Several years ago, I was frustrated. I loved my day job—it had meaning, purpose, and used my gifts—but financially, I kept hitting a wall. Rising costs and a fixed income with no bonus or overtime structure meant that every unexpected expense—a broken washing machine, a car repair—chipped away at savings that just weren’t replenishing fast enough. Additionally, when friends were struggling and needed financial help, we had little to offer.

We were far from the breadline, but we were a bit stuck—stuck in a cycle of “getting by” and tightening the belt when life threw curveballs. I couldn’t shake the thought: Is this it? Is this what I want to model for my kids?

I also realized how fragile a single income stream can be. The world is changing, and depending entirely on one fixed salary didn’t feel smart anymore. What if my wife or I couldn't work as many hours for some reason? Or something changed that meant that job wasn't right anymore? Obviously, things could be worked out—I wasn’t panicked—but also… is this how I wanted it to be?

I needed to diversify my income—not just for myself, but for my family’s future. I wanted to build something more secure, more flexible, and more scalable. I realized that my financial foundations weren’t as strong as they needed to be—or could be!

That’s when I stepped into the world of online business. I could see the potential: a scalable income stream that wasn’t tied to trading time for money, one that allowed me to create something of value, impact others, and still make space for the life I wanted to live. It felt exciting—but also terrifying. Starting something new always does.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I love creating scalable income in my spare time, freeing myself from the time-for-money hamster wheel while adding real value to the people I help. Even though I only get a few hours per week to work on it, I love those hours!

What About You?

As we step into 2025, I want to challenge you:

What mindset shifts do you need to make to break out of the rut and carve a new direction for yourself?

1. If You Keep Doing What You’ve Been Doing…

There’s a phrase that helped me get unstuck: If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting. This is the hard truth: nothing changes unless you do. If you want to see new results, you need to take new actions. Whether it’s starting that business, launching that course, or simply saying yes to an idea you’ve been sitting on, it’s time to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment. Perfection is just procrastination in disguise. Start messy. Learn as you go. But whatever you do, start.

2. You Do Have Time (If You Use It Wisely)

One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we don’t have time. But the truth is, it’s not about finding time—it’s about using time differently. Most people spend hours scrolling social media or binge-watching TV every week. What if you spent that time building something that could change your future?

One thing that shifted me was hearing from someone who runs two multi-million dollar businesses in less than five hours a week. It changed my perspective on what’s possible.

I realized that you do have time if you’re intentional about how you spend it.

3. With a Clear Plan, Any Destination Is Possible

I once heard the story of a man who walked around the world! In 2000, at the age of 45, Jean Béliveau left his home in Montreal, Canada, with nothing but a three-wheeled stroller carrying some supplies. His goal? To walk around the entire planet to promote peace and non-violence for children. He walked for 11 years, covering 75,000 km (46,600 miles), until he achieved his goal in 2011.

The same applies to your goals. Whether it’s launching a course, creating a side business, or building an entirely new career, you don’t need to know every step of the journey yet. You just need to start moving in the right direction with a clear plan. Progress compounds over time.

Are You Ready to Break Free?

The reality is, nothing changes until you make a decision to change. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone—it feels safe and familiar—but nothing grows there.

Ask yourself: What will your life look like in five years if you keep doing what you’re doing now? Will you be happy with that outcome—both in terms of the impact you’re making and the income it’s producing?

If not, then it’s time to make a change.

If you’re ready to take that first step but aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve just released a new training that walks you through the exact steps I took to create an extremely profitable and scalable online income in my spare time. It’s practical, actionable, and designed to help you break out of the rut. You can get it at therawleader.com/impact.

2025 could be the year you change your story. The question is: will you take the leap?