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At the age of 26 I was basically homeless.

Not technically, but I might as well have been…

I had just quit my retail management job (that I hated) and I was living on my brother’s couch.

I had just gotten out of a long term relationship and believed that I would never find love again.

I had enjoyed my college years but, with my liberal arts degree, had very little to show for it.

By all metrics, I was a complete failure.

I was starting my first business and had almost no money.

I was in debt, living on credit cards, and getting offers from the Federal Government for food stamps.

The funny thing was… It didn’t get much better.

Two years later, after building a substantial following that would be considered a “Legit” business, I went to an ATM to withdraw $20.

And had the transaction declined.

I had a podcast with millions of downloads where I’d recently interviewed Gary Vee.

I had thousands of subscribers in my email list and about ten thousand followers on Facebook.

And I had $14.67 to my name.

I went home and cried into my pillow wondering what the hell I was going to do.

I almost gave up that night.

I almost quit my business and applied for a corporate 9–5.

I almost gave up on my dreams.

But I didn’t…

I decided to make a change.

I’ll tell you exactly what I did in just a minute but first I want to fast forward to today so that you can see the results.

Now, instead of living on my brother’s couch I live 3 blocks away from Pacific Beach in San Diego.

My business generates 7-figures of revenue each year. I have a team of badass employees that I work with. I love what I do for a living and wake up each day excited to get to work.

I’m dating a beautiful yoga instructor and have an amazing relationship.

I’ve got an awesome social circle and more love and support than I ever thought I would experience.

My health is better than it’s ever been, I have the body of my dreams, and my depression is long gone.

Life works now.

It wasn’t easy to get here, but it’s a helluva lot easier than staying miserable and living a life that you hate for the next 5 years.

So with that long-winded introduction out of the way (sorry but I felt that it was necessary to give you some backstory)…

Here’s what I would tell myself if I had to go back in time to my 26 year old self.

(Note: This response has been written assuming that for you, the fastest way to turn your life around is by taking ownership ).

1. Take Your Health Seriously

Your metabolism slows as you age making it VITAL that you take care of your health now.

Eat 80% whole foods, more greens, drink plenty of clean water, supplement wisely and go to the gym at least 4 times a week.

Once a week sprint until you sweat like you’re running for your life.

2. Save and Invest 20%

Consider this an additional 20% tax from uncle Sam.

Put aside 10% of every paycheck into an opportunity fund and the other 10% into a low risk/high yield index fund or something similar. When the market crashes you’ll have cash to buy assets at a massive discount. This is how average people can become wealthy.

3. Educate Yourself Daily

Seriously, every day for at least 30 minutes read books, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, take online courses, talk to mentors.

You won’t regret it.

4. Start Sleeping 8 Hours+ A Night

You do not get more done with less sleep because you end up doing more average work.

You will perform at least 70% better than you normally do.

Try to be in bed by 11 p.m. and awake between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. depending on your needs (if you are active you will need more sleep).

Blackout the room, turn off all screens and devices by 9 p.m., drink a cup of hot water with 1 Tbsp honey and 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar. Goodnight…

Your life will never be the same.

5. Get a Coach

It might seem kinda weird at first, but having a men’s coach helped me accelerate my life, relationships and business in ways that I can’t even count.

Regardless of your current level of success, you NEED a coach to help you identify your blindspots, spot opportunities, and ensure that you stay accountable during your late 20’s so that you enjoy your 30’s.

All the things you procrastinated on in your 20s you will pay for your in your 30s and beyond.

6. Take it Easy on Yourself

10,000 years ago, simply making it to 26 years old would be considered a massive “Success”.

Today, you aren’t a “Success” unless you have a super model wife, 7-figure bank account, and a body like Adonis.

This is a load of crap.

You aren’t doing as badly as you think and you can always do better than you realize.

Learn to relax and take it easy on yourself, love yourself, and take care of yourself. Enjoy the present moment otherwise you’ll miss it all.

7. Stop Listening to Broke Unhappy People

Unless you want to learn what not to do, stop listening to broke unhappy people.

Even if they are your friends or family.

If they don’t have the results you want in life then of course show respect but move on and do what you want to do anyways.

8. Give Up the Major Vices

In your 20’s, you can smoke cigarettes, pound the booze, snort lines, and huff who knows what and wake up the next day and hit the gym strong in the morning. As you break into your late 20’s this is no longer the case.

Not only is your body no longer able to take the same abuse that it once could, but you are significantly increasing your risk for a premature death if you engage in these vices on a regular basis.

If you want to have a sip of bourbon with some friends or the occasional smoke, let it be. If it becomes a part of your daily lifestyle then you will certainly limit your potential and have regrets in your 30s.

But if you are a slave to any substance or bad habit it needs to get cut out NOW.

9. Quit Doing Stuff You Hate

Look, life is too damn short to constantly spend it doing things that you hate.

You are not your income.
You are not your relationship.
You are not your past mistakes.

If you hate your job, relationship, or city… Change it. Find the lessons, learn from them and don’t look back.

10. Be Present

The WORST thing you can do with your 20’s is what so many people do with their 30’s.

They go through this amazing decade of their lives without actually enjoying it.

They are constantly trying to get to the next thing in search of happiness and eventually they wake up old and dying only to realize that they never truly lived.

Don’t let this be you.

11. Embrace your Mortality

You’re just 1 doctors visit away from a diagnoses that could severely limit your lifespan or quality of life. We are all victim to this disease we share called being human and there is no escaping it. So while we are here (and don’t actually know for how long) live your life in the best way possible that is alignment with your values and what you want out of this beautiful experience we call life.

I’ll leave you with a poem that I love from Chief Tecumseh

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

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