10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 18
Because no one tells you how to actually make money in the real world.
Let’s be real: most of us go through high school (and sometimes college) clueless about how to survive financially—or better yet, thrive. We’re fed a script about getting a degree, landing a “good job,” and maybe retiring by 65 if we’re lucky. Screw that. I’ve learned a lot since I was 18, and plenty of it didn’t come from a classroom. Below are ten eye-openers I wish I’d known sooner, so you can skip the BS and start building a life on your terms.
1. You Don’t Need a Degree to Get Rich
I have multiple degrees (a BA, MA and an MBA), and I’m proud of them. But none of those pieces of paper are the reason I earn a comfortable income—my online businesses are. A diploma can help, sure, but it’s not mandatory for wealth.
Why It Matters: Skills and real-world action pay the bills. Degrees are optional.
2. Consistency Beats Motivation
Motivation is fickle—one day you’re unstoppable, the next you’re in a slump. Consistency, on the other hand, will always produce results, even if you’re only putting in an hour a day.
Why It Matters: Habit trumps hype. The daily grind builds momentum.
3. Your Network Is Everything (Yeah, It’s Cliché)
Look, the people you hang around can push you to new heights or drag you down. Seek out mentors, or at least friends who are hungry for success.
Why It Matters: You won’t get new ideas, contacts, or perspectives by associating with the same old crowd.
4. Savings Alone Won’t Make You Rich
A few bucks stashed away for emergencies is smart, but inflation is always lurking. Put your money to work—stocks, crypto, or, best of all, investing in yourself with tools or training that boost your income.
Why It Matters: Your cash needs to multiply, not sit around losing value.
5. An Online Business Opens Doors
I remember making $60K from my first website with display ads. Didn’t quit my job right then, but it paid my rent and proved I could earn money on my own terms.
Why It Matters: No one controls your income except you when you’re the boss.
6. School Rarely Teaches Practical Monetization
Education can broaden your mind, sure. But it often leaves out the how-to of making money in the digital world. If you do go to college, don’t rely on it to teach you the art of earning.
Why It Matters: You have to seek out specialized knowledge—outside the traditional curriculum.
7. Failure Isn’t the End—It’s a Tool
Every time you fall flat on your face, you pick up intel on what not to do. That’s invaluable. Embrace the failures, learn the lessons, and move on.
Why It Matters: Each flop is one step closer to what works.
8. Perfectionism Kills Progress
Overplanning is another word for procrastination. Done is better than perfect—launch the thing, sell the product, and refine later.
Why It Matters: Speed of execution often beats flawless planning in the fast-paced online world.
9. Be Authentic (People Can Smell BS)
Whether you’re building a personal brand or just connecting with folks, drop the fake persona. People trust genuine voices, and trust leads to sales, partnerships, and loyalty.
Why It Matters: Authentic connection is the foundation of sustainable success.
10. Sales & Marketing Skills Are Non-Negotiable
You can’t outsource everything, at least not initially. If you don’t know how to promote or sell, your ideas might remain hidden from the world.
Why It Matters: Even the best product won’t sell if no one hears about it or understands its value.
Ready to Monetize Now (Instead of Wishing You Knew Sooner)?
Whether you’re 18, 28, or 58—knowing this stuff can save you a hell of a lot of time and frustration. My Online Business Blueprint walks you through the how of building, marketing, and scaling an online income stream, with none of the pointless fluff.
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Final Thought
When I was 18, I wish someone had sat me down and said, “Look, here’s the playbook. You don’t need to go broke for a degree, or wait decades for a pension. There’s a faster route—take it.” Now, I’m handing that knowledge to you. Whether you use it or not? That’s on you.