Become More Courageous
As a child, I wanted to become three things; Race car driver, fighter pilot, or stuntman 🤩
I've always had the daredevil personality, enjoying activities that most people prefer to avoid.
That being said, I wouldn't ever label myself as an "adrenaline junkie". That's because I don't do these things to increase my heart rate. In fact, I'm relatively calm in high stress, fearful situations.
Why am I calm? It's because I've prepared. I've calculated the risks. I've practiced and done hundreds of reps. I've failed extensively and kept trying again.
I've also learned to control my emotions because I understand mental clarity is required when successfully executing stressful situations. When distracted by emotions, you'll make costly errors.
So, how do you become more courageous and learn more emotional control? Here are some tips:
1) Memento Mori. This is Latin for "Remember you must die." Accept this as fact. You can live your entire life fearing death, but you will never escape the outcome. We all die. If you're always playing safe, I'd say you haven't lived. Take more chances.
2) Self-Awareness. Don't blame your temper on your parents. You control your actions and your words, not them. When things trigger you emotionally, learn to pause before you respond. Emotionally weak people react, wise self-aware people respond. Practice this every day, in common situations... such as road-rage situations.
3) Challenge yourself by doing difficult things. A good example is public speaking, it's ranked 2nd among all fears... right after the fear of dying. Public speaking won't kill you. Everyone can do this, it just takes investing in skills and doing the reps. Hire a coach, join Toastmasters, face your fears. Your confidence will increase each time you overcome a fear.
4) Stop giving up and quitting too soon, or pivoting too often. This is unfortunately a common habit. If you set goals, become relentless and keep pushing to improve. Many of my successes have come as a result of simply outlasting others. Think in terms of 5-10 years, not months. Your confidence takes a dive every time you quit, every time you pivot. Avoid that!
Hope this message helps. 🧡
The Hard Truth About Men
Some hard truth for the men.
Driven men are hardwired to pursue money in their 20s and 30s. It's how society has programmed us to earn status and prove ourselves. We sacrifice our health. We sacrifice our relationships. We sacrifice our time.
The wiser successful men around age 40 begin to see the bigger picture. With our experience and skills, we realize we didn't have to do it like we did. We were stuck in the loop of trading our units of hours for their units of dollars. Need more money? Work more hours. Need more money? Work overtime. Need more money? Pick up a 2nd job. We don't value our time when we think we have unlimited time.
You can be filthy rich, have all the fancy cars, the big home and all the material things you desire. But, if I look at you and your physical fitness is severely lacking, your relationships with friends and family have a history of being weak, your integrity and character are questionable, you aren't contributing to the betterment of society... then you've failed up to this point.
A few of you will read this and feel defensive about something. I challenge you to look into an actual mirror and be honest with what you see.
"But Tony, it isn't right to judge others!"
I believe we are all judged. Every single day, by every single person. It's playing make-believe to think otherwise. It's a false, idealistic belief to think we are not judged. YOU even judge others. That's normal. It's human behavior. This is the hard truth that most are uncomfortable with. It's easier to pretend we aren't judged, so we can continue with our destructive behaviors, actions, and words.
The good news is that you can fix this. Most won't. Few will. Become the right man that embraces being judged, because you are being judged as a winner in all areas of life.
-Tony
Most Don't Know This About Speaking Events
You probably don't know this about speaking events😮
Before I became a speaker, I wasn't aware of the different types of business models that events use, to create profit.
I also wasn't aware of how many different ways a speaker can earn income from events. I also didn't understand the different ways that speakers end up on a stage.
Most people assume the traditional business model. Sell a bunch of tickets, exceeding the cost of the venue rental and support, and pay the speaker fees. Mix in a few corporate sponsors, and profit is made. Usually no pitching or selling from stage. This is the "paid speaker" path, which I prefer.
Next up, there is the pitch-fest type events. This is when an event host invites speakers who have a high-dollar offer to sell on stage, and they agree to share a percentage of the sales with the host. Sometimes the speakers are there for free because of the potential sales, sometimes they even pay to get on that stage to pitch. This is the "pay to play speaker" path.
Now for the one you may not know about; The false influence events. These are events where the host pays a few recognizable names to speak, and then inserts relatively unknown speakers in between the main names. These unknown speakers pay $2K-30K each to get on that stage. That money pays for the celebrity speakers, and covers the cost of the event. The lure is hopeful recognition, having the ability to say you "shared a stage with (star)". It's clever marketing.
Then you have the recruitment events. These are often disguised as large events with hundreds of attendees, with dozens of speakers that you've never heard of. In most cases, those speakers are members of a group, and the event is hosted by the group leader. They created the event to give members stage time, but they also pitch membership and usually do the "buy a ticket and bring a friend free" offer. That free guest is hopefully the next recruited.
There are a several variations of these events. I hope this post raises your awareness, and saves you some time and money. As a hopeful speaker, you'll also understand the game better.
-Tony
How to Win in 2025 - EP 391
- Life Advice
- Forgive yourself
- Forgive others
- Distance yourself negative energy people
- Assess your inputs. What emotions do you feel?
- Dealing with burnout or creative blocks - finding purpose
- Stop supporting those who wouldn't acknowledge or interact with you.
- The fallacy of appreciation
- Decide on who to become. Make decisions and take actions like they would.
- Crafting your identity.
- Fitness and Nutrition
- Set realistic goals, not perfection
- Sacrifice something that you know doesn't help you
- Hire a trainer or find an accountability partner
- Post the damn selfie
- Business and Money
- Learn a new skill that creates time or income (Apps, Ai, selling, marketing, public speaking, copywriting)
- Invest time and money into quality relationships, masterminds and peer groups. Stop being cheap.
- Video content creation - authenticity
- Quality above Quantity
- Master organic content first, then spend on ads
- Take bigger risks, especially if your bills are paid
- Goal Setting.
- New Year's Resolutions
- At the end of each year, there is only one question to answer. "Am I happy and fulfilled?"
- Set goals to achieve this, as a bare minimum
- Use a calendar. Schedule everything
- Align daily tasks with energy levels
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven
Style vs. Execution
An observation of similarity between entrepreneurship and skating.
Whether we're talking business or carving bowls, there are two important things to consider; Style vs Execution.
I've been skateboarding almost two years now, and I continue to improve. Along the way, I started noticing the shift in levels.
At first, I was solely focused on execution. I didn't have the capacity or awareness to even think about style, because I was so focused on not falling down and eating concrete.
I'd study the lines and paths of better skaters, seeing where I could improve. I'd look for where I was losing speed and momentum. I'd worry too much about where my feet were placed on the deck.
All of it was focused on being able to make a few laps around the bowl, without falling down. I fell down a lot! Hundreds of times by now. It always hurts.
As I improved, I began feeling more of a flow state. Even though I was traveling much much faster, time seemed to slow down and I could anticipate and plan my lines, while reacting in real time with the surface of the bowl.
With enough practice and reps, I don't even think about minor distractions any longer. The execution is there, so now I can work on style. Making the run look smoother, higher, and more stylish.
In business, far too many get this backwards. They focus too much on style and looking good, rather than focusing on execution and achieving actual, earned results.
You can't fake it till you make it on a skateboard. Style won't fool anyone once you drop-in and they see how you execute.
You also won't fool anyone in business, except maybe actual fools. Those who've earned actual results can always see the fakes and those who pretend.
In business, focus on execution first. Focus on the core fundamentals, while also learning new things. Fail a LOT. Earn the scars that provide priceless lessons. Become proven at operations and delivering for your customers.
Then worry about style.
Entrepreneurship Burnout?
Entrepreneurship burnout is a real thing and I blame it mostly on one thing.
Goal addiction.
You'll set business goals, pursue them relentlessly, achieve them, and then think "What's next?"
You're always pushing yourself to "think bigger" and "work harder" all while being your own worst critic. You carry the weight of shame of "not being where you should be, by now."
You'll create an identity around being "consistent" or being the "hardest worker in the room."
This cycle repeats itself, forever. The only two options to break this cycle are 1) Literally dying or 2) Becoming aware of patterns and making conscious changes.
The personal development space has created a vacuum where logic cannot breathe, due to an overabundance of inputs telling you to pursue things based on the emotion of feeling lack.
The intentions behind these motivational messages are good, but they never consider the sacrifice and damage that occurs, as a result.
Entrepreneurs have a long history of pursuing success...
But sacrificing their relationships, or getting divorced.
But losing their physical health and fitness.
But struggle with mental health, and cope with drugs or booze
So what are the required changes?
- Learn to feel gratitude for this present moment. Don't get caught up in the future. Be present.
- Work with a therapist or coach that will challenge you, to ensure you're doing things for valid reasons, rather than because of ego or fear.
- Create a list of non-negotiable rules, your personal core values. These rules will navigate every decision in your life. Do not ever violate your own rules, this is where confidence disappears.
- Do not allow labels like "Consistency" to define you, when there isn't a net positive or happiness that comes as a result of being consistent. It's okay to skip once in a while, especially on vacations. We each deserve a pause, so stop fearing judgment from others just because you take a break from something.
- Use technology to make your business more efficient, gaining back more valuable time. Do not backfill this newly found time with more work. Use that time for yourself, doing things that make you happy and fulfilled.
- Continue to set goals, but also make time to celebrate and savor them. Reward yourself, instead of always thinking "What's next?"
Remember this;
You won't care about what critics said while in your grave.
Nobody cares who worked the hardest in a graveyard.
Living a rich life has nothing to do with money or status.
The world would be a better place if the best you existed.
-Tony
How to Decide Which Business to Start
My thoughts on business types.🤔
When people ask me for advice on which business type they should start, they usually expect a specific response. Maybe even a list of business ideas that are "hot" or worth considering.
The reality is that there isn't a perfect answer for everyone, because everyone has different interests, skills, needs, and goals in life.
Only you can determine which business model works for YOU.
Here's my own thought process on evaluating businesses for myself. It's based on decades of discoveries, mistakes, and wasted money and years of time.
I start with the end in mind.
1. What do I want my lifestyle to look like?
2. How much time freedom will I be able to realistically create from this business idea? Does it require set business hours and 40+ hour weeks?
3. How much location freedom will it allow; Will I be able to work anywhere in the world, or will I have to show up to an address each day?
4. Does this business idea have the potential to scale to arrive at my own financial goals? How much do I need to profit in order to live my desired lifestyle?
5. Does this business model carry enough profit margin to sustain economic cycles going up and down? Is it something that potentially thousands of customers need, and will always need?
6. Most importantly: Will I be happy and fulfilled doing what I do? Is this something I'm actually passionate about, and have a lot of energy to pursue? Is there purpose behind my performance?
Most business owners start something without truly asking themselves these questions. The majority of them I've spoken with, pursued something primarily to earn enough money to avoid having a W2 job for themselves.
Too many start businesses that will never be able to scale in order to reach their financial goals, or their time freedom goals. They are self-employed but run a company that has no value if they ever wanted to sell it.
Others start businesses within industries that have a razor thin profit margins, working insane hours weekly just to keep their head above water. They can't ever seem to get ahead. Business feels like a trap.
Some start businesses around their hobbies, only to discover the financial limits and time restrictions a couple years into the business. They didn't think far enough ahead...
There are endless ways to make money. There are only a few that do so, while also creating enterprise value and keeping your sanity, and potentially your time freedom.
If the business idea passes the sniff test on those initial questions, I'll then assess the idea with these further questions:
7. Is this business idea within a growing industry, or at least a long-term stable industry that won't easily be replaced by technology or shut down due to risky govt regulations or changes to laws?
8. Is there potential to operate with a prepaid, positive cash flow business model? Bonus if there is monthly or annual recurring revenue (MRR or ARR).
9. Does the potential exist to scale profit at a higher percentage than increasing overhead costs? Meaning, does it scale profit faster relative to adding employees? Few employees, higher output.
There are other questions to consider, but these are where I start when it comes to assessing ideas. If it doesn't make it past the first group of questions, I'm not interested. If it makes it past the second group, I'm increasingly interested.
Tony
I'm Hardly Working
"Are you working hard, or hardly working?" 🤔
These days, I'm hardly working.
I was subscribed and bought into the hustle culture and associated work-hard 24/7 mantras in my 20s-30s.
I didn't know any better. I was ignorant about life and purpose.
Back then, I built my identity around out-working you. I was programmed to be proud of how many "OT Hours" I crushed. There was even a time I was working three jobs, because I always wanted more income.
I sacrificed sleep, thinking it was a waste of time. For over a decade, I missed a lot of holidays and special occasions because of work. "Gotta pay the bills!" right?
My relationships struggled. Eventually my health struggled. Fortunately, I became self-aware at age 39 and this spared my mental health. I knew I had to start making some changes.
I was observing those who were further ahead of me on the career ladder, understanding it was also my forecasted trajectory.
Sure, they earned a higher salary, but they were typically unhappy with their careers. They achieved a level of income that kept them trapped and fearful of pursuing the purpose they were intended for.
Most of them took pride in working 12+ hour days. Rarely taking vacations. Robbing that time from their families. Maybe they were just using work to avoid being in an unhappy, dysfunctional home?
By age 40, I started to put purpose, peacefulness and happiness above all else. It took a few years to make those changes. Many around me didn't understand what I was doing, or why I was doing it.
Believe me when I tell you this, but you have a far greater potential than to sit at an office or jobsite 8+ hours per day. There are ways you can earn more money, but more importantly; More free time.
Most won't take the risk. A few will try, but won't last long. It's not easy. This time freedom is what I help people achieve.
-Tony
The Common Mistake Of New Entrepreneurs
This is one of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make.😮
If you're building a business, profit is what matters most. Don't fall for the guru speaking about "7-figures" in sales revenue. I've known plenty of 7-8 figure business owners that lose money each year.
7-figures, 8-figures, etc... don't mean anything if a business is barely staying in business, or bleeding cash each month.
So how do you maximize your potential to achieve more profit?
Sell expensive things.
As a business owner or hopeful entrepreneur, you've already accepted the fact that you'll have to sell something. That's business.
I see waaay too many of you wasting way too much time promoting and selling tiddlywink little knick-knack products and services that only earn a few bucks per sale.
You won't achieve financial success by focusing on selling low-buck things, unless you've mastered the tactics of generating high volume sales. That means you'll need to spend tens of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) per MONTH in advertising in order to generate the typical 10-15% net profit.
The only other alternative here is to have built a huge personal brand with a huge audience of willing buyers. That's great if you've achieved this, but it's not the norm. It's probably not you.
Selling is selling. It's literally the same skillset if you're good at it. It's definitely a skill you SHOULD invest in, and become great at.
It takes the same amount of effort to sell an expensive item or service, as it does to convince some cheap bastard to buy your cheap product or service.
Here's an example I figured out 20 years ago, with one of my own businesses; selling custom wheels for cars.
Back in 2003, I thought it was a good idea to carry a range of wheels, from entry level (then about $999/set) and top-level forged wheels (then about $3000/set). More products the better, right?
Wrong.
Within a year I learned I was wasting much more time on the phone and in emails with the cheap buyers. They were obviously price-shopping, and didn't care as much about service or my knowledge. They'd get info from me, and go buy elsewhere based on price.
Those $999 wheels only created about $150 in profit per sale (15%).
The expensive wheels created $750 in profit per sale (25%).
I would have to sell five sets of the cheap wheels in order to equal the profit of only one set of expensive wheels. Same amount of sales effort for both, actually more effort with the cheap buyers.
I stopped selling the cheap wheels. My business grew faster. I focused on serving only the highest quality brands and my marketing focused on service and expertise. Things high value customers respect.
If you want the potential to earn more profit, look at selling the most expensive things you can. Become an expert in those subjects. Quit competing in the bottom market, with all the others who are too lazy to specialize in a higher product level market.
To those of you with already established businesses, you are likely earning 80% of your profit from only 20% of your best products or services... while wasting time on the other 80% of your products that barely move the needle. Don't be afraid of dropping products off, especially low-performing (non profitable) ones.
-Tony
Stop Playing In The Middle. Be Bold!
Everyone has bold thoughts and opinions, but most fear sharing them with others. 😧
There are reasons to fear personal expression; Risk of losing your job or opportunities, dissolving relationships, backlash or retaliation among other things.
I understand this. I lived my first 35 or so years in fear of putting my thoughts out there. I started taking small steps towards courage. I kept escalating from there, year by year.
So what changed? Here's what I've discovered and became aware of along the way.
I realized that while we are attracted to the overall message of unity, peace, and pacifism, it is only because it describes an impossible human utopia and is simply idealistic in beliefs. It's impossible to achieve by the historical evidence of human nature.
That's when I began studying historic leaders, and others who took action to change the world.
None of these people played "middle of the road" with their message. None of these people were trying to be mass people-pleasers. None of these people aspired to be average and blend in. None of these people suggested others remain silent.
These people chose to share their bold thoughts with the world, and most faced extreme adversity in doing so. Most were reluctant, but still found the courage to do so.
I see so many people that aspire to be thought leaders, but their predictably passive and people-pleasing message is what keeps them from growing an audience and leading anyone.
I also became more aware of time. The truth is that we don't have as much of it as people seem to believe. Striving for idealist and impossible goals is a waste of time.
You don't exist to make everyone happy. Even the most recognizable martyrs and historic figures couldn't achieve that. You will push people away with your bold thoughts, but you'll also attract far more by being bold. Note, there is a difference between being antagonistic and being bold.
Honestly, I have more respect for bold leaders that I may disagree with, than people who play warm-fuzzy middle of the road neutral.
So what's the path for you? I suggest you identify the sources of fear that keep you silent, and begin to eliminate those risks. Build your financial independence. Become a more effective communicator. It's often not what you say, but how you say it. These are skills to master.
It's time for you to become more bold. You won't truly experience personal freedom until you can become your true self.