It’s natural to look back & reflect at this time of year.
So I’ve picked out one of my old journals from the 1990s. Back then, I was a stay-at-home dad who – business-wise – didn’t have much going on.
But something changed when I started studying successful people. Because I discovered that high achievers all had one thing in common…
They don’t live “normal” lives.
The truth is, great success isn’t normal – that’s why successful people don’t do the regular things that everyone else does.
If you want success, normal won't get you there. You have to dare to be different…
A Stay-at-Home Dad's Journey
In the 90s, I was a stay-at-home dad. I had an incredible bond with my kids, being their primary caregiver for five or six years.
But financially, we were struggling. Making ends meet was tough. From the outside, it looked like I wasn’t doing much.
People probably thought, “He doesn’t have much going on.”
But behind the scenes, a transformation was happening. I started to study success & some lifestyle business examples.
I learned successful people didn’t follow the crowd. They had unique habits and routines.
This realization was the seed that grew into my successful lifestyle business.
The Turning Point
Here’s what changed everything: I started learning from successful people.
One of my early influences was Tony Robbins. I bought his “Personal Power II” CDs and started journaling my insights.
Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself coaching Tony Robbins on his business.
Talk about a full circle moment.
Why Tony Robbins?
Tony Robbins is a name synonymous with motivation and personal growth.
In the 90s, when I was struggling to make ends meet as a stay-at-home dad, Tony’s words were a lifeline. His “Personal Power II” CDs were not just audio lessons.
I remember vividly sitting at my kitchen table, headphones on, scribbling notes furiously in my journal. Those sessions felt like a personal mentorship, guiding me through the fog of uncertainty.
What Did I Learn From Successful People Like Tony?
They didn’t lead normal lives. They cultivated unique habits & practices that set them apart.
Successful people aren’t confined by the usual boundaries.
They wake up early, they plan, & they execute with precision.
Their routines are almost ritualistic, designed to maximize productivity and minimize distractions.
- Daily Journaling: Keeping a journal wasn’t just a record of events, it became a tool for reflection and planning. Every day, I’d write down my goals, my challenges, and my achievements. This practice helped me stay focused and motivated.
- Continuous Learning: The successful never stops learning. Whether it’s through books, seminars, or mentors, they are always seeking new knowledge. This continuous quest for improvement is what keeps them ahead of the curve.
- Networking: Surrounding yourself with like-minded, successful individuals is crucial. These connections offer support, advice, and new opportunities. Networking is not just about making contacts, it’s about building relationships that can propel you forward.
This led me to create my own principles & routines, which have evolved over time.
My Own Principles and Routines
From my immersion into the world of success, I began to carve out my path.
My routines were no longer about just getting through the day, they were about setting a foundation for long-term success.
This foundation is similar to what you see in successful lifestyle online business ventures today.
- Vision Creation: Every year, I take time to envision what I want to achieve. This vision isn't just about financial goals but includes aspects like health, relationships, and personal growth.
It's a holistic approach to success.
- No Compromise on Priorities: I learned that compromising on core values and priorities is a recipe for dissatisfaction.
Whether it’s spending time with family or maintaining my health, certain things are non-negotiable.
- Balanced Hustle: While hustle culture glorifies relentless work, I found that balance is key.
Working smart is just as important as working hard. Knowing when to push and when to rest ensures sustainable growth.
As I look back on these lessons and how they've shaped my journey, I'm reminded that success is a continuous evolution. The principles that started with Tony Robbins' CDs have grown into a lifestyle that encompasses a successful business, a happy family, and personal fulfillment.
Non-Negotiables: No Compromise
One thing that has remained constant is my refusal to compromise on my core values & goals.
I’m easygoing and accommodating in many situations, but when it comes to my success, there’s no compromise.
Success often requires sacrifices. Many people sacrifice their health, relationships, and community ties for financial gain.
But this isn’t sustainable. As my income grew beyond my wildest dreams—ten times bigger than my initial goals—my willingness to sacrifice key aspects of my life decreased.
Your Lifestyle Business Blueprint
Creating a vision is the first step. I craft a vision for all areas of my life:
Family & Relationships… I value deep, meaningful connections. This means being present, actively engaging, and cherishing the moments with loved ones. It’s about prioritizing those who matter most and making time for them, even if you have the busiest schedules.
Health & Fitness… I strive for top-tier health and athleticism. It’s a holistic approach to well-being. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, self-care, mental health practices, and continual self-improvement.
Community & Service… I want to contribute and serve at high levels. This involves giving back, volunteering & using my skills to make a positive impact. It’s about creating a legacy of service and making the world a better place.
I then hustle to achieve this vision, not just for financial gain. This shift in focus is crucial for anyone looking to build a successful lifestyle business.
Living a life aligned with your deepest values and passions.
Lifestyle Business Ideas That Break the Mold
Right now, someone with less experience, less education, and fewer resources than you is doing what you dream of—starting a lifestyle business.
Feeling that itch to start your own?
Here’s where to begin.
→ Consulting and Coaching: Share your expertise while keeping your freedom. Imagine using your skills, professional experience, life wisdom, or health practices to help others succeed.
You’re guiding them, all while designing your own journey.
→ Content Creation: Dive into blogging, vlogging, or podcasting about what fires you up. Turn your passions into engaging content that delivers real value & pulls in an audience.
Share your story, your insights, and build a community that grows with you.
→ E–commerce: Discover a need in the market and design and sell products that resonate with that need and with the goals for your lifestyle. Create an online store with items you believe in—handmade crafts, digital downloads, whatever aligns with the market and your values.
It’s not just business, it’s personal.
→ Online Courses: Teach what you’ve mastered to a global audience. Share your expertise by crafting and launching online courses.
It’s about making income while helping others learn and grow.
If this sounds like a dream, it’s within reach. Start small, think big, and let your unique vision lead the way.
The key is to stay true to what matters most to you.
The Freedom You Crave
Working from a beach, a cozy café, or your living room. You set your own hours and design your business around your life.
Here’s how to make it work:
Automate Processes. Use tools & software to handle repetitive tasks. This frees up your time for more important activities, like creating and connecting with loved ones.
Focus on Passive Income. Create products or services that generate income without constant effort.
Online courses, e-books, or subscription services are great ways to build a lifestyle digital business…
Build a Community. Engage with your audience to create a loyal customer base. Foster relationships through social media, email newsletters, and community events.
Dare to dream big, take bold steps, and stay true to what matters most to you.
The journey won’t always be easy, but the freedom and fulfillment it offers are worth every effort.
Take the plunge… The answers and resources you need are out there.
No Compromise No Limits… Reflect on your journey, set your goals, and go out there and make it happen.
Let’s go get them this week!
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