to happen. 

With more opportunities, you increase your likelihood that it will happen. 

So when you change your goal-setting language from “I want” to “I am”...

Your RAS starts to filter in more opportunities related to your goal, then your conscious mind can lead you from there. 

So, now that you have your goals on paper…

Written as if you’ve already accomplished them… 

We amplify the RAS by reminding yourself of your goals on a daily basis. 

Take that piece of paper and stick it somewhere you will see it everyday. 

On your nightstand, your bathroom mirror… whatever works for you. 

Just make sure it’s “in your face.” 

This is a manifestation tactic that keeps your goals and dream lifestyle at the forefront of your conscious mind. 

It’s the best way to make sure you never lose sight of what you’re working towards.

And it reminds you that your goals are important… because they are.

To supercharge this even further…

(For all my analytic readers, you’ll probably want to fight me on this, but hear me out…)

As you’re reading through your goals everyday… 

Take a moment to feel what it would be like to have achieved your goal. 

Read over it, close your eyes, and feel as though it has already happened. 

There’s a WHOLE ‘nother newsletter behind why this works… 

But it works for me. 

And pretty soon, you’ll see that it works for you too.

Step 2: Prototyping

Cool, so that was probably pretty ‘woo’ for some of you...

Let’s get practical for a minute and talk about the scientific method.

It’s a careful, calculated way that scientists test their questions and assumptions. 

There are 5 steps to the scientific method:

1. Decide on a question or assumption to test

2. Make predictions about the outcome

3. Gather data and evidence 

4. Analyse the information

5. Draw your conclusions 

This systematic method of testing assumptions is incredibly helpful for Lifestyle Design. 

You pick one of your goals…

You predict you’ll enjoy it, so you give it a try…

You evaluate how you feel at the end of the experiment…

And then you decide whether it’s worth keeping, or whether you should let it go. 

This “scientific method” of Lifestyle Design is called prototyping.

Prototyping is how you figure out if a goal is worth pursuing or not…

In essence, it’s simply “give it a go!”

Here’s what that looks like in practice: 

First, pick one of your goals. 

Pick one that’s reversible, inexpensive, and easy to start — especially if this is the first experiment.

Let’s use running a marathon as an example. 

“I have completed my first marathon”

Second, think about what you need to do to achieve that goal. 

You’ll likely have to commit to regular exercise if you want to finish a marathon, right?

So, that’s the first experiment. 

Start going to the gym once a week and see how you like it. 

If it passes the experiment, try increasing that to two days a week, then three, then four. 

And evaluate again. 

Is it sustainable?

Is it enjoyable? 

Is running a marathon a realistic goal for you?

It’s worth mentioning here that, particularly with fitness goals, you probably won’t ‘feel good’ while you’re doing it… 

In fact, depending on when you last exercised, you’ll probably feel pretty terrible…

The point here is not to figure out if it feels good, but if — underneath it all — you feel that committing to this behaviour on a regular basis is ‘worth it’. 

If doing these things consistently, with discipline, is worth the effort to achieve your goal. 

That’s it. 

By conducting this experiment, you’ll have realised 1 of 3 things:

1. You love running and want to keep working towards the marathon.

2. You just like the exercise of running, ditch the marathon, and adjust your goal accordingly.

3. Turns out you hate all of it, and running is not something you actually want to do.

And all of these are GREAT realisations. 

They’re all helpful data points in your Lifestyle Design journey. 

And super helpful to know NOW - instead of wasting your time chasing something that, turns out, you don’t even want.

That’s the point of doing this experimentation.

The reason you prototype is ultimately to be able to answer:

“If this was the journey I had to go on to achieve my outcome, is it worth it?”

If your experiment reveals that the effort involved in working towards your goal is worth it… 

Then it’s in line with your dream lifestyle and your values (and you should keep working at it.) 

If your experiment reveals that it’s not worth it…

Then it’s not in line with your dream lifestyle or your values, and you should let it go. 

When you know what works for you, the road ahead becomes clear.

Step 3: Accountability 

No matter how committed you are to your goals…

It’s easy to fall off the bandwagon. 

The days get busier…

Your weeks get crazier…

You start to fall off track…

Then you blink. 

It’s December 2024. 

A whole year has passed, and you’ve got nothing to show for the goals you set last year. 

I get it.

We’ve all been there. 

That's why accountability is so important.

Accountability isn’t as simple as writing down your goals…

Because there’s no “right” way to hold yourself accountable. 

You decide how to hold yourself accountable based on your values. 

For me, my favourite accountability method is community. 

When you surround yourself with people who are also working on self-development…

You can’t help but hold each other accountable.

Sure, your goals are your goals. 

But that doesn’t mean you have to chase them on your own. 

Whether your community is a group of business owners…

An entrepreneurial friend…

Or a partner in life (and business...)

Invite them into your Lifestyle Design process.

Share your goals with them. 

Schedule check-ins to stay on track. 

Work through the tough shit and celebrate the wins together. 

But, more than anything…

Create a place to share, learn, and grow.

Together.

Integration 

So as you begin to integrate these steps into your life, remember:

Lifestyle Design is an ongoing commitment. 

It’s something you work toward every single day. 

It’s not something you do once or twice and ta-da! You’ve achieved your dream life. 

You have to keep doing the work. 

Keep taking strides toward your goals.

Keep choosing the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Because every day you work on achieving your dream life, means that you’re one day closer to actually achieving it. 

And it starts here.

To recap:

1. Write your goals

   • Use I am or I have language

   • Put it somewhere that you’ll see it everyday

   • Read them and create the feeling of already achieving it

2. Prototype the behaviour needed to achieve your goals 

   • Choose a goal that’s easily reversible

   • Test out the regular actions needed to fulfil the goal

   • Review, measure and learn whether or not it works for you

3. Create accountability 

   • Choose someone who is dedicated to their Lifestyle Design 

   • Create an accountability “schedule” (eg. meet once a week)

   • Show up

So, cheers to a new year full of opportunity and self development.

I tip my hat off to you for putting the work in now.

Trust me, it’s worth it. 

You got this. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: If you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

Well, it’s the end of the year already…

This year has been enormous.

• I moved from Bali to Thailand…

• I spun out (and spun back in) a new company…

• Our business won 6 awards…

• We hit record revenue numbers…

• I decided to start taking my fitness seriously…

And I started this newsletter.

Through writing every week, I’ve found peace.

Sharing insights with you in a way you can apply them fuels me in a way I didn’t think possible.

Thank you for sharing your time with me.

—

Over the next few weeks, I’m taking Gabi on a motorcycle trip, exploring the mountainous regions and hill tribe villages of Northern Thailand…

As I mentioned last week, I’ve learnt to put boundaries around my time and invest these precious days over the holidays in ways that recharge me.

And so I’m going to keep this week’s email short but valuable, and take a break next week to let my soul do what it loves most — explore.

Below is a breakdown of my best pieces of the year — broken into the four cornerstones of unconventional success — for your holiday reading pleasure.

So whether you missed a newsletter and you want to catch up, or you’re going through something specific and need some guidance…

There’s something for you below.

BONUS: NEW YEARS

If you want to kick off 2024 with the right goals for you…
Read: Your Best Year Starts in December

If you need help putting your needs first these holidays…
Read: How To Have A 'Happier' Holidays 

P.S: ICYMI - The Wild Goose Chase Community is coming… Sign up here.
If you want to have a say in it’s creation, let us know your ideas here.

I’ve never been one to conform. 

Unwritten rules that you have to follow… 

Expected obligations…

These are the reasons why I struggle at this time of year.

Because the holidays are filled with expectations. 

Unwritten rules of how you “should” spend your time. 

Obligations to visit, travel, and socialise so people don’t get upset. 

It’s a lot for anyone. 

So, I wanted to share my thoughts with you — because I’m no exception. 

I find myself facing a tonne of challenges every holiday season. 

Emotionally, the holidays drain me… 

As an introvert, it can take me days to recover from a social event, no matter how happy I am to see my friends and family in the moment. 

Logistically, it’s hard to get places… 

We live 7000 km away from our families in Australia and it’s a big undertaking to get back home. 

Mentally, I know the holidays are a key time for me and my partner, Gabi…

Because it’s the only time during the year that we don’t have pressing responsibilities from our business.

So we can finally take time to recharge and reset for the new year.  

But last year…  

We didn’t.

We visited anyone and everyone because that’s what we were “supposed” to do…

And when we got back to work, we were even more drained than before.

So, to avoid a repeat of last year’s holidays…

We’re doing things differently. 

We’re setting boundaries that balance what we want, with what everyone else wants. 

We’re reinventing the Status Quo around holiday obligations so that everybody “wins.” 

The Holiday Status Quo

Go visit your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.

(Yes, all of them.)

Buy presents, chocolate, and cards for your friends, family, and acquaintances. 

(Yes, all of them.) 

Attend every event you’re invited to, including work parties, family dinners, and gift exchanges.

(Yes, all of them.) 

It sounds like a lot for any one person to do. 

Because it is. 

And the problem isn’t so much the busy-ness…

It’s that you’re obligated to be that busy. 

You’re expected to do all of the holiday things. 

You feel like you have no choice. 

Going along with the holiday Status Quo…

Falling into that trap of celebratory obligation… 

It’s a one-way ticket to internal conflict. 

To feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

To feel like the holidays have to be an either-or, or a “them” versus “you.” 

And I used to feel trapped between getting the rest I knew I needed, and making time to see the people I care about. 

Until I implemented my, “You Do You” philosophy. 

That’s when my holidays changed…

For the better. 

“You Do You” Philosophy

Before we get into it, I wanted to share where the philosophy came from. 

A few years ago when I moved overseas, it was the best decision I made for my personal development and my business…

But it was (unsurprisingly) hard on my family. 

Everyone had different reactions to the news.

Happy…

Sad… 

Worried…

Until everyone came to the conclusion that, “You’ll be home for Christmas, and you can see everyone then!” 

So, Gabi and I took our only time off…

And went to Australia last Christmas. 

For two weeks, it felt like we did nothing but run around. 

We spent most of our time driving from one side of the state to the other…

Feeling the need to fulfil obligations that we weren’t always keen on attending. 

Of course, it was awesome to see everyone…

But we were also fucking exhausted. 

We assumed that our holiday would be recharging — giving us the energy we need to kick off a new year…

But in reality, we started the new year more burnt out than ever. 

That’s when I knew I had to do something. 

We couldn’t do this every single Christmas…

And if we wanted our time off to actually be restful…

Something had to change. 

And so, the “You Do You” philosophy was born. 

How It Works

The “You Do You” holiday philosophy is simple:

You make your holiday decisions based on your personal values and desires.

How do you want to spend your own time? 

Not, what you “should do” or what other people “expect.” 

So, how do you do that?

You set boundaries.

Prioritise your mental well-being and personal happiness first. 

Start to say “no.”

Start saying “I love you, but I need time to recharge myself this year”

Now you probably have two big questions…

The first being, “Won’t my family get upset?”

Yeah, they might. 

At first, anyway. 

But that’s not surprising. 

If you’ve never put a boundary in place with your family or friends before…

They’ll probably push back. 

Unintentionally testing the boundary…

Seeing how serious you are about it. 

And they may become upset when they realise you’re 100% serious… 

Because that means something has to change for them. 

So it’s crucial that you explain and drive home your reasoning. 

Explain to your loved ones why it’s important to you… 

Explain how it’ll help you… 

Try to get them to see it from your perspective. 

Sometimes they’ll “get it” right away.

And sometimes they’ll need a few gentle reminders.

Either response is fine …

Because boundaries take time to be accepted.

But once you set your new boundary, stay strong with what you need. 

You need to enforce the boundary you set in light of the life you want…

Because, at the end of the day, boundaries are good.

They’re good for you. 

They’re great for your relationships. 

And they’re essential for getting you closer to the future you want. 

Be Self-full not Selfish

Now, the second question is probably something like: 

“Isn’t saying ‘no’ and setting boundaries during the holidays selfish?”

And I’ll ask you a question in response. 

Have you ever been on a plane?

Remember when the flight attendant gives the safety instructions about masks…

They say to put your own mask on, first. 

Then, once you have your own oxygen sorted, you can help others. 

Is that selfish? 

No. 

I like to think it’s self-full. 

Being self-full means being aware of your needs…

Confidently setting boundaries to protect and fulfil your needs… 

And, as a result, you get to live your best life.

The simple truth behind the, “You Do You” philosophy is that, you can’t help others if you're not helping yourself first. 

Set boundaries with the people you need to set them with. 

Remind them how much you love them when you bring it up. 

And give them time and grace to adjust. 

That’s exactly what I did with my family this year.

I let them know that I wouldn’t be coming home for the holidays. 

I emphasised how important this time off is for me (and for Gabi)...

I explained my wants — and needs — to recharge and rest…

And, I reiterated how important this quiet, reflective time is for me. 

Sure, they were upset…

But they understood our decision.

They respected our boundaries. 

And we decided the next time we’d spend together.

I can tell you nobody is upset about that.

Put Your Needs First 

So, you’re going to take a crack at boundary setting this holiday season?

Good on you. 

Putting your needs first is hard…

Nobody is going to do it for you. 

You have to do it for yourself!

But I figured I’d help out by giving you my top 3 tips.

Tip # 1: Skip Certain Events

Social events can be draining. Instead propose an alternative, quiet setting. “I can’t go to your dinner on that day. Why don’t we go for a walk on this day, instead?”

Tip # 2: Know What Your Time is Worth 

Make a list of all the holiday celebrations you’re invited to, pick out the ones that give you the most joy, and only attend those ones. 

Tip # 3: Don’t Play the Gift Game

If gift giving isn’t in your budget this year, propose a Secret Santa instead of buying a million presents for everyone. 

You have to constantly remind yourself that the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, rest, and relaxation. 

When you think about your upcoming holiday plans and they don’t include any of those things…

It might be time for some boundaries. 

And if you’re hesitant to get started, or feeling the pressure of the Status Quo…

Just tell yourself: 

I’m allowed to prioritise my well-being during the holidays. 

I’m allowed to prioritise my personal happiness during the holidays. 

I’m allowed to “do me” during the holidays (and the rest of the year, too.)

And once you start believing that…

The holidays get a whole lot easier. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: How will you embrace the “You Do You” philosophy this year? Hit reply and let me know!

P.P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Join The Waitlist: We’re creating a community for entrepreneurs, and freedom seekers, expanding their life through business, lifestyle design and personal evolution. Want to be notified when we open? The Wild Goose Chase Community
   

2. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

3. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

4. Follow me on Instagram: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

Most people think the new year starts in January. 

But if you want to give yourself space to make sure you’re setting the right goals… 

I suggest you start in December.

This is what I’ve done for the past 5 years. 

In December 2018, I decided to change my life. 

I quit alcohol… 

I made a career transition…

I started improving myself.

I didn’t want to wait until the New Year to join the, “new year, new me” crowd…

Because waiting until January never made a lot of sense. 

It felt forced to pick a goal on January 1st. 

It felt counterintuitive to make changes because you’re “supposed” to. 

Why wait to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one?

Why wait to think about burdens that no longer serve you? 

Why wait to start setting goals and lay the groundwork for a successful new year? 

Since reinventing myself in December 2018…

I’ve committed to doing the same exercises every year. 

By starting my year in December, I have an entire month to:

• Reflect, evaluate, and set goals for the year ahead. 

• Figure out what I want, and what I want to leave behind. 

• Give my ideas breathing room to change if they need to.

I’m sharing this with you now because when I look back at my past 5 Decembers…

5 years of reflecting, releasing, and resetting before January 1st…

The years that followed have been the best of my life. 

I found a career path that impacts people…

I got clearer on where I’m headed…

I’ve become the man I was meant to be.

And, now that it’s December, I wanted to share the exercises with you. 

Because maybe your best year starts this December, too. 

Reflect — Look Back to Plan Ahead 

The first thing I do is set aside time for self-reflection. 

And I mean honest self-reflection.

The tough stuff you’d rather not think about. 

I sit down with a pen and paper…

And I review everything that happened in the past year — both successes and setbacks.

I use these 5 questions as my guide: 

1. How did the past year go? 

2. What am I proud of?

3. What did I struggle with? 

4. What was really meaningful to me? 

5. What do I think was missing? 

These questions might feel intimidating to answer…

To open up and be vulnerable with your wants, needs, and desires.

To turn inward and discover what's true for you.

Give yourself permission to be brutally honest.

It will help you gain clarity in the year ahead.

Find time to set aside every week in December to reflect.

It could be 20 minutes during lunch…

Or 90 minutes every Saturday.

Writing out your answers makes them “real.” 

It gives you something tangible to reflect on and evaluate. 

And it pushes you out of your comfort zone in the process.

When I write out the answers to my questions…

I can physically see where I need to make changes in the new year. 

I can reflect on my past experiences that will inform my future decisions.

I can remove myself from what’s happened, making it easier to let go. 

Every time I pick up a pen to start this exercise, I know that the honesty is going to be hard to swallow. 

But I also know that once I’m done, I’m left with nothing but gold. 

Release — Let Go of the Past Year's Burdens

When I started doing well in business, I created a goal to buy a private jet. 

Because that’s what you do when you’re rich, right? 

Right… 

Or so I thought. 

Once I started reflecting on who I wanted to become, and what I wanted from life…

I remembered the things that are actually important to me…

Location Independence, Financial Freedom, and Self-Actualisation…

Not a private jet. 

So, I stopped wasting energy on a goal I didn’t care about anymore… 

I saved myself the time, stress, and effort of a misaligned purchase…

And I let it go. 

I’ve continued to let things go every December since. 

Now, when I reflect on what happened over the past year, both good and bad…

I spend a little extra time on the “bad.” 

It sounds counterintuitive, given what I just told you… but stay with me. 

At this stage, I return to these 2 questions from the list above:

1. What did I struggle with? 

2. What do I think was missing?

Let’s say after you complete the first exercise, you realise a lack of confidence is holding you back in some way and could use some work. 

Ask yourself:

• Are there people in my life that make me feel insecure? 

• Are there tasks or activities that make me doubt myself?

• Are there habits that perpetuate my lack of confidence?

If yes, then the next step is to identify the source. 

Name the people bringing you down…

Take stock of the tasks that make you feel less than…

Reflect on the habits you engage in that aren’t making you feel worthy…

And let all that shit go. 

Once you realise that something isn’t aligned anymore…

Stop giving it time and energy. 

Free up space for things that are more aligned with your goals…

Refocus your mind on what you truly care about, instead of what the Status Quo tells you to care about… 

And anything that falls outside of those boundaries? 

Let it go. 

Release yourself from it. 

Wake up tomorrow, burden and bullshit-free. 

Reset — Prepare for a New Beginning

When you find and release the things that aren’t serving you anymore… 

And you have the courage to ditch whatever’s holding you back…

A brand-new path will open up in front of you. 

One that encourages you to let go of things and follow the future you want. 

A chance to start fresh, reset, and ask yourself, “Where am I headed?” 

This step is about setting clear intentions… 

But don’t be fooled. 

It’s not as easy as writing out a few things you might like to do.

It’s not about adding “private jets” to your list, just to release that idea next December.

Your goals need to be: 

• Clear.

• Achievable.

• A balance of ambition and realism. 

It can be difficult to keep your goals in line with all three criteria…

Which is why I use the following 6 Pillars to help inform my goals:

1. Health & Wellness

2. Family & Relationships

3. Business & Career

4. Finance & Wealth

5. Learning & Development

6. Lifestyle & Location

Then, I answer the following questions for each Pillar: 

• How important is this Pillar to me, and why?

• What does “good” look like to me in this area, and why?

• What personal goals or aspirations do I have in this area, and why?

• How often do I want to spend dedicated time in this area, and why?

• How will I feel when I am experiencing this area optimally in your life, and why?

By answering these questions, I stay aligned with my values and focused on the long term.

It keeps me centred between ambitious and realistic, so I’m able to see what’s actually achievable.

Laying the Groundwork 

One of the best things about starting your year in December?

You get to see if your new goals are a right fit for you. 

Because if they aren’t, you don’t have to wait another year to let them go... 

Or turn around in February and admit it was the wrong goal to start with.

So, once you’ve drafted out your goals…

You can test them out in real-time…

And start laying the groundwork for success. 

What do I mean? 

Well, let’s say your goal is to run a marathon in the new year. 

To achieve your goal, you might have to: 

• Quit drinking. 

• Eat healthier.

• Run every single day. 

So, before you book your spot in next year’s marathon…

Before you assume you can (and want) to do it… 

Give it a shot right now. 

Start running every day… 

Create a gym routine…

Start eating better…

And, as you’re testing out your goal, one of two things will happen. 

You’ll either be excited about making this an attainable goal…

Or you’ll find out you fucking hate running and happily let that goal go.

That’s the beauty of testing out your goals in December before feeling “pressured” to get a move on after New Years… 

You have time to see if your new goals are:

• Enjoyable.

• Sustainable.

• In line with who you want to become. 

And, regardless of which category you fall into…

Whether you tackle the new goal with confidence, or you let it go ahead of time...

You stay aligned with your values. 

And when you set up a goal that you know will work for you… 

That’s the fastest track to success.

Start Your Year Now

Most people think that “goal-setting” and “January 1st” go hand-in-hand. 

But for me, December is the month of opportunities.

And it can be for you, too, if you use the framework I’ve been using since 2018.

1. Reflect — Take a personal inventory of everything that happened this past year. 

2. Release — Let go of everything that isn’t serving you anymore. 

3. Reset — Draft goals for the new year and give yourself time to test them out. 

Despite what people say, you don’t have to wait until January 1st to change your life. 

You can create your dream life right now…

All you have to do is commit… 

Practice self-reflection and be honest with yourself… 

Start these exercises now, in December…

And show up for yourself the other 364 days of the year. 

Don’t wait to join the, “new year, new me” crowd. 

Make this year your best year. 

Because the best years start in December. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: What immediately comes to mind when you reflect on 2023? What do you want to change?

P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on Instagram: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

I used to think that I was destined to be alone.

Growing up, I’d always been independent…

Never relying on anyone for anything.

As an entrepreneur, I felt like that’s how I had to be.

Destined to be a lone wolf…

Always doing my own thing.

But this time of year always has me thinking about the people around me.

The people in my life, and how I spend my time with them…

And to be totally honest… 

I wouldn’t be where I am today without community.

It wasn’t until I met my partner, Gabi, that I began to understand how important community is.

We both wanted the same things out of life…

We both wanted to build something great…

We both were willing to do whatever it takes…

Together.

It made me question the entrepreneurial beliefs of “self-reliance” and “individualism.”

You can be self-reliant, but you can also rely on others.

And that’s okay.

It’s the paradox of being an entrepreneur.

Knowing you have people in your corner is life changing.

A catalyst for self transformation.

So, as we started building our business, we went looking for like-minded communities…

And joined an online community for entrepreneurs just like us.

Here, we found not only business owners…

But friends, mentors, comrades…

People in our corner.

And it truly changed my life.

I’ve been part of other communities since then, and created our own in the teams we’ve built… 

And each one has taught me something different. 

I’ve learnt things about myself, my identity as an entrepreneur, and the value I’m here to provide on this planet… 

I wanted to share those lessons with you… 

I hope they serve you too. 

Lesson One: Community Gives you a Sense of Safety 

Imagine it’s your first time skydiving. 

You’re standing by the open door of the plane… 

Totally alone…

Toes hanging over the edge, while your heart beats in your ears…

You hesitate right before you jump. 

You’re paralysed with fear. 

You can’t do it alone. 

Now, let’s restart the scenario. 

You’re standing by the open door of a plane, toes hanging over the edge…

You’re still scared…

But this time, a tandem diver has got your back (both literally and figuratively.)

You’re ready to jump. 

That feeling of safety and security?

That’s what a strong community provides. 

And that’s what joining an online community did for me.

The bold steps I decided to take to embrace the entrepreneurial path…

Was reinforced by the support of my community.  

I could lean on a group of people who knew exactly what I was going through.

I felt safe to share my business mistakes...

Including a time when we were struggling financially (like most start-ups..)

And in return, our community encouraged us to “think differently” about our business model.

My naivety pushed back and said “but this is the way it’s always been done…”

We were encouraged to ignore what others did and try something new…

And this advice catapulted our business’s growth. 

If I hadn’t shared the challenges I was facing…

If I didn’t bounce ideas off of people who had walked a similar path before…

If I didn’t seek advice and support when I needed it most… 

My business, Dashdot, wouldn’t be where it is today. 

Knowing there’s a group of people like you that have your back…

Encourages you to take greater risks.

Because sometimes you need a nudge…

Having this safety net encourages you to replace 

“But what if I fall?” with…

“But what if I fly?” 

Lesson Two: Community is Ingrained in our DNA 

In the ’90s, two psychologists — Baumeister and Leary — wrote a paper on the inherent need to belong as humans. 

They wrote that a sense of belonging is a “need,” not a “want…” 

A subconscious desire for human connection.

You might be thinking: 

“I’ve been solo for a while. I’m pretty sure I don’t need community…” 

Well, community offers something you didn’t know you were missing.

A sense of belonging.

A tribe that can push you towards your pursuit of success and fulfilment.

How can you reach a personal peak when nobody is pushing you?

You don’t. 

I didn’t. 

But after we joined our online community, our wins and milestones felt bigger…

More complete…

More fulfilling…

But we didn’t know what we were missing until we had it. 

Lesson Three: Community Offers Reciprocal Satisfaction 

When I was playing out the “lone wolf”...

I felt like I didn’t have anyone to turn to.

I was solving problems and putting out fires on my own.

And sure, entrepreneurs work independently…

But that doesn’t mean you should turn down a helping hand…

A trusted confidante to give you a reality check when you need it….

Someone to shift your perspective when you feel bogged down. 

An entrepreneurial community can give you that.

By nature, entrepreneurs are innovators. 

We create something out of nothing.

We push boundaries. 

And it’s exactly this type of thinking that can provide breakthroughs for someone else.

And in return…

It may be the inspiration you need for your own breakthrough.

At its core, community is about reciprocal support.

Someone to give you support…

And someone you can support back. 

It’s give and take.

Selfless reciprocity…

This is one of the greatest things about being part of a community. 

Having a successful business feels great…

But helping someone else achieve success?

That feels even better.

I would hop on calls and listen to what people were struggling with.

I had the opportunity to help by sharing my first hand experiences.

And give guidance and solutions where I could see something they couldn’t…

The struggles I faced helped contribute to the success of my community.

And when one person succeeds, we all succeed.

Because it’s bigger than me.  

If I can contribute to the success of someone else, even in a small way…

The sense of fulfilment I feel is unparalleled.

Because selfless service to others drives me forward.

It gives my life purpose.

And it might just give you the same.

Lesson Four: Community Fast-Tracks Your Growth

When I joined my online community…

Experiencing the give-and-take of life-changing advice…

Ignited a spark within me. 

A passion to continue learning. 

A desire to go farther and to keep growing. 

And once you’re part of a community…

Not only do you grow for yourself…

You grow for others, too. 

When you’re surrounded by people who are striving to be the best versions of themselves…

Immersing yourself in a culture that allows — and encourages — everyone to thrive… 

You will unlock new levels of yourself.

It happened to me.

It’s like Joseph Campbell’s, The Hero’s Journey.

When the Hero returns at the end of his journey, he is changed because of the trials he experienced.

It’s from this change that the Hero shares a new perspective with his community.

And by sharing what he has learned, it creates a chain reaction…

That allows people to share what they have learned in turn.

So, in my opinion, the journey of self-actualisation sparks a desire to share what you’ve learned with other people.

It’s a big reason why I write this newsletter.

People in your community can also illuminate parts of yourself that are hidden…

Through interactions, you might discover that you have the traits of a community leader.

You wouldn’t have known you had these traits unless you had a group of people to lead and engage with...  

One that you feel safe to share and be vulnerable with.

Which allows you to unlock new parts of yourself…

And community has been one of the biggest catalysts that transformed me from lone-wolf-introvert to community-leader-introvert. 

I still need alone time to recharge, but when I show up to lead my communities, it’s invigorating…

It’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect… 

And growth is something I’ll never stop pursuing.

Lesson Five: It Feels Good to be Seen

A totally reasonable reason you start a business is for yourself.

For the opportunity to achieve your dream life…

For the chance to reach financial freedom and location independence…

For the push towards self-actualisation.

But sometimes things get hard... 

Sometimes you need a push to keep moving...

Sometimes you need a reminder that you're doing good things.

And that encouragement comes from your community.

Before I joined my online community, I thought I was alone in how I felt…

I wondered if it was always going to be this hard…

Or was it just me.

When you’re trapped in your head, those thoughts can plague your mind. 

You internalise anxiety and fear because you feel like you have nobody to turn to. 

But when you’re part of a community…

You have a safe space to embrace that worry…

That vulnerability. 

Instead of rolling with the punches alone…

You have people who will listen… 

You have people to share your struggles with… 

And I quickly learned what it feels like to be truly seen. 

Intrinsically, everybody wants to feel seen.

At my lowest times, I shared feelings of doubt and fear with my community…

And instead of being met with judgement… they saw me.

They heard me.

They understood me.

And they pushed me to keep going. 

I felt safe to be vulnerable…

To say, “Hey, I feel like shit about the way things are going...”

And I was met with compassion and support.

It was the motivation I needed to keep going. 

To pick myself up and start moving forward…

To push boundaries and innovate.

Because when you feel seen…

You can move mountains.

The decision to join an online community changed my life.

The lessons I learned about the power of camaraderie and support…

The fulfilment I didn't know I was missing…

The motivation to be myself…

Challenged my belief that I had to do it alone.

And now with our own companies, I strive to create cultures of community that enable people to thrive.

We're living in a time where connection is harder than ever. 

We still want to be connected… 

But we don't know where to turn for support or that place of belonging. 

So, I wanted to create that place… 

And build The Wild Goose Chase Community. 

Whether you’re growing a business or thinking about starting one… 

This will be a place for people who challenge the blueprint of the Status Quo.

We’ll talk business, and lifestyle design, and personal evolution… 

We’ll hangout, and learn, and grow together… 

You’ll hear from experts on topics you care about, and meet people from my personal community…

We’ll turn it into the kind of place we’ve always wanted. 

A place for those who seek to live a brave life.

A place where you feel seen, heard, and encouraged to grow. 

A place where you can experience the power of community in your own pursuit of success.

Interested in joining? 

Secure an early spot and I’ll notify you when we open. 

I’m so excited for what’s to come. 

Until then… 

Stay awesome, stay powerful

P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

The first steps to starting an online business aren’t what you might think. 

The business names…

The branding colours…

The website and social media presence… 

The “aesthetic groundwork” that business coaches and influencers say you need to do first…

I’m here to challenge it.

The logo, the naming, the design… 

They’re all important steps for an online business to take…

But they aren’t “prerequisites” for starting a business. 

If you read last week’s newsletter about Unlocking Entrepreneurial Freedom…

And decided the entrepreneur's life is for you… 

Then these are the actual first steps:

1. Deciding What You Want 

2. Testing the Market

But, fair warning…

It’s going to take work. 

It’s going to take introspection. 

It’s going to take time and effort.

But if you’re craving the entrepreneurial life…

It’s worth it. 

Step 1: Decide What You Want

I often say to my partner, Gabi:

“You can have whatever you want, as long as you decide”

This couldn’t be more true than for startups.

A successful business is one with the end goal in mind. 

Don’t figure it out along the way… 

First decide what you want from your business…

And then reverse engineer a plan to get there. 

Start by answering the question: 

“What am I trying to achieve?” 

I know —  that’s a massive question to tackle. 

So let’s break it down into smaller components: 

What your drive is + 

Why you’re doing it + 

Who you’re doing it for 

= What you’re trying to achieve with your business.

What’s My Drive?

You might think the answer to this question is simple. 

“I’m starting an online business.”

But that answer doesn’t give you a clear sense of direction…

Or sense of purpose. 

You need to dig deeper. 

Think about where your business fits in the bigger picture of what you want in life. 

Yes, you’re starting an online business…

But think about what you’re doing it for. 

What kind of business you want to build…

What are you trying to achieve…

And what are you optimising for?

Is it for money?

“I’m not making enough, so I’m going to start a side hustle to supplement my income.” 

Is it a lifestyle play?

“I want more of my time back so I can live the life I truly desire”

Is it for the impact? 

“I want to change the world and make a real difference” 

Whatever it’s for… it’s entirely up to you. 

As long as you understand your “what” and use it to inform your business decisions… 

That’s all you need to stay on the right track. 

Then you can move on to answering your “why.”

Why Am I Starting an Online Business? 

This question forces you to do the uncomfortable, internal work that many people try to avoid…

It forces you to think about the intersection between:

• Your passions

• Your skills

• The market 

• Your ability to monetise 

When you take the time to reflect on these ideas…

That’s how you achieve ikigai.

Ikigai, a Japanese concept combining the terms iki (“life”) and gai (“benefit”), translates to “your purpose in life.” 

Finding your ikigai starts within.

Start by answering the 4 following questions to determine where your perfect online business opportunity lies. 

1. What do you love doing? (Think about what lights you up…) 

2. What are you good at? (Think about your unique skills or talents…)

3. What does the world need? (Think about what people are missing in their lives…)

4. What can I be paid for? (Think about what problems people might pay to have solved)

At the intersection of these questions is your ikigai…

Your purpose in life… 

Your “why”...

And you can’t start an online business without knowing that first. 

Who Am I Doing It For? 

So, you know what you’re trying to achieve and why... 

But you can’t have a business without clients or customers. 

And you can’t provide anything to anyone without knowing who they are. 

That’s why it’s integral to know your “who”…

To pinpoint and understand the market that your online business will serve.

I can’t tell you what market you “should” pick… nobody can. 

But I can tell you it’s a balancing act. 

The “perfect” market balances 3 things: 

• Your interests (so you can enjoy your work) 

• Your goals (so you can edge towards self-actualisation)

• Economic viability (so you can satisfy your ambitions) 

Before you start any business, you need to pause and deeply assess your market. 

Does the opportunity that lights me up make sense in the world? 

Will people pay in a way that suits my drive? 

Is the market big enough to fulfil my vision of the business? 

Determining if the market is big enough to match your goals is crucial at this point… 

If you want to build a product that changes the world… 

You first need to figure out if there are enough people who would want that product. 

Otherwise you could invest years into creating something, only to find out that your market is too small then need to walk away… 

Please do this work now. 

You can Google things like ‘market size of X industry’ or ‘growth rate of X industry in 2023’

You’re looking for signs that there is a large potential market, and that it is trending upwards. 

Both of these mean you’re onto something good. 

Then, you need to test.

Step 2: Test the Market

In Step 1, we focused on introspection.

You figured out what you wanted…

You explored why you wanted it…

And you’ve got a pretty good picture of the business you’d like to start…

But how do you know if it will actually work? 

Easy. 

You don’t. 

Now don’t get me wrong — introspective work is necessary.

It helps you focus on why you’re starting an online business in the first place. 

But it’s all based on assumptions. 

Assuming your ideal customers are out there… 

Assuming they need what you’re offering…

Assuming they’ll want to work with you. 

That’s the thing about assumption… 

It makes an ass out of “u” and “me.” 

It’s time to test those assumptions. 

Why does testing matter? 

Well, put simply… 

You need to know whether your idea is actually fulfilling a need, or just contributing to the noise. 

That’s why Step 2 is so integral. 

Ask Your Market

So, when it comes to your new online business idea…

You can plan and assume and research until you’re blue in the face…

But nothing replaces asking real people what they think. 

And it starts by asking yourself, “Where are my ideal customers?”

How you find them is through both passive and active research.

Passive research is observational, picking up on trends and painpoints of the community you’re seeking to serve. 

Social media is an incredible tool for this, and some great things to try are: 

• Joining Facebook groups where your market hangs out

• Exploring Reddit threads

• Reading Instagram and Youtube comments

By “reading between the lines,” you can learn a lot about what your market needs.

But active research is just as valuable. 

Active research involves directly engaging with these communities. 

Find a conversation, and enter it in a way that seeks to understand: 

“Hey I see you’re struggling with X, and I’m thinking of starting Y. Would something like that help to solve your problem?”

“I’ve heard a lot of people here are concerned about X - what if somebody started Y?”

“Would Y be helpful to you?” 

What you’re trying to find out here is: 

• Do people struggle with what I assume they do? 

• What are they currently doing that isn’t working?

• Would they pay in a way that suits my goals? 

For example… 

Let’s say you found your Ikigai and you want to do coaching of some sort, because you want that kind of lifestyle…

But through your research, you discover that your market is busy and only wants to pay to have things done for them. 

That’s incredibly helpful to know now, right? 

It’s important to note here that this is NOT a prospecting exercise… 

You are not looking for customers, you are doing research. 

So don’t even think about trying to make money right now. 

Just show up. 

Listen. 

Observe. 

Ask questions. 

Practise patience, and it will pay off in the long run.

How Do I Apply What I’ve Learned?

Now that you’ve put the effort into testing your assumptions… 

You can apply what you’ve learned by making changes and improvements to your business idea.

And, because the testing phase is full of discovery…

You’ll probably make changes you didn’t think you’d make. 

That’s okay. 

It’s part of the process. 

And that’s why flexibility and open-mindedness are key. 

Consulting your market and adjusting, based on their feedback, is an ongoing, cyclical process for business owners. 

But the key here is to see testing as a win-win either way.

You’re not just assuming anymore. 

You’re making decisions based on real data from real people. 

And that’s when you see progress.

So if the entrepreneurial life is for you…

And you’re ready to start your online business. 

The logo and business name can wait. 

Here are the actual first steps to starting your business…

Starting An Online Business Checklist

1. Decide What You Want:

• What am I trying to achieve with my business?

• What is my drive (more money, more time freedom, changing the world)?

• What do I love doing?

• What am I good at?

• What does the world need?

• What can I paid for?

• Who is my ideal market?

2. Test the Market:

• Research and find where your ideal customers hang out (Facebook groups, Reddit threads, etc)

• Have conversations with 10 people in your market this week and ask them for feedback

• What are they struggling with?

• What do they think of my business idea (engage with them directly, ask them questions, etc)?

• What do they think of the business model?

• How can I adapt my business based on feedback? 

The work you put into these first steps will take time, patience, and effort...

But it will set the tone on how you’ll run your online business. 

The most successful businesses started at Step 1…

They set the foundation for their business to grow and thrive…

And their businesses were better for it. 

Yours can be, too. 

Until next time…

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: Once you’ve got a solid business idea, it’s time to dive into marketing and sales. Want to know what to do next? Hit reply and let me know you want to know more, and I’ll write it for you soon 👍

P.P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

Wake up. 

18-hour work days. 

Hustle. 

7-day work week. 

Sleep.

0 time spent on yourself. 

Repeat. 

As entrepreneurs, we all have the same goal — success. 

But are you sacrificing your personal freedom to get there? 

You’re constantly on the move…

And yet, you’re still unfulfilled. 

“I don’t understand,” you say. 

“I thought running my own business meant more freedom, but I’m closer to burnout than to my goals.” 

“What am I doing wrong?” 

You, my friend, are not operating with freedom in mind. 

The duo of financial AND time freedom gives you the power to do everything you’ve ever wanted to…

It’s how you gain control of your present, to maximise the potential of your future. 

It’s about waking up every day knowing you can design — and achieve — the life you want.

And, as someone who was stuck in a freedomless reality… 

I know how hard it is.

It’s hard to learn how to refocus your energy. 

It’s hard to grasp that working 24/7 ≠ success.

It’s hard to know how to achieve the personal freedom you’ve been craving.  

I get it…

And considering the number of you who, in our recent survey, asked for advice on achieving freedom…

(Which, if you haven’t, you can fill out here.)

You get it, too. 

So today, I wanted to share how I achieved both financial and time freedom… 

(Without the 7-day work week and 18-hour days you’re used to.)

Step 1 —  Financial: Assess and Adjust

I’d be lying if I said freedom was all about money.

But I’d also be lying if I said money wasn’t a big part of the equation.

When I shared the secrets behind making my first million, I highlighted the importance of knowing your numbers, especially in business.

Taking the time to review things like… 

• Revenue, overheads, and profit margins

• Funnel conversion rates 

• Client experience metrics 

Looking at the cold, hard data is the only way you’ll know how far away your goals are. 

So let’s just say one day, you’re digging into your reports…

You’re looking through all your metrics…

Then you notice something unusual…

Your stomach drops. 

It doesn’t look good. 

What now? 

You need a paradigm shift. 

You need to define what success means to you as an entrepreneur. 

You need to embrace that definition through a new mindset about how you spend your time and money.

Your old mindset might have suggested it’s time to throw in the towel.

But with a new mindset…

A newly embraced paradigm…

You. Can. Solve. This. Problem.

The first step to your financial freedom mindset is, assess. 

Consider what your financial goals are… 

What weekly/ monthly/ quarterly targets do you need to hit in order to reach them?

What happened in the past week/month/quarter that caused you to miss those goals? 

Did you overspend? 

Did you sign up enough clients? 

Did you lose sight of your goals? 

Take note of the specific things that set you back from your financial targets…

And figure out how you can do better tomorrow, one step at a time. 

At Dashdot, we are measurement-mad. 

Every week, our teams track and report their progress… 

And every quarter our whole team reflects on the last 3 months. 

Doing this keeps our strategy sharp, our focus high, and our attention on the things that matter.

So how do you assess your financial performance?

Value-aligned reflection is a great way to start. 

At the end of every day, take a good, hard look at each of your expenses…

Think about whether or not those purchases are aligned with your personal or financial goals. 

Is a McDonald’s breakfast really helping your health and fitness goals? 

(Probably not — ditch it.)

Is your mindfulness app subscription really helping you improve your well-being? 

(I’d guess yes — keep it.)

Are your weekend benders helping you achieve financial freedom? 

(Doubt it — ditch ‘em.)

Once you figure out how to better manage your finances, you can keep more of the money you make.

That’s why the second step is to adjust.

Once you assess your financial goals…

Once you know your numbers…

Once you have tangible information to work with… 

Then you can make data-informed adjustments that will bring you closer towards financial freedom. 

And one of the best ways to do this is through diversification. 

Diversification is how you future-proof your income.

Because the alternative to diversification?

Risk.  

Relying on one single product or service to perform consistently is risky. 

Meeting financial goals through a single income stream is risky. 

Diversification can help you upskill, grow, and expand your business.

Maybe you try freelance graphic design on the side. 

Maybe you use your marketing expertise as a business consultant. 

Maybe you help fellow entrepreneurs grow with 1:1 coaching services. 

No matter what you try…

You need to diversify your income with data-informed adjustments that help you reach your goals. 

After all, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” is a saying for a reason. 

Step 2 — Time: Optimise Operations 

One of the least sexy — but most important parts of business?

Operations. 

The only way to reach the level of time freedom you want? 

Operations. 

Optimising the systems you use and the way you run your business… 

Is how you liberate your personal time and reduce your business dependency. 

Do you need to hire staff?

Are you delegating tasks?

Are inefficient systems and processes taking up too much time? 

Take how we run this newsletter for example. 

The Wild Goose Chase team ideates in a tailored Notion board… 

We draft, write, and edit in a shared Google Drive… 

We send out the newsletters and analyse metrics with Beehiiv… 

And we communicate between us in Slack.

Now you might be thinking, “That’s a ton of moving parts.” 

You’re right it is — but the benefit of optimising operations is…

You front-load the planning and preparation, so you can offload work later. 

Spend time setting up your administrative operations now… 

So you spend less time wondering how to do things later. 

Once you master the “front-load now, offload later” mindset…

You unlock a whole world of streamlined opportunities.

Take low-effort revenue generators for example. 

Things like lead magnets and information products that literally generate revenue while you sleep. 

Say you spend 5 hours on an ebook that you sell on your website. 

You write it, design it, upload it, and mark it for sale… 

Right now, you’re in the red, with 5 hours gone and $0 to show for it. 

But…

As time goes on…

As you make more revenue with less effort…

You’ve not only generating income on autopilot… 

But you’ve ALSO successfully freed up your time and can start prioritising work-life integration.

You can build relationships, travel, practice mindfulness, learn a new hobby…

All while your bank account slowly builds in the background. 

But the revenue isn’t even the best part.

Like entrepreneurial-freedom-overlord Tim Ferriss said in ‘The 4 Hour Workweek’:

“$1,000,000 in the bank isn't the fantasy. The fantasy is the lifestyle of complete freedom.”

Step 3 — Future-Proof Your Business with a Freedom-First Mindset

So you’ve put the work in to assess, adjust, and optimise… 

Now what? 

How do you keep it up?

How do you wake up every morning and continue to fulfil your goals towards financial and time freedom?

Start by keeping your purpose clear. 

Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. 

Why did you spend time on systems, processes, and automations? 

Why did you front-load “unpaid” work to create intellectual property for your brand? 

Your answer should be: 

For the freedom it will grant you. 

The financial freedom to do what you want with the money you have. 

The business freedom to grow and pivot in ways that align with work-life integration. 

The time freedom to do what you want with the people who are important to you. 

The personal freedom to set boundaries you need to maintain work-life integration you’ve worked so hard to achieve. 

People say, “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” 

If you create a business that embodies everything you love…

The distinction between life and business is seamless.

Now that’s true freedom. 

How You Get Ahead: Pitfalls and Drawbacks 

When I was just getting started as an entrepreneur, I faced the same struggles you’re facing now. 

Constant battles — but no wins. 

Constant stress — but no payoff. 

Constant work — but no progress. 

Struggling seems like an unwritten requirement in the early days of business. 

But it actually highlights an important aspect about the entrepreneurial path.

The challenges you’re experiencing now, have been felt by others before. 

The most common things you’ll face? 

Impatience. 

“I should have made my first million already. It shouldn’t be taking this long!” 

Yet it took entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg years to make their first million.  

Humility. 

“Once I’m successful, I’ll buy a Lambo and a Rolex because that’s what people who’ve made it do.”

Yet Warren Buffet still lives in the home he bought in 1958, despite now being a billionaire. 

Failure.

“I fucked up, I should quit now to save myself the embarrassment.”

Yet Bill Gates’ first company, Traf-O-Data, tanked. 

The problem isn’t the “problems” themselves. 

It’s your mindset. 

If Jeff Bezos wasn’t patient, we’d never have Amazon. 

If Warren Buffet wasn’t humble, we’d never have the book The Making of an American Capitalist.  

If Bill Gates wasn’t persistent, we’d never have Microsoft. 

Pitfalls and drawbacks are an inevitable part of being an entrepreneur…

But the entrepreneurial spirit is robust.

Be resilient in the face of adversity.  

Take time to celebrate the joyful moments throughout the journey. 

Form the proper habits and rituals that will lead you to achieve financial and time freedom…

It takes consistency, but by putting the work in now, you can enjoy the payoff later. 

And, this perspective is what will keep you on track to achieve your goals.  

As entrepreneurs, we all have the same goal — success. 

But success isn’t success if it’s at the expense of freedom… 

I know how hard it is to move away from the idea that working 24/7 = success.

And as someone who is on the other side…

The side with freedom to live how you want… 

There’s nothing in life that feels as good as this. 

Stay powerful, stay awesome. 

P.S: This week, establish a personal boundary that leads you towards achieving financial and time freedom. I no longer work after 3pm, and I’ve never been happier…

P.P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

4. Join The Waitlist: We’re creating an exclusive online community of 6, 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs seeking to become citizens of the world and achieve self-actualisation through business, lifestyle design, and personal evolution. I think you’ll love it: The Nomad Entrepreneur Network

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

It’s pitch black outside.

You’re not usually afraid to be alone at night…

But tonight, something is different.  

The hair on the back of your neck is standing up…

Your beating heart feels like it might explode out of your chest…

Beads of sweat cover your brow, and your shirt is sticking to your back…

You’re trying to control your breathing…  

And then you hear it.  

Growling. 

Snarling. 

You find yourself face-to-face with a pack of street dogs. 

You have two options:

Do you run away in fear? 

Or do you face the pack head-on? 

To live a brave life…

You pick the second option. 

And you step into the tension. 

—

Last week, I shared that I don’t regret any of the “mistakes” I’ve made. 

Because the key to growth is reframing “mistakes” as lessons… 

And tension is a part of that process.

Think about the last time you messed up.

That, “Oh, shit” feeling when your stomach drops?

That heart-sinking thought of, “What am I supposed to do now?” 

That immediate sensation of panic and stress?

That’s the tension I’m talking about. 

The feeling that something bad is happening, or will happen… 

But it’s actually an opportunity to elevate yourself. 

When I was at my lowest point…

Broke, homeless, addicted…

Tension had reached its peak. 

That was my pack of street dogs.

And I had two options.

Do I keep ignoring my problems and waste my life away on booze and cocaine? 

Or do I turn towards my problems and face them head-on? 

I chose the latter; I stepped into tension. 

I chose to be uncomfortable in the short term in order to grow in the long-term.

And you can do the same.

Look at the tense moments in your life and see them as an opportunity. 

A chance to challenge yourself. 

A chance to embrace discomfort. 

A chance to finally achieve the life you’ve dreamt of. 

No one can tell you what will happen on the other side of a tense situation — it’s unknowable.

Instead of thinking, “What if it all went wrong,” try asking yourself, “What if it all went right?”

Objectivity and Observation

The thing about stepping into tension is that nobody wants to do it. 

Nobody wants to feel uncomfortable… 

Nobody wants to dive head first into uncertainty…

And the fact that you want to avoid tension is hard-wired into your brain. 

Humans have developed a "need" to plan and prepare.

A need to know what’s waiting for us on the other side of a decision.

And, considering uncertainty used to get us killed by sabre-tooth tigers…

It’s easy to understand why we’ve evolved this way…

And why we’ve continued to evolve this way.

You might not realise it, but the culture you grew up in…

The norms and preferences you’re surrounded by…

The way you handle conflict and discomfort…

All affect how you step into tension. 

If you grew up in a Western country like I did, you were probably taught that being polite is the right way to behave. 

Say yes to invitations (even if you don’t want to.)

Say dinner was great (even if it sucked.) 

Say things are fine (even if they aren’t.)

Because being compliant means avoiding discomfort…

Hard conversations…

Truths that might not land well. 

We want to avoid tension at all costs. 

But, since I’ve moved to Thailand…

I don’t see that same avoidance. 

Thai people don’t lie to protect your feelings. 

They don’t say yes to things they don’t want to do. 

They step into tension with ease, taking life’s hiccups in stride. 

(I think we could learn a lot from the locals in Thailand — but that’s a story for another week.)

Once you start to pinpoint these differences, the reasons why you reject tension…

That’s the first step toward embracing it. 

So, the next time you come face-to-face with tension… 

Observe how you feel.

Are you experiencing “uncomfortable” sensations in your body? 

These sensations aren’t a call to action, but an opportunity to turn towards the sensation and observe it objectively. 

An opportunity to learn about yourself.

Oh look, this tense situation is making my palms sweaty. 

My face feels hot… interesting.

Objectively name the discomfort, and acknowledge that it’s there… 

Then you’ll begin to see things as they are, not as you want them to be.

Accepting Lack of Control

Approaching tension with an objective, observational mindset will show you one thing: 

You have no fucking control over what happens.

The only thing you have control over is your actions. 

And that’s just life.

The sooner you accept this lack of control…

The sooner you’ll be able to step into difficult situations you’ve been avoiding.

Accepting that tension is a natural part of life is only part of the equation. 

The other part is accepting your fear of the unknown (and working to overcome it.)

Resistance to tension boils down to deep-rooted fear. 

Fear that we’ll fail…

Fear that we’ll succeed… 

Fear that our worst-case-scenarios will come true. 

But the harsh truth about fear?

Life doesn’t care about whether or not you’re scared. 

Plans will change unexpectedly. 

Life will throw you curveballs. 

Shit will hit the fan. 

Yet life will continue on, even if you’re afraid. 

So, what do you do? 

You step into the tension… 

You tell yourself, “I am afraid, but I’m doing it anyway.”

You become a little better at embracing the fear every time…

And you trust yourself to handle whatever life may throw your way. 

Because once you start to trust in yourself…

That’s when tension loses its grip over you. 

And that’s when things change. 

Fuck it, Why Not? 

Like most things in life, stepping into tension takes practice. 

Practice you might want to avoid… 

But in order to escape the Status Quo it’s something you’ll have to do. 

You have to observe the discomfort. 

You have to accept the lack of control. 

You have to choose the tense situation. 

And then repeat it…

Until the tension lessens.

Then, as tension decreases…

And your self-confidence increases…

You begin to see it as an opportunity.

An opportunity that forces you to consider two questions:   

•  What do I want?

• Am I willing to be uncomfortable to get it? 

If what you want is worth temporary discomfort…

Then step into it. 

Because that’s the thing about stepping into tension… 

It never really gets easier. 

Uncomfortable situations never get easier...

Emotionally-charged conversations never get easier… 

But you do get better at dealing with it.

And there will be no shortage of tense situations in life…

Life has a mind of its own. 

So, when you feel the tension brewing… 

You can pull up your bootstraps and step into it. 

Or, you can wait for life to make the decision for you. 

I recommend making the decision yourself…

Because it’s easier to ride the wave than fight against it. 

It’s also much more rewarding to say “Fuck it, why not?” 

Why not step into the tension if it’s inevitable?

Why not step into the tension if your dream life is waiting on the other side? 

Tension: The Gateway To Transformation

At this point, you’re on board with stepping into tension as a way to grow. 

But it’s bigger than that in a lot of ways. 

Yes, stepping into tension helps you lead a brave, confident life… 

But it also makes you stronger… 

More resilient… 

More adaptable… 

And more equipped to run a successful business. 

Tension is inescapable in entrepreneurship — it comes with the territory. 

Getting your business off the ground? 

Tension.

Landing your first client so you can pay your bills? 

Tension. 

Scaling your business to take on more clients? 

Tension. 

I went through this exact process when starting my business, Dashdot. 

I lost money trying to make it work.

(Tension.)

Instead of letting it get me down, I stepped into the tension and learned the skills I needed to avoid making the same mistakes again. 

Soon friends and family were asking me for advice about similar problems they were facing. 

I wasn’t sure how I could help.

(Tension.)

So I turned towards the uncertainty and stepped into the tension. 

And it allowed me to see a business opportunity — Dashdot.

Fast forward to today; I run a successful, multi-million dollar business that genuinely changes lives… 

All because I felt the tension and stepped into it.  

Now, I’m at the point in my life where I don’t let tension win. 

Now, it’s your turn. 

Step into the tension and see it for the opportunity it is…

To figure out what you want in life…. 

To decide if it’s worth the discomfort…

Or to shy away and watch your business fail. 

The choice is yours. 

But we both know that you’re capable of turning towards the tension, feeling the fear, and doing it anyway.

—

It’s pitch black outside.

You’re not afraid to be alone at night. 

You trust yourself to handle anything that comes your way. 

Suddenly, the hair on the back of your neck is standing up…

Your beating heart feels like it might explode out of your chest…

Beads of sweat cover your brow, and your shirt is sticking to your back…

You’re trying to control your breathing…  

And then you hear it.  

Growling. 

Snarling. 

The pack of wild dogs are behind you.

The old you would run. 

But today is different. 

You don’t turn your back… 

You don’t let tension win… 

You don’t let fear consume you… 

You step forward. 

And that one step is about to change your whole damn life. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful. 

P.S: What’s the #1 thing holding you back from saying “fuck it, why not”? 

P.P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

4. Join The Waitlist: We’re creating an exclusive online community of 6, 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs seeking to become citizens of the world and achieve self-actualisation through business, lifestyle design, and personal evolution. I think you’ll love it: The Nomad Entrepreneur Network

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

When I was 15, I’d drink to the point of blacking out.

I became a reckless, booze-driven kid, all because I wanted to “fit in.”

I was willing to become someone else — someone I wasn’t. 

This behaviour bled into my adulthood, where I relied on alcohol in a very unhealthy way.

My transition from reckless teenager, to full-blown addict, is something I was interviewed about recently… 

And it got me thinking about choices and “mistakes.”

The dictionary defines a “mistake” as:

“An action or an opinion that is not correct, or that produces a result that you did not want.”

I don’t see it that way.

To me, a “mistake” implies regret. 

And, despite hating what I was doing…

Despite hating who I was becoming… 

I don’t regret any of it. 

If I hadn’t made those “mistakes,” I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I wouldn’t have:

• A 8-figure business.

• A partner I’m crazy about. 

• A lifestyle I only dreamed about. 

Mistakes imply regret and self-punishment. 

Never forgiving yourself for the “bad” things you've done. 

To me, that sounds like hell. 

Instead, I live a life of embracing my lessons.

Lessons are different from “mistakes.” 

Lessons are about understanding the messiness of human nature. 

They’re about giving yourself permission to screw up.

I shifted the narrative to see “mistakes” as opportunities. 

Mistakes are part of the journey away from regret, and towards acceptance. 

The Journey of Understanding

Start seeing mistakes as opportunities for growth, rather than an opportunity to punish yourself.

That’s the journey.

It’s a lifelong process of showing up for yourself, every single day.

As you work to understand your mistakes…

As you learn to accept what happened…

As you give yourself permission to be human…

As you start seeing mistakes for opportunities…

As you commit to being kinder to yourself…

As you work to grow alongside your goals…

You’re on a journey that will change your life for the better. 

That’s growth. 

That’s evolution.

That’s self-development. 

Becoming the best version of yourself will lead you down a successful path.

Personal evolution leads to business growth, which leads to personal evolution, which leads to business growth… 

It’s an intertwined system of mutual growth and development. 

A dual path. 

And it all starts with making a mistake. 

Acknowledge Your Mistakes

We all fuck up. 

We lie.

We steal.

We cheat.

We hurt others. 

We hurt ourselves. 

You’ve probably done this at some point in your life. 

But I’m not here to point the finger. 

(Especially since I’ve done it, too). 

I’m here to tell you that it’s okay. 

And that messing up is hard. 

But acknowledging that you messed up — that’s harder. 

Missteps come with complicated, negative emotions. 

Embarrassment. 

Self-doubt.

Shame. 

Then, as if those feelings weren’t bad enough…

How about messing up as a business owner? 

Lost clients. 

Ruined reputation. 

Plummeting revenue. 

Nothing about this feels good…

It’s quite the opposite.

So it’s no surprise that we try to ignore our missteps. 

As humans, we’re hard-wired to protect ourselves…

To do whatever it takes to avoid social embarrassment and shame…

To protect our ego at all costs. 

So, when you mess up, it might seem easier to sweep it under the rug… 

It’s not surprising.

(It’s actually just human nature.)

But that doesn’t make it right. 

By ignoring mistakes in the interest of protecting your ego, you’ll begin to see that missteps will dictate your life. 

And it won’t be good. 

Instead of critically evaluating what happened so you can do better next time… 

You’re setting yourself up to make the same mistake over and over without learning anything from it.

Acknowledging your misstep — in all its embarrassing, shameful glory — is the first move. 

Now, learn to acknowledge your mistakes as data…

Data which allows you to take accountability for what happened — get up, dust yourself off, and keep going. 

Taking ownership puts you in the driver’s seat. 

You gain control of what that misstep means for your future. 

Not the other way around. 

Reflect on Your Mistakes

Once you put your ego to the side and acknowledge that you’ve made a mistake…

You need to do some objective reflection. 

Take your feelings and thoughts out of the equation… 

And try to review what happened from a bird’s eye view…

Analyse the situation as if it happened to someone else…

Consider the objective facts and ask yourself:

• What happened and who was involved?

• How did each person react and why?

• What about this situation was “good” or “bad”?

Imagine looking at the picture on a jigsaw puzzle. 

If you dump out the entire box…

Ignore the picture on the front… 

And leave the pieces upside down… 

You’ll have no idea how they fit together.

But, if you examine the image on the front of the puzzle box…

And look at each individual piece, right-side-up… 

How the pieces fit together becomes easier.

If you don’t see each piece of your misstep for what it is… 

Evaluating the “how” and “why” as key puzzle pieces in the journey to understanding…

You will never learn from your mistakes. 

And you’ll repeat the same mistake over again, until you do. 

Through the objective breakdown of the missteps you made, you’ll find yourself on a road to compassion. 

Compassion for what happened and compassion for what you did.

Permission to Get it Wrong

You know what went wrong.

You know why it happened.

And now you need to tell yourself it’s okay. 

This part is arguably the hardest part of embracing mistakes… 

But the truth is, avoiding mistakes is impossible. 

When you start any new process, whether it’s self-actualisation or starting a business…

You’re going to get things wrong. 

You are going to make mistakes while running your business. 

You are going to mess up while working on relationships. 

You are going to fuck up while working on yourself.  

But it’s nothing to be ashamed of… 

It’s an opportunity for growth. 

Giving yourself permission to get things wrong, lets you face the inevitable with a stronger mindset.

When you give yourself permission to make mistakes, you can tackle new projects with a renewed sense of confidence…

Because who cares if you mess up? 

You can ideate with a level of creativity that you’ve never had before…

Because who cares if it doesn’t work out? 

You can give yourself the grace and kindness you would to a friend…

Because everyone makes mistakes.

The sooner you accept that mistakes are part of the human experience, the sooner you can start to learn and grow from them.

It’s okay to get things wrong. 

But it’s not okay to not work it out. 

As Zen master Thích Nhất Hạnh said, “acknowledging our feelings without judging them or pushing them away, embracing them with mindfulness, is an act of homecoming.”

So if you get up and keep going… you’ll never lose. 

Learn From Your Mistakes

Faking who I was to fit in wasn’t a mistake — it led me to understand that I’m introverted. 

Addiction wasn’t a mistake — it led me to understand my “addictive” personality better. 

Risking relationships wasn’t a mistake — it led me to understand how I need to show up for others. 

I don’t regret any mistakes I’ve made in my life because I know they’re inevitable.

And that mindset transforms the mistake.

It takes the mistake from something you should regret, to something you should appreciate. 

Something you can learn from. 

Because mistakes are lessons, but also an opportunity to take accountability. 

An opportunity to grow. 

So, as long as you’re alive, you’re going to continue making mistakes. 

But the choice is yours. 

Will you see mistakes as regrets that keep you stationary in life and business? 

Or…

Will you start to see mistakes as opportunities to become your most idealised self? 

You know the right choice.

But it’s not without immense effort. 

Take Accountability

When I was 30, I was headed nowhere… fast. 

I had no money, no home, and a business that was, to put it bluntly… a joke. 

I didn’t care about the mistakes I was making. 

It’s not something to be proud of… but at the time, it was easier than taking accountability.

But your ideal life starts with you choosing to take ownership over your actions.

It takes commitment. 

It takes dedication. 

It takes continuous effort. 

So, every day that you wake up, choose the life that you want to live… 

Choose your goals and your dreams. 

Choose the person you want to be. 

Choose to show up. 

Regardless of the mistakes or setbacks. 

Continuously putting effort towards your goals will mean making mistakes… 

But showing up imperfectly is still showing up. 

Taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back is still moving forward. 

Getting back up after you fall down is still landing you on your feet. 

Your commitment to yourself is making a difference, even when it doesn’t feel like it. 

So don’t give up. 

Things will change and evolve…

And so will you. 

The Evolution of Your Goals

Seeing missteps as opportunities — and seizing those opportunities — has a domino effect. 

You mess up. You reflect. You learn. You commit. You grow. 

Then, you start to become someone different… 

And the new version of yourself has different goals and dreams. 

So, you start to put in the work to reach your new ideal.

You mess up. You reflect. You learn. You commit. You grow. 

You become stronger, smarter, more skilled… 

Your goals and dreams change again. 

And they continue to change because you never stop finding ways to improve yourself. 

That’s one of the most beautiful things about this journey. 

You meet parts of yourself you haven’t before. 

You realise goals and dreams you hadn’t thought about. 

You form new opinions, have new experiences, and find new ways to reflect your values.

Goals are fluid and dynamic… they change with you. 

So, whether your goal today is to embrace your missteps, or make your first million dollars… 

Be open. Be flexible. Be fluid. 

You never know what you might learn…

And what incredible places it might lead you. 

I’ve made a lot of mistakes

When people hear my story, they often ask if I have any regrets. 

And my answer is always the same: 

Nope. 

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. 

But I don’t regret any of it.

Everything that has ever happened…

Everything that I've ever experienced…

It’s all compounded to make me who I am today. 

And it started with embracing my mistakes. 

Accepting my missteps without embarrassment or shame. 

Leaning into the lessons and opportunities that came with my mess-ups. 

At the end of the day, when I get to my last day on Earth… 

I’ll know that I lived without letting mistakes rule my life. 

I’ll know that I’ve seen every mishap or mess-up as an opportunity for growth. 

I’ll know I’ve put the work into becoming the best version of myself. 

Once you start your journey to understanding… 

I hope you’ll feel the same way, too. 

Stay awesome, stay powerful.

P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

4. Join The Waitlist: We’re creating an exclusive online community of 6, 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs seeking to become citizens of the world and achieve self-actualisation through business, lifestyle design, and personal evolution. I think you’ll love it: The Nomad Entrepreneur Network

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

What I’m about to tell you isn’t theory.

When my partner and I started our current business, we had nothing.

No money.

(Only $5,000 to our name.)

No experience.

(Not a single day worked in sales, marketing, or real estate.)

When I tell you the first few months were rough…

I mean it.

We were so broke, we couldn’t afford groceries.

We’d walk around the supermarket at lunchtime eating food off the shelves just to save money.

It sounds funny now, considering our business made 8 figures in under 4 years…

But at the time, we had hit rock bottom.

It was our lowest point…

Our wake-up call…

Our signal that something had to change if we wanted to make our first million.

The 6 Secrets

What led me to make my first million was changing my mindset in 6 ways.

And you can use them too.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking:

“Mindset won’t make you a million dollars.”

I get it.

I know what it feels like to have no money and be told over and over again that a mindset shift can fix it all.

It seems like “woo-woo” bullshit…

But if I can go from broke and homeless, to making my first million with 6 mindset shifts…

Then so can you.

Secret 1: Fix Your Money Mindset

Money’s out there to be made.

It’s constantly printed, tossed into circulation, and made available to you...

Your issue isn’t a question of, “Why don’t I have enough money?”

It’s a question of, “Where is the money and how can I get it?”

Think about money as an infinite resource and adopt an abundance mindset.

Money isn’t a game where one person wins and one loses.

Everyone can live a life of affluence.

Because if there’s not enough money to go around today…

More will be printed tomorrow.

Your first step is to ditch the scarcity mindset — the idea that there’s not enough for everyone…

And normalise accessing affluence, wealth, and abundance in different environments.

You might not be able to afford a Lamborghini right now…

But you can test drive one.

How does it feel to sit in the driver’s seat? 

You might not be able to afford to stay at a 5-star hotel right now…

But you can order a fancy cocktail in the hotel bar.

How do the hotel guests act?

You might not be able to afford a $2M house right now…

But you can go to the open house.

How does it feel to imagine this is “my” home?

Expose yourself to what that abundance feels like, and put yourself in those environments.

This is how you manifest your financial goals.

Fix your money mindset by attracting exactly what you want.

Once you begin to understand what a life of abundance looks like for you…

Start to visualise the goals, habits, and rituals that will get you there.

Secret 2: Form Habits and Rituals

It’s no secret that forming good habits help you stay on track to reach your goals…

But before we dive in, you need to figure out your “why.”

Start by answering 2 key questions:

• What is my goal?

• Why is that my goal?

The “why” is super important because if you’re not emotionally attached to the outcome you’re creating…

You won’t care if you reach that goal or not…

You won’t prioritise the longevity needed to pursue that goal to the end.

And, if you’re already set up to give up… then the habits and rituals don’t matter much, do they?

Once you know your “why,” you can start building habits to reach your financial goals.

And one of those habits is the daily visualisation of your goals.

When I had no money, every single morning I’d write: “What does my future look like?”

And yes, write with a pen and a piece of paper.

I’d write my short-term and long-term goals as if they’d already happened:

• “I have $1 million sitting in the bank.”

• “I have a healthy, strong relationship with my partner.”

• “I have a successful business that is growing and expanding.”

The universe will give you everything you want, as fast as you want, and in the volume you desire…

As long as you believe and are open to receiving…

And ready to do the work to make it happen.

By making visualisation a daily habit, you will unlock the future you want.

And cultivate strong financial habits that align with your goals like budgeting, saving, and investing.

So, you have the tools to manifest your financial dreams, but now you have to embody it physically.

I'm talking about the habit of regular exercise.

When I was at my lowest point financially and mentally, I was also in the worst shape of my life.

When I was at my best, I was exercising for 60+ minutes every single day.

It might not seem like exercise is related to reaching your financial goals…

But it’s more about stress and anxiety management…

And the capacity to reach Flow State.

Physical exercise combined with the formation of a habit that keeps you focused, committed, and healthy…

Sets you up for success.

So, anyone can say, “I want to make $1 million.”

But the people who actually make it?

Are the ones who build healthy habits and rituals — and stick to them.

Secret 3: Learn a High-Value Skill

Test-driving a Lamborghini and writing out your goals is all well and good.

But if your brain isn’t hard-wired to do the work…

You’ll never reach your financial goals.

You have to start “doing the work,” but you also need to face a hard truth:

You don’t have the skills you need to reach your goals right now.

And I say that from experience.

When I started as a business owner…

I knew nothing about marketing or real estate.

If I relied on the knowledge I started with — which was zero — I would have failed.

I didn’t have the skills to succeed…

But I didn’t get discouraged.

Because I trusted myself to learn them.

And I got to work.

The first step is to identify the high-value, in-demand skills that will increase your earning potential.

For me, it was sales and marketing.

I love sales as a high-value skill because for me, it’s a surprisingly profound concept…

It’s bigger than being “good” at asking people for money.

Sales is about helping people get out of their own way…

To become the best versions of themselves…

To see a better, more effective way of doing something.

If you’re strapped for cash like I was, you might feel a resistance to prioritising learning a skill.

“I barely have money to eat, how can I spend money on building a skill?”

I get it — trust me, I do.

But when you’re trying to make your first million dollars…

You are the investment with the highest ROI.

Constantly learning and growing to become the best version of yourself is something that will never decrease in value.

So, with whatever money you have…

Pay for the necessities, then invest every spare cent you’ve got in yourself.

Invest in opportunities to:

Build, refine, and update your skills.

• Focus on areas of personal development.

• Transform yourself from who you are to who you want to be.

If you combine continuous self-improvement with continuous learning…

You will always add value to the marketplace.

But you need to create value through personal development and skill-building first.

Secret 4: Focus on Solving a Problem

As I said before, the best path to success is helping people become the best versions of themselves.

But when it comes to business, you need to do that strategically.

Put aside what you think people want… and find out what they actually want.

Look at your target audience and consider the following questions from their perspective:

• What problems are they having?

• What value can I add?

• How can I help solve their problem?

When considering your service, think about the size of the problem you’re solving.

The bigger the problem you solve…

The more value you will add.

This is where your commitment to education and self-development comes in.

Your newly acquired, high-value skill could be the solution your audience needs.

That’s exactly what I did with my company, Dashdot.

Dashdot helps people build scalable property portfolios…

But I didn’t choose real estate because it sounded “fun.”

I tried to buy a property myself and lost a bunch of money.

I made a lot of mistakes.

And I felt like that shouldn’t have happened.

So, to avoid making even more mistakes, I committed to learning the skills I needed to succeed.

I learned high-value skills like due diligence, negotiation, and running numbers…

Pretty soon, I got really good at it, then people started finding their way to me… asking me to help them avoid the same disaster I found myself in.

And that’s how Dashdot was born.

If you put people at the centre of everything you do, you will have greater longevity in business and in building wealth.

There’s no shortage of benefits from helping others.

Secret 5: Know Your Numbers

I attribute my success to self-development, learning, and helping others.

But another secret deserves the spotlight, too…

Knowing your numbers.

“Now hang on a sec…You want me to write out things like, ‘I have a million bucks in my bank account’...”

Then look at my empty bank account?”

… sort of, yeah.

The universe works in a dichotomy where everything “is” and “is not” simultaneously.

We want our finances to exist in the same “is” and “is not” dichotomy.

So yes, visualise your dream bank account balance and write it out every single morning.

But also take the time to consistently review ALL your numbers.

If you run a business, that means things like:

• Analysing key financial metrics like revenue, overheads and profit margins…

• Reviewing your marketing funnel and conversion rates along the way...

• Auditing your client experience metrics for signs that everyone is happy…

If you’re not looking at the cold, hard data on a regular basis…

How can you know if your goals are within reach?

Simple: you can’t.

To this day, I still look at our numbersdaily.

I always want to know:

• Are things going up?

• Are they going down?

• What can I do about what I see?

Build this muscle now.

Become obsessed with your numbers, and looking for trends…

Then watch your success soar.

Secret 6: Discipline and Focus

Show up and do the damn thing.

Because discipline and focus will bring you success.

So, take what we’ve learned, and sprinkle discipline and focus into the mix.

Fix your money mindset…

But remember embracing abundance is bigger than the shiny Lamborghini.

Form habits and rituals…

But don’t give up on the days you’re tired or unmotivated.

Learn high-value skills…

But commit to professional development on a regular basis.

Focus on helping people…

But consistently remind yourself that people are more important than profit.

Know your numbers…

But don’t give up visualisation at the expense of data-informed decisions.

Self-discipline is one of the greatest contributors to my transformation.

My accomplishment of turning nothing into my first $1 million (and now over $20 million)…

My ability to grow a successful, impactful business…

My consistent schedule and daily practices for growth.

At the end of the day, the idea behind self-discipline is simple.

When things get tough — remember your goals and keep going.

No matter what happens…

Then reassess, come up with new goals, and start again.

That’s how you make your first million.

The Payoff

When it comes to reaching a goal like making your first million, there’s one thing that delays success...

Patience.

… or a lack thereof.

People want instant gratification…

But making your first million — and every million after that — doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s playing the long game.

The more work you put in, the more you’re going to enjoy that sweet, sweet success on the other side.

Making your first million is hard work, and I’m not saying that to scare you.

I want to encourage you.

It’s a tough journey, but beauty is only ever in contrast.

Once you see that first million, and reflect on the work that got you there…

You’ll understand the process is worth the payoff.

And the payoff, I promise, is so fucking sweet.

Stay awesome, stay powerful.

P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done. If you’re interested in learning how I came from rock bottom to create a life I’m proud of, you’ll want to listen.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

4. Join The Waitlist: We’re creating an exclusive online community of 6, 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs seeking to become citizens of the world and achieve self-actualisation through business, lifestyle design, and personal evolution. I think you’ll love it: The Nomad Entrepreneur Network

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.

“Goose went from being a homeless guy to a very successful human being. And a lot of that came from his sobriety”.

This is how Danni Carr described my journey, when she interviewed me on the ‘How I Quit Alcohol’ podcast.

The way she phrased it really stuck with me…

“His success came from his sobriety.”

Now overall, I think she’s right.

If I was still stuck in the grip of addiction, I doubt you’d be reading this.

I doubt I’d be anywhere close to where I am now.

But the reason why I’m living my dream life, is bigger than the decision to get sober.

It’s more impactful than abstaining from drinking and doing drugs.

I didn’t change my life by becoming sober.

The decision to become sober changed my life.

Powerful Decisions

It started with a series of realisations.

Realisations about my behaviour that… didn’t feel great.

“Hmm, I feel pretty shit after drinking”

“I spent how many hours hungover today?!”

“My partying is bleeding into my relationships and business…”

Making that decision was like a lightning bolt.

A powerful force that split my life into two distinct phases…

“Before” quitting alcohol, and “after” quitting alcohol.

Before & After

For those who don’t know, I used to be a very different person…

I used to run music festivals and be fueled by vodka and cocaine.

The “before” phase of my life was a time when I felt like I was the best…

The best at partying.

The best at taking drugs.

The best at getting shitfaced.

But it wasn’t who truly I was.

I didn't know it at the time because I was in too deep…

But I’d lost my personal identity.

I was making bad decisions, one after the other…

Decisions to avoid:

• Boredom.

• Difficult self-reflection.

• Hard conversations.

• Living my dream life.

Now, I’m living the “after” phase of my life.

What changed?

I took control of my personal narrative.

I made a decision…

A decision to change the trajectory of my life.

To decide that I deserved to see what “after” could look like for me.

One single decision held the power to transform my entire life…

That’s the power decisions have.

And not just for me.

Decisions hold the same power for you…

If you let them.

The Weight of the Status Quo

In the “before” phase of my life, I forfeited the power of decision-making.

I spent day after day, night after night doing the same thing…

The same self-destructive, limiting behaviours…

The same shit that kept me anchored to a life I didn’t truly want.

And I bet you’re feeling that same pull...

Wanting to move forward, but feeling stuck.

That anchor, the one preventing you from escaping your “before”?

It’s your Status Quo.

It’s your invisible boundary that’s keeping you in the “before” phase of your life.

Not because it’s fulfilling…

But because it’s easy.

And you’re afraid to leave that comfort behind.

In my “before” phase, drugs and alcohol were no-brainers for that exact reason.

The choice I gave myself was either, “I could feel bored and unstimulated, or I could drink and feel good right now.”

So I always decided on the second option.

That ease…

That fear of change…

That’s what kept me tethered to the Status Quo…

And that’s exactly what’s keeping you stuck.

When you decide to stick to your daily habits because it’s easier… You’re deciding to stay in the “before.”

But you don’t have to.

Even if you’re afraid to do it…

You have the power to change your life.

To make life-changing decisions.

To pivot your life 180 degrees.

And the decision to seize those opportunities…

Can change everything.

Pivot Points

The opportunity to make better decisions is what propels us forward.

But sometimes it’s hard to recognize that an opportunity even is an opportunity.

Take the realisations I had before I quit alcohol for example.

They didn’t feel awesome.

They were hard pills to swallow.

And they only came after I hit what felt like rock bottom, which made things feel worse.

But, in hindsight, I know those realisations were signals…

Signals that something wasn’t right…

The realisations I had — and the ones you might be having now, too — aren’t random thoughts.

They’re not fleeting thoughts that what you’re doing is destructive.

They’re not nagging concerns that you’re wasting your days away.

They’re the opportunities you’re looking for.

An opportunity to do something different…

To make a change…

To decide that it’s time for something new.

But be warned:

Seizing the opportunities to change your life doesn’t come without challenges.

Fear…

Discomfort…

Harsh self-reflection…

So, you have another decision to make.

Are the hurdles worth the change you want to see?

Are you ready to take them on?

I hope you say yes.

The Hurdles

So, was my decision to quit alcohol worth it?

Absolutely.

But I’d be lying if I said it wasn't hard as hell.

Before I was constantly surrounded by stimuli.

Noise, lights, music, substances…

Instant gratification…

I was always “on.”

Always distracted by something… even if it wasn’t good for me.

So, when I quit… I committed to quitting that stimulation, too.

And quitting that stimulation — whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or some other distraction — you send a shockwave through your system.

A shockwave that brings you down from the “high” really fast.

The substance-induced smile wears off…

The meaningless distractions come to an end…

The thoughts you’ve been pushing down creep up…

And, with no artificial stimulus to lean on, you’re left with a single realisation.

“I’m not actually happy.”

And it hits you like a ton of bricks.

When you’re in the “before” phase, you don’t think about whether or not you’re really happy.

You’re riding the wave, comfortable and safe in your artificial bubble.

It’s a crutch.

A crutch that stops you from accessing the “after” phase of your life.

But it comes with tough decisions…

“Do I want to pick the easy route? Stay in this false happiness? Pretend everything is okay?”

Or…

“Do I want to fully experience what life can offer me? The life I’ve been missing?”

Then, make the decision to remove the crutch (whatever it may be)…

Leave behind that artificial bullshit you’ve been leaning on…

And start reflecting on the life you actually want…

That’s when true happiness will permeate into your life.

So, that decision you made there?

To finally experience true happiness?

Keep making that decision.

No matter how hard it is — and it’s going to be hard — keep showing up.

For yourself, for your business, for your family.

For your “after.”

You’ll begin to see that the benefits of your decisions are beyond your wildest expectations.

The Payoff

As you’re reading this newsletter, I’m living in my “after” phase.

I’m enjoying everything I’ve learned over the years…

All based on one single decision.

In the past, I struggled to manage my old business because my focus was always somewhere else.

Now I don’t share my focus with substances anymore… and my current business is booming.

In the past, I turned to partying and alcohol to keep me stimulated.

Now I don’t use artificial stimulation to challenge myself… and I’m better for it.

In the past, I had a decision to make.

And because of the decision I made for myself…

I’m now living my dream life.

If you’re stuck in the “before” phase of your life, there’s only one way forward…

Only one way to find your “after” and live the life you’ve always wanted…

Decisions.

So… why not start now?

Today, I challenge you to decide.

To make the decision, and commit to:

• Asking yourself, What Do I Want? And start making a list. Give yourself permission to get it wrong.

• Identifying how the Status Quo is holding you back, and challenging the “why.”

• Reframing your approach to discomfort, seeing it as a pathway to growth rather than a feeling to avoid.

It’s a lot to do… and it’s a lot to think about.

But making the decision is where it all starts.

And…

On the other side of that decision?

Is the life that you’ve been waiting for.

What you’ve been missing.

What you’ve been craving.

Location Independence. Financial Freedom. Self-Actualisation.

A better business. A better life. A better you.

I’m living proof that you can change your life through the power of a single decision.

All you have to do?

Make that decision.

Stay awesome, stay powerful.

P.S. I’d love to know… What decision have you been avoiding?

P.P.S: Whenever you’re ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

1. Advice On Starting Your Business: A powerful Youtube video where I answered a reader’s question on how to start a successful business.

2. 'How I Quit Alcohol' Podcast: Here’s the conversation that sparked this newsletter. One of my favourite interviews I’ve ever done.

3. Follow me on IG: Get bite-sized video content and behind-the-scenes of my nomad entrepreneur life

4. Join The Waitlist: We’re creating an exclusive online community of 6, 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs seeking to become citizens of the world and achieve self-actualisation through business, lifestyle design, and personal evolution. I think you’ll love it: The Nomad Entrepreneur Network

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.