I’m sure you’ve heard the story 1000 times about someone who had a tough start and used that hardship to fuel success. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also invested a lot into my career and finances, achieving financial freedom, zero debt, and currently earning over $20k per month with a diverse investment portfolio in shares, crypto and funds. But my biggest achievement is my 15 year restored marriage after 4 years of separation, 3 biological children all healthy members of society and doing well in school, and a step daughter who is now in college. I grew up in a cult with a father who is a severe narcissist and was trained by Australian Special Forces. I didn’t spent a single day in any private or public school. Didn’t learn how to socialise or have relationships, and didn’t have a girlfriend till I met my wife when I was 24 years old. Yet, my upbringing has become a power to me because I’ve always had an insatiable appetite for learning and would read everything I could from cover to cover, even encyclopaedias and dictionaries. I learned to be sceptical about everything I was told and researched both sides of the argument to determine the truth, which by the way is usually somewhere in the middle. This out of the box thinking allowed me to think differently about everything in life, including my finances and lifestyle. Many people make poor choices trying to have what someone else has only to end up finding themselves in slavery to debt and a job they hate. I changed my mindset and chose a lifestyle based on percentages. 40% - Essential living 40% - Savings and investing 20% - Giving and Charity This means that sometimes I have to miss out on something other people have, or an overseas holiday my friends went on. But the compound interest on investing in this lifestyle puts me far ahead tomorrow. I’ve used this same approach when it comes to investing in my career. Instead of being passive, patiently hoping that I’ll get that promotion one day. I’ve been very intentional in pursuing technologies and career paths that are in demand, learning as quickly as I can, then positioning myself to maximise return on my investment. Today I’m a Subject Matter Expert for the biggest tech company in the world and my areas of expertise include cloud, modern workplace, cybersecurity, AI, project management, business optimisation, relationship management, and finding creative solutions to complex roadblocks. One of my favourite quotes and what I personally live by, is the following: “big change requires big change“. I’ve seen so many people trying to make it big but only making small investments like cutting out one cup of coffee a day. If you want a big return, you need to make a big investment.