In the past few months, I've come close to leaving the 9-5 life and pursuing other things, ones I am more passionate about. Yes, although I enjoy my work and I like interacting with different people everyday, my heart has been at its most depressed state for months. Things like, "I could be earning more money doing this", or "If I had my way, I'd be doing that", or "I know I am destined to be doing more than this" have repeatedly come up, making some days unfortunately unbearable.
If you're on the same page, you'll be happy to know there's a book out there that is guaranteed to do three things for you:- Acknowledge your situation but encourage change,
- Guide you on making better decisions (based on experience), and
- Help you gain financial freedom and be your own boss
The 'How'
A few weeks back, a member of one of the Facebook blogging groups I'm a part of posted about the chance to review a book for free. At that time, I could care less about what kind of book it would be - I just like to read anything I can get my hands on. So, I left my email and blog URL in the hopes of getting selected. Days after, someone messaged me, saying I was selected to be one of the people who would review this mystery book for free. It was the author himself, a certain Mr. Don Soriano.The 'What'
As we messaged back and forth, I learned more about the book I'd be reviewing. As it turned out, Mr. Soriano's book entitled "Break Free", was about getting financial freedom and transitioning from employee to employer, through lessons he'd gained from personal experience.I'm all about self-development, and after knowing his purpose for writing the book and what it would mean for me personally, it was a no-brainer decision.
The Book
Just one chapter in, I've already been reprimanded for making BS excuses, scolded for thinking about leaving my job to be a "successful entrepreneur" (without a backup plan), and told that if I really wanted to succeed, I needed to work incessantly for it. These are all valid points, and it was great to read my thoughts and plans (aside from expectations) organized for me into a huge slap-in-the-face chapter.
“Just because we have a ‘great business idea’ we want to quit or jobs and take the leap.”
As I continued reading into Chapter 2, which dealt with investing on what really matters (ie. yourself), I found myself agreeing with a lot of points. Throughout the years, I've placed more value on learning and gaining knowledge and skills, which, at the time I had begun, wasn't clear as to how I would be using it.
“The best investment is investing in yourself through continuous self-development.”
I really believe that investing in knowledge is worth more than physical businesses, for a couple of obvious reasons. Anyone can start a business, but keeping it afloat is the real challenge, especially these days that everyone wants to be the boss.
“Self-education is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your past is. If you’re willing to study to grow yourself, you can achieve greatness.”
If it isn't obvious yet, I LOVE learning by any means necessary (wow, that sounded dark). I mean that I don't just read books to gain knowledge - I listen to audiobooks, I attend workshops (and am now holding my own), interact with people who may have a different perspective on a given topic than me, and many more. Technology has grown so much that you don't even have to leave the house to get a degree!
Aside from providing encouragement in developing your skills, Break Free also provides tips on how to save money (I'll be starting Mr. Soriano's tips in the next paycheck I get!), how to get the right mindset that will help your journey in becoming financially free, and more.
MY THOUGHTS
It took me a while to start reading, because this was something I wanted to focus on. I wanted to have time to reflect on each chapter/principle and take notes as I read them. I now know I did right by taking my time to read Break Free. Although a one-hour read time was guaranteed, its lessons will help beyond the period you stayed inside its pages.
“Every principle felt thought-out, by a man who’s had much experience in business and failure.”
Nicely written and very organized in how each "Break Free Principle" was presented, it didn't take me long to grasp each principle and compare them to what I've done in the past. There were points where I could only shake my head and reminisce on certain past decisions that may not have been wise. Some were intended to teach and encourage, and that's exactly what I got from the book - encouragement. Helpful guides can only go so far. Encouragement, however, can take you everywhere.
My approach in reading this book was like any other - I would read it cover to cover and leave my thoughts on this blog afterwards. Reading the first chapter immediately made me rethink my strategy, thus the note-taking. Every principle felt thought-out, by a man who's had much experience in business and failure. I could gush about this book for two more posts or break each principle down (one article each), but nothing beats reading the words right from the book itself.
Once this hits bookstores (I'm not sure if it's already out), I implore you to BUY YOURSELF A COPY. Please. For your sake. I'm not kidding when I say this book will help change the way you look at money and your goals. I've tried different money management techniques, but jotting down monthly/daily expenses can be such a hassle that I have given up on that entirely. Mr. Soriano's tips in the book are simple, but would ultimately do its job - help you save for the future.
Wherever you are in life right now, Break Free will definitely teach you a lot in terms of managing yourself, your goals, and your way of living. I am super pumped and motivated to start changing my attitude towards success. (To be honest, I'm still feeling the effects from reading the book, haha.)
You don't have to stay where you are right now. You can act on your future. You can take control. When will you be willing to Break Free?
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