From Struggle to Success: Building a Life You Love

Finding Your Path in a Chaotic World

We've all heard the advice: "Do what you love and everything will be okay." It sounds simple, but for many of us, the reality is far more complicated. How do you even begin when life is a constant barrage of bills, responsibilities, and chaos? As someone who has walked this path, I want to share my story - not as a guru with all the answers, but as a fellow traveler who has stumbled, fallen, and found a way forward.

From Rough Beginnings to an Uncertain Future

I grew up in a town where violence and crime were everyday occurrences. As a quiet, awkward kid, I often felt out of place and unsure of my future. One particular incident stands out in my memory - witnessing a brutal assault and having the police dismiss my attempt to report it. This moment crystallized for me how unfair and messy the world could be.

After university, I found myself in a typical 9-to-5 job, barely making ends meet. I'd come home exhausted, wondering if this was all life had to offer. The idea of financial freedom or doing work I truly loved seemed like a fantasy reserved for other people - those with natural talent, connections, or extraordinary luck.

The Struggle to Find Purpose

Like many, I felt stuck in survival mode. The conventional path of working hard, buying a house, and saving for retirement didn't ignite any passion in me. Time seemed to slip away faster each year, with weekends offering only brief respite before the cycle began again.

I knew I wanted more - to be successful, to inspire others, to make a real difference. But how? The concept of "doing what you love" felt like an unattainable luxury when simply paying the bills was a constant challenge.

Taking the First Steps

My journey truly began when I discovered the teachings of Jim Rohn. His words about creating value for others resonated deeply, but I struggled to see how I could apply this in my own life. What value could I possibly offer?

Despite my self-doubt, I started experimenting with different ideas:

• Blogging
• Building websites
• Marketing ventures
• Starting a B&B
• Car repair services
• Various investments

Most of these early attempts failed, sometimes spectacularly. Each setback stung, but also taught me valuable lessons about what I wasn't good at and what didn't truly excite me.

A Spark of Inspiration

Through my research and experiments, I stumbled across the work of experts like Tony Seba and Peter Diamandis. Their message - that the world was actually improving thanks to technological advancements in renewable energy and electric vehicles - captivated me. I was shocked that this optimistic view wasn't more widely known or discussed.

Suddenly, I had found something I was truly passionate about. I wanted to share this message of hope and progress with the world. But how?

The Birth of the Electric Viking

The idea of starting a YouTube channel terrified me at first. Public speaking had always been a weakness - I even joined Toastmasters to try and improve, but still struggled with severe nervousness. The thought of putting myself on camera for potentially thousands or millions to see was daunting.

But the desire to spread this important message outweighed my fears. I started small, creating my first video about the advantages of electric cars over traditional vehicles. It took three days to produce and barely anyone watched it. But I persevered.

Opportunity in Crisis

When the COVID-19 lockdowns hit Melbourne, forcing us into isolation for months, I saw an opportunity. With nowhere to go and my children at home, I decided to double down on the YouTube channel. I set an ambitious goal of producing 7-8 videos every day.

Many thought this was a foolish strategy, but I reasoned that by creating a diverse range of content, I could reach and provide value to different audiences. Some videos might resonate with certain viewers while others would appeal to different groups.

Growth and Unexpected Challenges

Slowly but surely, the channel began to grow. Views increased from a handful to hundreds, then thousands. I was building something that mattered, not just to me, but to an expanding audience hungry for positive news about technology and the environment.

However, life had other plans. In November 2022, my wife Shanan was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. Our world was turned upside down in an instant.

Finding Strength in Community

Faced with this devastating news, I threw myself into researching treatments and clinical trials. We found a promising option in Thailand, but the cost was astronomical. In a moment of crisis, I turned to the community that had formed around my channel.

The response was overwhelming. Through a GoFundMe campaign, viewers, friends, and strangers alike donated an incredible $390,000 to support Shanan's treatment. This outpouring of generosity not only made her care possible but also showed me the true power of the connections I had built through my work.

Transforming Passion into Purpose

Today, the Electric Viking channel has grown beyond my wildest dreams - over 7,000 videos and more than 200 million views. But the numbers are secondary to the impact and purpose I've found:

1. Spreading Hope: Every video is an opportunity to show that the world is improving, not declining. From advancements in electric vehicles to the rapid growth of renewable energy, there are so many reasons for optimism.

2. Building a Global Community: The channel has connected me with people from all corners of the globe, from Los Angeles to Sydney to Norway. We share a common interest in technology and environmental progress.

3. Financial Freedom: What started as a lockdown project has grown into a career that puts me in the top 1% of earners in Australia. This financial stability has been crucial in supporting my family through Shanan's ongoing health challenges.

4. Work-Life Balance: Working from home allows me to be present for my family - attending Shanan's appointments, cheering on Jack at rugby games, and answering Cal's endless questions.

Lessons Learned on the Journey

Reflecting on this unexpected path, several key lessons stand out:

1. Start Small: You don't need a grand plan or perfect skills to begin. My first videos were far from polished, but they were a necessary starting point.

2. Embrace Failure: The projects that didn't work out taught me just as much, if not more, than my successes.

3. Create Value: Focus on how you can help or inform others, even if it's just one person at a time.

4. Persevere Through Setbacks: Life will throw obstacles in your path. Use them as opportunities for growth and redefinition.

5. Be Authentic: Your unique experiences and perspective are what make your story compelling. Don't try to imitate others.

6. Find Your "Why": Having a deeper purpose will sustain you through the inevitable challenges and doubts.

Charting Your Own Course

Perhaps you're reading this and thinking, "That's great for you, but how does this apply to me?" The truth is, everyone's path will be different. But there are some universal steps you can take to start moving in the direction of a life and career you love:

1. Identify Your Passions

Take some time for self-reflection. What topics excite you? What activities make you lose track of time? These are clues to what you truly love.

2. Start Experimenting

You don't have to quit your job and dive in headfirst. Begin with small projects or side hustles related to your interests. This low-risk approach allows you to test the waters and refine your ideas.

3. Develop Your Skills

Whether it's through online courses, books, or hands-on practice, continuously work on improving your abilities in your chosen area.

4. Build a Platform

In today's digital age, there are countless ways to share your knowledge and connect with others who share your interests. This could be through:

• Starting a blog
• Creating YouTube videos
• Podcasting
• Engaging on social media platforms
• Writing an e-book

5. Network and Collaborate

Connect with others in your field. Attend events, join online communities, and reach out to potential mentors. Collaborations can lead to new opportunities and insights.

6. Be Patient and Persistent

Success rarely happens overnight. Be prepared for a journey of consistent effort and gradual progress.

7. Adapt and Pivot

Be open to changing your approach as you learn more about your market and yourself. The final destination may look different from what you initially envisioned.

Practical Steps to Turn Passion into Profit

For those ready to take concrete action, here are some specific strategies to consider:

1. Freelancing

Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer services related to your skills and interests. This can be a great way to build a portfolio and client base.

2. Online Courses

If you have expertise to share, consider creating and selling courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.

3. Affiliate Marketing

If you're building an audience through a blog or social media, you can earn income by promoting products or services you believe in.

4. Digital Products

Create and sell e-books, templates, or other digital resources related to your niche.

5. Coaching or Consulting

Offer one-on-one or group sessions to help others in areas where you have valuable experience or knowledge.

6. Membership Sites

Develop a community around your expertise and offer exclusive content or services for a recurring fee.

7. Physical Products

If your passion involves creating tangible items, consider selling through platforms like Etsy or even launching your own e-commerce site.

Overcoming Common Obstacles

As you embark on this journey, you're likely to encounter some common challenges. Here's how to address them:

Fear of Failure

Remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Reframe setbacks as valuable data that can inform your next steps.

Lack of Time

Start by carving out small pockets of time - even 30 minutes a day can make a difference when applied consistently.

Financial Constraints

Many passion projects can be started with minimal investment. Focus on low-cost or free methods to begin, and reinvest any early profits back into your venture.

Self-Doubt

Surround yourself with supportive people and celebrate small wins to build confidence. Remember that everyone starts as a beginner.

Information Overload

It's easy to get paralyzed by too many options or conflicting advice. Choose a path and take action - you can always adjust course later.

The Bigger Picture

Pursuing what you love isn't just about personal fulfillment - it can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond your immediate circle:

• Inspiring Others: Your journey can motivate others to pursue their dreams.
• Solving Problems: By following your passion, you might develop solutions that benefit society.
• Economic Impact: Successful ventures create jobs and contribute to the economy.
• Personal Growth: The challenges you overcome will develop resilience and skills that benefit all areas of your life.

A Call to Action

As we look to the future, it's natural to feel a sense of urgency. None of us know how much time we have, but we all have the power to make our days count.

What legacy do you want to leave? What problems do you want to solve? What stories do you want to tell?

The world needs your unique gifts and perspective. Starting is often the hardest part, but it's also the most crucial. Take that first step today, no matter how small it might seem.

Remember, you don't need permission. You don't need perfect circumstances. You just need to begin.

Your journey to doing what you love starts now. The world is waiting for what only you can create.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/vQnndzJ4dkI?feature=shared