It was a year ago today when I realized my life was completely directionless.
I was coming off a college semester in which I failed most of my classes — yet again.
Alcohol was destroying every aspect of my life.
And I knew if I didn’t make changes, I would die...
[MY STORY]
The first thing I did was admit to myself that anything and everything that’s happened to me thus far was entirely my fault.
I chose to escape the stresses of college through alcohol.
I allowed alcohol to destroy my relationships.
I chose to let my mental health go to shit.
This was liberating in the fact that I realized I did have control over my reality — I just wasn’t doing myself any favors.
So I did a quick assessment of my situation:
- No degree
- No money
- Broken family relationships
- Broken friendships
This was going to be hard...
The first thing I needed to do was end was my relationship with alcohol.
In order for me to move forward with my life, there could be no relationship.
I enrolled myself in an IOP program to get support.
I also read Ed's book, which helped tremendously.
As an alcoholic, I can’t control my intake.
After one drink, I turn into Frank the Tank — but in the worst way possible.
I drink until I blackout, and as you can imagine, that leads to a lot of issues.
Putting the bottle down for good was a must.
I also knew I needed to fix my mental health.
Alcohol had broken me down to a shell of the confidant man I used to be — and I couldn’t stand it.
I started taking medication for my anxiety disorder.
I started a rigorous lifting routine.
I started eating right and getting an adequate amount of sleep each night.
I took lessons in Jiu Jitsu to learn discipline.
I began reading more.
I also began auditing my social circle, rigorously cutting out people who I knew could deter me from my current path.
I was a man on a mission with a singular goal: To kill my past self and unlock my true potential.
Once I had my routine in order, I knew I needed a plan to make money.
Anyone who says money doesn’t buy happiness doesn’t have money.
And this is where online business comes in...
SEO was always my thing growing up. I started doing it when I was 15 and was very good at it.
With no degree, I knew that was only option for money — and I had no problem with it because I enjoyed it.
So I went on the hunt for a job...
I didn’t necessarily want a 9-5 job but I knew a job at an agency would perfect my skill set and teach me how to manage clients.
And so, despite not having a degree, my experience helped me land a job at a local SEO agency.
I worked the job for around 9-months and slowly started taking on clients of my own on the side.
When I got the value I needed out of the company, I transitioned to a role as Digital Marketing Specialist for another company to make more money.
Keep in mind, during this duration I always had clients of my own on the side — I was just waiting for the right moment to leave the 9-5 behind and work for myself.
I wanted to make sure my mind, body and spirit were fixed from the disaster I had imposed on them.
That “right time” ended up being today.
Today I put in my two weeks notice at my current job, then signed that company as yet another client of mine.
I now make 6-figures working for myself at 23, and am in a far better place physically and mentally than I was a year ago.
So why am I telling you this?
To show you that it’s possible to climb out of the depths of hell and get on the right track.
Am I totally where I want to be right now?
No. But, that’s okay — because I know I’m on the right path.
And you can be too.
You just need a plan.
By Keval Shah
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