Financial progress takes intentionality.

It’s a big deal. It’s just as tough as getting a six-pack or earning a master's degree. Not because it’s complicated—it’s actually pretty simple. But simple doesn’t mean easy.

Getting a six-pack? Simple: eat right, work out, be consistent. Still hard as hell.
Earning a degree? Simple: go to class, study, finish the work. Still takes serious effort.
Same with money. The formula is simple: spend less, save more, be consistent. But it takes real commitment.

You’ve got to make the decision and say, “This is what we’re doing now. We’re moving the damn needle with our money.”That’s the mentality it takes.

You can either feel the discomfort now—or later, when you’re older, and your income potential isn’t what it is today (and yes, everyone reading this is in their younger years right now).

Building up the habit of saving and being resourceful—those are your two main tools. Learn how to make it work even when it’s not ideal. Drive the older car. Live in the cheaper apartment. Wait a couple months before buying something big. That’s how you stretch your dollars. That’s how you build muscle.

For me, I don’t see it as “uncomfortable”—I see it as the unusual path.
Because here’s the truth: both people face hard times. The one who swipes the credit card and lives nice now has to deal with the stress later—no savings, drowning in debt, stuck working jobs they hate just to survive. That’s their discomfort.

The other person? They skipped the nice car, rode the bike to work in the winter, wore three layers, dealt with the slow driver-side window—but they stacked cash. They’ve got money saved. They sleep peacefully. They eat regular meals in their regular kitchen, knowing they could walk away from their job tomorrow if they wanted. Their boss ain’t their master—they just run operations. This person takes trips around the world, paid in full. No debt. No drama.

It’s not luck. It’s intentionality.
It’s sacrifice.
That’s what moves the needle.