Review Your Income & Expenses; make sure it's all right-side, up.

Living in the modern world comes with a unique set of challenges and pressures. From the constant need to be connected to the world through technology to the ever-increasing demand for productivity and success, it can often feel like we are stuck in a never-ending rat race. For many men, this can be overwhelming, leading them to consider giving up on the conventional way of life and embracing a simpler, more minimalist existence.

I can personally relate to this struggle as I underwent a similar journey to Atlanta back in 2008. I fully embraced the minimalist lifestyle by living in a cargo van with just a futon mattress, a few items of clothing, and ample storage space underneath the bed. My daily routine revolved around visiting Starbucks and LA Fitness. Although I used an EBT card for food, I was hustling seven days a week and did not allow myself to fall into a sunken place where others might end up in a shelter or jail cell. While I may have been technically "homeless," I never felt homeless. These memories keep me grounded and focused on working hard without making excuses. They help me keep my expenses low and my income high. If my income isn't high enough, that usually means more working hours. Naturally, the average person may not understand this, as you would have had to be there to truly comprehend the experience.

Certainly, the pressures of modern life can push a man to the brink, leading him to feel like he is constantly chasing a moving target. The demands of work, family, and social obligations can leave little room for personal growth or self-care, leading to feelings of frustration and burnout. This is where the concept of "leaving the rat race" comes into play. By getting rid of material possessions and embracing a minimalist lifestyle, men can reduce the clutter in their lives and focus on what truly matters. This can include living off the grid, growing their own food, and embracing a slower, more intentional way of life. For me, it was as simple as an LA fitness membership and a seat at Starbucks, as STARBUCKS had many satellite offices with free Wi-Fi and plenty of entrepreneurs who were also chasing their dreams. However, it's important to note that while there were many like-minded people at Starbucks, there were also plenty of people commiserating there. I remember a man named James Cozine, a 26-year-old White man who made the same Starbucks his office, but he wasn't thinking like me. It only took his car being towed for him to walk into the nearby SUNTRUST bank and turn his life upside down. Upon further research, I found that this guy had robbed a nearby bank in the past, showing that one man's journey can be way more extreme than another's.

Before you think about resorting to extreme measures, there are other ways to change your life. You can shut down some of the clocks in your life that are attached to bills. You might also find an institution or entrepreneur whom you can bless with your physical energy. While your car and home may not exist at the moment, you'd be surprised how far you can come. I'm not bragging about my journey because in life, there is an ebb and flow, and you have to be savvy enough to know when to hold, when to fold, when to walk away, and when to run. That's not just a song; it's grassroots reality.

Even while I lived in a trailer, knee-deep in my off-grid circumstances, I was performing on a top level in life, driving professionally, living on purpose

By embracing minimalism, you can focus on what truly matters in your life. Whether that means downsizing your living space, cutting unnecessary expenses, or letting go of material possessions that no longer serve a purpose, the benefits of a simpler life can be profound.

Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone should give up their homes and move into a cargo van like I did. It's important to find a balance that works for you and your individual circumstances. For some, minimalism might mean simply cutting back on unnecessary purchases or finding ways to simplify daily routines. For others, it might mean making more radical changes to their lifestyle.

The key is to be intentional about the choices you make and to prioritize what truly matters in your life. This might mean dedicating more time and energy to relationships, personal growth, or creative pursuits. It might mean letting go of certain expectations or societal pressures that don't align with your values or goals.

Ultimately, the path to a simpler, more fulfilling life will be different for everyone. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to make changes. But if you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled, it might be worth exploring the benefits of minimalism and simplifying your life.

And remember, it's never too late to make a change. Whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, there is always room for growth and transformation. So take a step back, reflect on what truly matters to you, and be open to the possibility of a simpler, more meaningful way of life.

If nothing else I said touches the meaty part of your brain, remember this: “I DID IT, YOU CAN TOO” #relentless