Ten years from now, make sure you can say you built a business that worked for you…not one you were stuck in.

Your results are up to you. Education alone doesn’t create success - your effort, application, and execution do. No guarantees, just opportunities for those willing to put in the work.

Visionaries,

Because we choose bold over boring and because we refuse to waste away in comfort zones that reek of burnt coffee and stale ambition…

You, Visionaries, are daring, resourceful, and unstoppable. Settling isn’t in your DNA. You don’t just want stability - you crave freedom, growth, and a business (and life) designed entirely on your terms.

The real pain? Looking back in ten years and realizing you played it safe, trading your potential for a paycheck. But you’re here - building through long nights, doubts, and setbacks - and that’s what makes you one of us. That’s why you belong here, you tenacious, big-dreaming trailblazer! Welcome!

If you’re one of us, keep reading.

Let’s talk about building a business that works for you, the hidden costs of staying stuck, and how to take the leap...(without losing your f-ing mind.)

Today in 5 Minutes or Less:

Escaping the Grind:

☑️ Your 9-5 might feel safe, but it’s not secure.

☑️ Business ownership gives you freedom, control, and growth on your terms.

☑️ The first step is the hardest, but it’s also where the magic happens.

What to do instead:

☑️ Shift your mindset: Believe in your ability, even when it’s messy and uncomfortable.

☑️ Think bigger: A paycheck has a ceiling. (Ownership doesn’t.) *Does the period go inside or outside the damn ( )?

☑️ Take the leap: The first step always teaches you the most.

Your future self is waiting...don’t leave them hanging.

Let's get to work!

Here are 6 ways to ensure your business becomes an asset - not a f-ing burden:

#1: Reclaim Your Time

Build systems that let your business run without you (as much as possible). Yes, that means you gotta have faith (the Limp Bizkit version, not George Michael...unless that’s your vibe).

Delegate what’s holding YOU back before YOU hold everything else back. You don’t have to do it all. (You’re the visionary, not the workhorse, remember?!?)

#2: Trust Your Vision

 If something feels misaligned, it probably is. Don’t ignore that gut feeling. Think of it as your business compass.

Say “yes” to the work that moves the needle, not the work that keeps you looking busy (we all know putting out small fires isn’t building an empire).

#3: Break Free From the Grind

Stop copying what everyone else is doing - it’s already been done.

Design a business that fits your goals and values. Then make sure your team, systems, and processes actually align with that vision. (Hint: If they don’t, you’ve got some tough conversations ahead. Have them and make the appropriate decision. It needs to happen!)

When I Quit My 9-5 (Twice) - Here’s What I Learned

The first time I left my 9-5, I thought I had it all figured out. I was excited, ready to announce my

next big move. I thanked my boss, gave heartfelt goodbyes to coworkers, and walked out feeling like I was stepping into my future.

(This was the photo I took that day as I left. I sent it in a text saying "I did it"

I thought I was so cool.)

But within a few months, I was back.

Crash and F-ing Burn 🔥🔥🔥

Ashamed. Defeated. And asking for my job back.

I knew I wanted more, I just wasn’t ready yet.

Fast forward to the second time I quit (yes, I went back). By then, it wasn’t excitement I felt...it was frustration. Micromanaging bosses. No room to grow. Despite adding value, improving my skills, and hitting ridiculous standards, I was stuck in the same role, earning the same limiting pay as last time.

It took being mistreated by staff, disrespected by customers, and outright threatened by my boss in front of a coworker...“You’re replaceable, David,” she said, for me to finally get it:

She was right. I was replaceable.

But outside that job? I was irreplaceable. And I knew it.

That’s when I stopped waiting for someone else to validate what was possible for me. I started trusting my own vision.

Let me tell you: trusting your vision when the world is betting against you is terrifying. It’s even harder when your own mind feels like it’s working against you.

I was managing a schizophrenia diagnosis and rebuilding from $100K in debt. Coming off medication wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to challenge myself in order to do it.

* Note: this is not medical advice. Just sharing a relevant story of my own.

So, I did the hard things:

• Exposure therapy to face all the self-talk bs.

• Discipline to focus on who I wanted to become, not who I was.

• Mental focus to prove that my circumstances didn’t define me - my choices did.

Here’s the truth no one tells you:

Leaving your 9-5 doesn’t magically make life easier.

But staying stuck in a life you don’t want? That’s f-ing harder.

Fear of fucking up isn’t a roadblock (it’s fuel.)

So if you’re scared of making the leap, let me ask you this: 

What’s scarier?

Failing?

...or waking up 10 years from now realizing you settled for less than what's possible for you?

Your future self isn’t waiting around for your boss to recognize your worth.

Your future is waiting for you to take the first step.

Make the leap. Trust your vision.

And hey...if you need a nudge, subscribe to The Visionary Brief for insights, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you take bold action.

Just click the link at the bottom of this post!

#4: Commit to Growth

Learn something new every day - about yourself, your team, and your market.

Stagnation is the death of a dream.

Push past what’s comfortable, because comfort zones are cute but they don’t pay the bills.

#5: Take Risks That Matter

 Playing it safe won’t lead to growth. You know that.

You’ve got to tear the muscle to build it.

Invest in strategies that scale your business, even if they feel scary.

If your stomach doesn’t flip a little, are you even risking enough?

#6: Build Intentionally

Align every single action with your vision for the future. Got people in the biz who don’t align with the goals, vision, or values? You already know what to do - so do it.

Create a business that gives you freedom, not a glorified 24/7 job.

Your future self will thank you for being bold today.

And tomorrow.

And the next day.

Ten years goes by faster than you think.

Make them count by building a business you can be proud of...and one that gives you the life you actually want.

Stop building a business that owns you.

Subscribe to The Visionary Brief  for bold insights, proven strategies, and mindset shifts to create a business that works for you (not the other way around.)

Your future self is waiting - don’t leave them hanging.

Subscribe to The Visionary Brief

P.S. In mid January, I will open up the "Mindset to Momentum" course. Pre-book your spot here.