XII. The Crown

The goal is yours. It brings you extreme joy for a time, because your faith, and hard work has been rewarded. Accomplishment is the most addicting feeling in the world! The catch is that the feeling is only temporary. In time, the victory will lose its sweetness. Take the time to enjoy your victory because you’ve earned it. Then either help someone along the way of their journey or decide what other areas you’re lacking and start the process all over again.

XI. The Glow Up

People begin to notice the change in you. The law of attraction is at work. The key pieces of the puzzle that eluded you before are being pulled in your direction whether they want to come or not. This time however you’re not in it for the glitz and glamour, and you won’t be distracted in the same way as before. Your eyes are on the prize, and anyone who is not with you is in your way!

X. Back to the Basics

It’s time to level, boss up, whatever you call it. You know what you have to do. In fact you’ve always known, but you were too afraid or maybe too lazy whatever the reason you definitely know that it’s now or never. You’re too close to turn back, and there is still too much to do.

IX. Rebirth

A glimmer of hope. Yeah you lost the battle, but you’re going to win the war! They tried to bury you, but they didn’t realize you were a seed. That defeat made you stronger, wiser, and gave you the experience you’ll need to be a boss! The next time, when you’re given another opportunity, you’ll be so much better...

VIII. When it All Falls Down

You’re feeling better than you’ve felt in a long time. You finally don’t feel so alone because you have a group of friends, collaborators, etc. You made so much progress, you’ve grown as a person, but you’ve also been naive. You were so desperate and alone that you didn’t vet all of the people around you. You’ve overlooked some of the sketchy characters around you or maybe ignored the fine print of that contract. Whatever the case may be you’ve been blindsided and everything you worked for has been stolen or destroyed. This is the lowest of low points. It’ll be easy to get stuck here. To become bitter, to never trust again, but again this is just another part of the process. Take a deep breath, shed all the tears you need. A good cry is so helpful, analyze the situation to see where you went wrong, salvage what can be salvaged, and Get back to the task at hand!

VII. Stepping out of Your Comfort Zone

You’ve realized that the task is too big for you to do alone. That’s the lie that successful people and the media tells everyone. The truth is nobody does anything alone except being born and dying. You need resources (i.e. Money), You need allies, you need a community. To find all those things it's going to require you to try things you’re not used to, go places you may not have a desire to go, and most important... talking to strangers.

VI. The Deep End of the Pool

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t struggle even if you’re hit with a healthy dose of beginner’s luck. At some point the initial prospects will dim. You will begin to feel isolated and alone this is usually when home sickness will set in, but if you give up now it’ll most likely be because of fear. Take a deep breath, calm down, and remember that no matter how bleak things look now. You had a dream, you made a decision, you have a plan, and you’re going to see it through to the end. Make the adjustments and move forward!

V. A Whole New World

This usually goes one of two ways, but most people feel a bit of both depending on how much resources you brought; either you’re euphoric at being in this new place and the fact that you’re following your dreams, or you’re disappointed in this “new world” and strongly regretting the decisions that brought you to this place. It is what it is. You got deal with the cards you’ve been dealt. Move forward.

IV. Do it or Don’t

It’s okay to have doubts. What you’re doing is going to change your life forever! Look at it from multiple angles, get advice from people who have done it in one way or another. However, you have to make a decision! Are you in or are you out? Plato o plomo! Ain’t no such thing as halfway crooks... Make a decision and stick to it! That’s how you Make Your Own Way!

III. Second Thoughts

I know... You told a few people your plans and they looked at you like you were stupid. Hell you’re looking at yourself like you’re stupid. It be’s like that sometimes. Cold World! If we’re being honest you kinda are. You’re stupid for waiting so long to follow your dreams. You’re stupid for listening to someone else tell you what you can and can’t do! But you’re also brilliant because you finally realized what it is you want and you’re taking the necessary steps to get it.