From Clueless College Student to Managing an $8-Figure Media Team
Lessons on self-development you can steal and use today
I was the most clueless college graduate in 2017.
6 years later, I manage a team of videographers and editors for an $8-figure education company.
Here are 3 life lessons you can steal and use today:đ
1. Think and act like an owner
14,505 feet.
Thatâs how high I was when I started the trek down Mt. Whitney in 2016.
I was alone on that mountain, and the only way off was to move one foot after the other until I hit the bottom.
In life, nobodyâs coming to save you.
I entered the real world like nothing changed:
- Sleeping in late
- Drinking on weekdays
- Assuming I'd find a job easily
I quickly realized I was being an adult baby. If I wanted a job, a better physique, and to meet a girl, I'd have to take accountability for my actions.
You're the owner of your life. Act like it.
2. Lock yourself in the lab for years
Chefs cook. Writers write.
If you want to be someone, you must become them.
I had my degree and a couple of goals. Neither meant bupkiss unless I put in the work.
So I started building my skill stack, and I worked for free.
- I shot photos for snack brands
- I designed mediocre websites
- I worked for a new startup
Doing these made me realize success is a lagging indicator. People give up on themselves too early because they donât see results.
But if you stick to your guns, you can come out with high-demand skills.
3. Risk it for the biscuit
People donât take risks because theyâre scared to fail.
They do exactly what society wants â get scared and file into a typical job like teaching or construction.
In 2021, I landed a teaching gig for $45/hour. I was downright ecstatic to finally make good money, even though I didnât want to teach for the rest of my life.
But fate had other plans for me.
After my first day in the classroom, I got a call.
Somebody wanted me to edit YouTube videos and ads for their company. It sounded like a dream, but Iâd just gotten my highest-paying job ever.
So I had a choice:
A. Say no and teach for the rest of my life.
B. Take a chance on myself
Two years later, I manage a growing media team for that same company.
One final thought
It took 6 years to achieve this transformation.
I graduated without a vision for my future. Now, Iâm writing about my journey, but there are plenty of pages to fill.
I'll end with this:
Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Youâll âmake itâ if you work toward your moment.
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As a college student myself, these 3 pointsâespecially #1 were so touching to me.
Thank you Mr. Porter!