You can also listen to "EP 178: Thank You to My 18 Year Old Self" on Spotify, ApplePodcasts, Iheartradio, and Stitcher.
This episode is dedicated to someone very special to myself - my 18-years-old self.
A Message to My 18-Year-Old Self
After recently making nearly $40,000 in six days through stock trading, instead of discussing technical analysis and the stock itself, I want to focus on the journey, challenges, and decisions that shaped this success. From humble beginnings, early struggles, valuable lessons learned, and moments of perseverance, this episode is not just a reflection on financial success. Instead, it's a tribute full of gratitude for the younger version of myself who believed, persisted, and overcame numerous obstacles. With my story, I hope to inspire and motivate viewers to envision their potential, take risks, and stay resilient on their own journeys toward financial freedom.
Thank You for the Vision
At the age of 18, I had the audacity to dream big. I invested my $2,000 graduation money into the stock market, aiming for financial abundance. While that initial investment dwindled to $700, it laid the foundation for my future success. The vision to invest was crucial, and even when things didn't go as planned, I never gave up. Every dollar I invested, every book I read, planted seeds for the future. So, thank you, young Jason, for daring to dream.
Perseverance Through Tough Times
There were countless moments of doubt and adversity. For example, working retail jobs where customers berated me over silly things like a $20 car charger was humbling. But those experiences taught me patience and resilience. Even during my tenure at Sprint and Verizon, standing on my feet for long hours, I kept my eyes on the prize. Those difficult times were stepping stones, building my character. So, to my younger self, thank you for enduring those challenges.
Avoiding Life-Altering Mistakes
Growing up in Detroit, I was tempted by the wrong crowd and even joined gangs at a young age. However, I had the notion to steer away from activities that could ruin my future. Many of my peers weren’t as fortunate. The choice to remove myself from that lifestyle was pivotal. Thank you for having the wisdom to see beyond your immediate environment, young Jason.
Humility and the Comeback
At 25, I hit rock bottom—blowing through a quarter of a million dollars due to reckless trading. I was humbled and moved back home, starting over from scratch. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. Humility and hard work led me back to retail, where I utilized tuition reimbursement to go back to school and get a degree. Thank you, younger Jason, for swallowing your pride and making a monumental comeback.
The Power of Documentation
One of the wisest decisions I made was to document my journey. Starting a YouTube channel and sharing my failures as well as my successes was not easy, but it was incredibly fulfilling. Through this, I've been able to inspire men, women, and young adults across the globe. Thank you, 18-year-old Jason, for being open and vulnerable.
To my 18-year-old self: your vision, perseverance, humility, and willingness to document the journey have paid off in ways you couldn't imagine. Continue dreaming, continue striving, and know that every struggle today paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Do Something Today Your Future Self Will Be Thankful For
Success isn’t a mystery; it’s a formula. By investing in yourself, doing what most people won’t, and consistently showing up, you build a foundation for long-lasting success. Break free from excuses, take conscious steps towards your goals, and watch how your efforts create a ripple effect in every aspect of your life. Join us inside Power Trades University where traders from around the world come together to support each other.