What’s the most powerful step you can take with a new business idea, paying off debt, or any other goal in your 20s? LAUNCH SOMETHING RIGHT AWAY! Do something ASAP.
“The American dream: Keep your head down, follow instructions, show up on time, work hard, suck it up.” — Seth Godin
I want to see you launch something or do something drastic within 30 days that will motivate you to work harder, make more money, build your savings, and pay off debt.
That scenario highlighted with the quote sucks. Sadly, it’s all too common.
The story is always the same. You wish and you wish and you wish some more. You wish that things could be different. You wish that you had less debt. You wish that you could start working out. You just wish and wish.
My story is no different…
I used to always suck at launching and doing. I would wait around for things to be perfect. Now I just go. I don’t wait. I just start.
For example, earlier this year I signed up for a 5k and 10k — with no experience! I showed up at the races nervous as hell. I didn’t die. I survived. Sure, I was sore for a long time, but I have two nice medals and a couple of sweet t-shirts to show for it.
I suck at design and all sorts of stuff. I’m not technical at all. I’m just decent at launching and doing things. Maybe because I’ve been making a fool out of myself for years, I just don’t care.
What’s the problem here? Talent and intelligence are great. But they’re more of a bonus. Taking action trumps at all.
You’ll never pay off your debt if you don’t make that first move. It’s easy to talk about doing stuff, to read online articles, and to spend hours on Facebook. It’s scary (and rewarding) to actually do something. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student in college or a student at your new job. The same logic applies. With that being said, I must admit that this post isn’t for everyone. Some folks are content with their jobs, their situation, or where they are. Not me. I’m never happy. I always want more.
How the hell can you do something different?
I want to help you launch. I want to see you launch something or just do something.
No false promises! I don’t believe in quitting your job to follow your passions. I know that we don’t live in some utopian society. I do know that getting things done is easier than ever before. There are many financial risks worth taking.
What you can expect from launching something?
No more “what ifs.”
That’s no way to live life.
You see, reading articles is great. It’s a great way to kill time. But you’re not really getting anything done. Last week I shared my best material on how to start freelancing. Some readers thanked me for it. Others told me they would act on it. The harsh reality is that maybe one or two people max will actually use the information and start freelancing.
Why? Because it’s fun to read articles. I suggest that if you want to have fun, you buy GTA V and walk around shooting people with a rocket launcher in your parent’s basement. If you want to reach actionable goals, then this is the site for you.
What should you launch or do?
That’s for you to decide. Common actionable goals that I’ve helped students achieve:
- Pay off $10,000 in credit card debt.
- Make an extra $5k in the summer through freelancing.
- Pick the right student credit card.
- Decide to buy or rent.
- Help with starting an online business.
Those are just a few of the examples. I take pride in helping you.
I have a cool treat coming for you.
Here’s my assignment to you: start working towards something!
The trick is that it has to be something actionable. If you want to work on your debt, start right now. If you want to learn a new language, download Duolingo and stop making excuses. If you want to feel sorry for yourself, then find another site to read.
I agree. Why wait if you have a great idea or something you want to accomplish? Utilizing that energy when we have it is a great way to get more done in a shorter time frame.
Exactly. Waiting is the worst thing in the world. We all feel that we need to be better prepared. The truth is that we’ll never be fully prepared for opportunities.
I agree with you. Your articles have helped me. I was wanting to start a blog for the longest time. The other day, I read your article on overcoming fear. I did it. Launched the blog, and even wrote a post. Scared me half to death, but I realized it was possible. Thanks for writing the articles.
Thanks Raven. Thanks for applying the fears and overcoming your fears. Let me know if I can help in any way.
True, taking that first step is very important because if we wait too long we will never succeed. I started my online clothing store when I was 20 and today its running successfully and at the age of 18 I started freelancing and till today it is my primary source of income. I didn’t think of the consequences at the time, I just acted on my impulses immediately.
Congrats. I always love to hear stories like that. That first step is the most important one.