Ever felt stuck? Like you're watching life pass by from your parent's basement? That was me at 24. No money, no plan, just a nagging feeling that there had to be more to life than this. If you're nodding along, stick with me. This story might just change your life.
The Wake-Up Call
Growing up in rural England, big dreams were about as welcome as rain on a picnic. "Get a normal job," they said. So I did. And let me tell you, it sucked the life out of me faster than a vampire at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
I craved freedom. Adventure. The chance to work on cool projects and meet amazing people. But how? I was broke, living at home, with no clue where to start.
Tim Ferriss To The Rescue
Then I found it. Tim Ferriss's "The 4-Hour Work Week." This book hit me like a freight train of inspiration. Suddenly, I saw a way out. A path to the life I dreamed of.
But here's the kicker – ideas are great, but they're just 1% of the journey. The rest? Pure hustle.
Swinging To The Next Vine
I needed cash flow, and fast. Real estate seemed perfect. At least compared to all my other failed ideas- penny stocks to granite wholesaling- you name it, I tried it. Thing is, I didn't know anything about real estate.
So I did what any sensible person would do. I begged, borrowed, and scraped together every penny I had to join a mastermind group of successful property investors.
Picture this: Me, a fresh-faced 24-year-old, in a room full of seasoned pros. Talk about feeling like a fish out of water.
Find The People
But then I met Harry. Young, hungry, and nearly as clueless as me. We teamed up, ready to take on the world (or at least buy half of London).
We sent hundreds of letters. Made tons of calls. Most people laughed us out of their offices. But we kept going.
The First Deal
(Ikea overwhelm)
Then it happened. Our first property. A rundown 5-bed townhouse that needed more TLC than a neglected houseplant.
We were in way over our heads. But you know what? We figured it out. Day by day, problem by problem.
Finally, we brought it to life, ready to rent out.
Then COVID hit and Boris told everyone to stay home. You couldn't make it up.
So while everyone moved out of London, our growth plans were put on hold.
The coming weeks felt like years.
Then the phone rang. "Want to take over a 20-unit property portfolio?"
My heart stopped. This was it. The moment every late night, every rejection, every setback had prepared me for.
I took a calculated risk that at some point, the pandemic would pass and London would be thriving again.
The finished look:
One-Way Ticket To Mexico
Now, I'm managing that portfolio. Living the life I once only dreamed about. Freedom, adventure, being my own boss – it's all real.
A Different Path
Here's the thing: I'm not special. I'm just a guy who refused to settle. Who took a chance on a crazy idea and kept showing up, even when it felt impossible.
A ton of doors have opened up since and I'm living a completely different life (that's a story for another day).
So, what's holding you back? That dream that keeps you up at night? It's waiting for you. But you've got to take that first step.
Find your inspiration. (Mine was a book. What's yours?)
Take action. Just start with what you have.
Find the people. The right people can change everything.
Embrace discomfort. It's where the magic happens.
Keep showing up. Especially when it's hard.
We all gotta start somewhere. Don't worry about having it all figured out first- that feeling never comes.
(Attempting to kiteboard in Mexico)