How do I become financially independent? Don’t give up. Adjust.

Since I was very young, I used to tell my parents 3 things. 

• I want to do a job where I wear a tie. 
• I want to be rich
• I want to retire at 40 and become financially independent.

But here’s the thing. 

The adventure of life

When I was 13, I had a new dream that turned everything upside down. 

I wanted to become a world champion in Karate. 

At the age of 16, I convinced my parents that I had to stop school to give myself the best chance to succeed. My mother, who was absolutely against, finally broke down. 

I had potential and good first results. But as often in sports, I was seriously injured and my dream was gone. 

I went back to school, became a karate teacher, opened two dojos. 

But my childhood dream was still there. I wanted to try my hand at corporate(the tie 😀). And that was a good idea. 

The corporate world

I had more than 20 years of intense career where I climbed the ladder from salesman to C-level executive. I lived extraordinary adventures and learned so much. I loved it all except for one thing; my jobs took up most of my time. 

So all along the way, I kept my childhood dream in the back of my mind and asked myself one question. 

How do I become financially independent?

I started saving and investing as soon as I entered the professional world. I made a lot of mistakes. But I didn’t give up. I constantly adjusted.
I read a lot, learned, tested, adjusted until I found my method, the one that works for me.

I have been using ETFs (exchange-traded funds) for years. And I recommend this book The Simple Path to Wealth by J. L. Collins. 

And if I look back at my childhood dreams

• I’ve worn hundreds of ties😀
• I have become much richer emotionally, intellectually, physically, and even financially 😀. 
• And I became a millionaire in time by choosing to leave the conventional world of work at 46. This wealth form is underestimated in our society. 

Why am I telling you this?

We all have dreams, and it’s crucial to have them.

Always begin with the end in mind. Mr. Covey’s Habit #2 in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. A book that changed my life.

You will take detours, the road will be tortuous, but don’t give up. Be consistent in action and adjust, adjust, adjust. Eventually, you will find your way, the one that is right for you.

You always have more options than you think. 

Enjoy the ride