In today's age of instant gratification, it's tempting to believe that the key to happiness and success lies in the latest gadget, the most luxurious car, or the loftiest of degrees. Yet, I've come to realize that buying your freedom isn't as out of reach as many might suggest. In fact, it's entirely attainable, and it starts with understanding the true cost of our choices.

I remember the allure of flashy advertisements and peer pressure pushing me towards the latest trends, convincing me that these material possessions would bring joy and fulfillment. However, diving headfirst into consumer debt and student loans without a clear strategy is, for lack of a better word, foolish. It's easy to get swept up in the promise of a better life, but we must question: at what cost?

Consider this: being in debt for a shiny new car is entirely different from being in debt for your business. With the former, the value depreciates the moment you drive off the lot, leaving you with monthly installments for an asset that's losing its worth. Meanwhile, investing in your business, even if it requires taking on some debt, has the potential to yield returns and grow in value. Here, your debt becomes an investment in your future, rather than a chain holding you back.

In our digital age, the power of the internet cannot be understated. The world's knowledge is at our fingertips, waiting to be unlocked. However, with this information overload, the true challenge arises: who can filter through the noise, curate this vast sea of data, and transform it into a valuable package? Those who can not only absorb but also teach and share this information with others are the ones who will lead the future.

On my journey, I stumbled upon a simple yet profound tool: the notecard to-do list. It might seem old-school in our tech-driven world, but the tangible act of writing down my goals and tasks, and then physically crossing them off, has been transformative. It's a daily reminder of my path, keeping me grounded and focused amidst the distractions.

Throughout history, tales of golden shackles have served as cautionary tales. They speak of individuals adorned with the finest jewels and luxuries, yet imprisoned by their own choices. The man who actively seeks to buy his freedom, who invests wisely, and who takes informed risks will always come out ahead. In contrast, the one bound by the allure of temporary pleasures, wearing those golden shackles, remains trapped in a gilded cage.

I've always been fascinated by the simplicity and complexity of life. The more I delve into its intricacies, the more I realize that life, at its core, is binary. Everything, and I mean everything, comes down to zeros and ones. These two numbers can represent the most basic, yet profound, truths of our existence.

Imagine two distinct camps. In one camp, you have the ones that do. These are the individuals who wake up each day, fueled by passion, and take action. Their belief systems are strong, but their actions resonate even louder. They understand that faith without works is essentially dead. Having faith or belief in something is only half the equation; acting on that faith is what brings it to life.

On the other side, you have the ones who make excuses. They might believe in dreams and aspirations, but they let fear, doubt, and external factors hinder their progress. Their faith remains dormant because they don't complement it with action.

Consider the concept of momentum, especially when it comes to achieving goals. Think of a snowball perched at the top of a hill. At its inception, it's small and seemingly insignificant. However, as it begins to roll down the hill, it gathers more snow, becoming larger and faster with each passing second. This snowball effect perfectly illustrates the power of momentum. Just like that snowball, our actions, no matter how small, can build upon one another, propelling us forward at an exponential rate. If we remain stagnant, we're like that snowball that never gets pushed – full of potential but lacking kinetic energy.

The key to harnessing this momentum lies in the decisions we make daily. The most powerful tool a man has nowadays is not the latest gadget or app, but a simple to-do list. Writing down our tasks, both big and small, gives us clarity and a roadmap to follow. It's a tangible representation of our goals, and each time we cross something off that list, we gain a sense of accomplishment and inch closer to our dreams.

A principle I've always tried to live by is this: “All tasks that can be done within 5 minutes, should be done immediately to prevent procrastination.” It's easy to put off small tasks, thinking we'll get to them later. But these tasks accumulate, and before we know it, they've transformed into a mountain of work. By tackling them head-on, we not only clear our plate but also gain the momentum to take on bigger challenges.

Ever since my early days, I've heard countless metaphors that describe the importance of teamwork. But none resonated with me more than the phrase: "A captain without a crew is useless." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of networking in our modern, interconnected economy. I remember my first managerial position, where I was handed the reins to a project and given the title of 'Manager' Initially, the excitement was palpable. The thought of leading, making crucial decisions, and steering the ship towards success was thrilling. But soon, I realized that without a dedicated, skilled, and harmonious crew, my title and the ship itself were meaningless. I could give orders all day, but without a team to execute them, we wouldn't move an inch.

Similarly, in today's rapidly evolving economy, being a lone wolf, no matter how skilled or experienced, just doesn't cut it. The digital age has brought about a seismic shift in how businesses operate. The emphasis now is not just on what you know, but who you know. And more importantly, who knows you. Let's talk about networking, shall we?

The Power of Connections Networking isn't just about collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. It's about forging genuine relationships with individuals who can provide insights, guidance, and opportunities. Early in my career, I underestimated the power of these connections. But as I delved deeper into projects, I realized that knowing the right person could open doors that I didn't even know existed.

Diverse Crews Bring Richer Solutions Just like a ship's crew comprises individuals with various skills – navigators, engineers, deckhands – a robust professional network includes experts from diverse fields. Connecting with people from different industries and backgrounds has often provided me with fresh perspectives on challenges I thought were insurmountable.

Continual Learning in a Dynamic World The modern economy is characterized by its dynamism. What's relevant today might become obsolete tomorrow. In such an environment, a vast and active network serves as a lifeline. It allows for the free flow of information, ensuring that you're always in the loop about the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities.

Mutual Growth and Support Networking isn't a one-way street. While you benefit from your connections, you also have a wealth of experience and insights to offer. This mutual exchange fosters an environment of growth, support, and collaboration. In my journey, I've been both a mentee and a mentor, and both roles have enriched my professional life immensely.

11:46pm

It’s quite late.

I wanted to sit down and type something today, but for whatever reason, I didn’t. So now I’m in this moment at the tail end of the night, finally putting my fingers on the keyboard.

I’m getting way more comfortable remembering information like dates and such. The reason I bring that up is that I missed Raw on Monday, but still wanted to sit down to report on the status of Brock Lesnar in the company. Hell in a Cell ended in such controversy that something had to be said about his return/future. After a few YouTube videos on the WWE channel, I felt I was properly prepared to sit down and speak to a camera.

Practice makes perfect they say.

With the idea of all that being fine and dandy, a problem still remains… I think my cat has fleas. Letting her out on the porch to enjoy some good weather wasn't supposed to bite me in the ass…literally. Now I’m scrambling to figure out a solution.

Vacuum the house 1000x - check

Buy a flea collar then read HORRIBLE reviews about it online - check (don’t worry I didn’t/wouldn’t put it on her. Actually I wanna see if I can get a refund.)

Douse her in Apple Cider Vinegar - check

It’s time to call Ghostbusters…

So…. the ending to last nights main event…

Yea, that was kinda rough, but hey let’s see where it goes.

Is Brock back full time? Is he still going to fight in the UFC early next year?

So I filmed 2 videos for the YouTube channel this weekend, but because I don't want to risk not putting a video out, I’m going to just release one each Friday. Still, haven't decided the time I want to post it yet. 9am like before? Idk…but regardless I’m very hyped with the direction that channel is heading.

To give a basic outline of what this new series “LIFE or something like it” entails, it is a skit version of my current life journey. The chronicles of a young man trying to break into the world of professional wrestling broadcasting. So footage from CZW, my social media posts, and all the behind the scenes stuff will be included. It’s all going to be wrapped neatly in the presentation of a skit so it’s nice and short.

Getting back into the swing of pulling out a camera and trying to frame shots is definitely an adjustment from sitting on my couch to binge-watch Netflix, but it’s the price I have to pay for disappearing.

So for whatever reason yesterday I figured I wanted to write a blog post. (which you see I am doing again)

From that little writing experiment, I came out with more clarity on what kind of content I wanted to put on my youtube channel. Which is funny because I look at the post as a way of me complaining. Regardless, rising out of the ashes of a Tumblr post, an idea was spawned. A new series called “LIFE or something like it”

The concept I’m pulling the trigger on is parodying my real life. A way to mix making skits, while logging my personal journey and conquests along the way.

Hmmm…. another day, another idea…

Maybe I should go back to filming skits, maybe I should keep pushing forward with this journalist thing, maybe I should Vlog me complaining about everything, maybe maybe maybe…

This plague of constantly having different ideas, and conflicting opinions, is a brand new feeling to me. This year has been quite the doozy, with my mind constantly not being able to stick to one thing. I can make excuses and blame it on certain events but at the end of the day… an excuse is simply that, an excuse.