Welcome to this week's episode of Freestyle Friday, where we're about to dive into some hard truths. In this edition, we uncover a major lie you've been sold:

"If you're not upgrading your life, you're failing." It's time to shatter this misconception.

Early on, I fell into the trap of believing that life is a linear journey of constant upgrades. My wife and I moved around ten times in the first five years of our marriage, each time accumulating more possessions because we thought it was the expected path. However, a turning point came when the sales team I was building quit, forcing me to make a choice: rebuild a team I didn't want or return to the original goal I had set for myself.

Fortunately, I learned valuable lessons during that period, escaping the upgrade Matrix and refocusing on building a life I didn't want to retire from. Instead of burdening ourselves with a massive house and expenses, we downsized significantly. We sold or discarded unnecessary items, reduced our rent payment to a fraction of what it was before, and even moved into my brother-in-law's apartment. It was a humbling experience.

During this time, I dedicated myself to my side hustle business, and it paid off. In the following years, I achieved remarkable milestones. My business generated over $50,000 in one year, then surpassed $400,000 the next year. I ventured into a software company and raised over a million dollars to develop our product. Last year, my agency reached one million dollars in revenue within just eight months. Along the way, we made smart financial decisions, securing a new house with a rented apartment attached, at a lower payment than our previous home.

While our earnings grew substantially, our lifestyle didn't change dramatically. I still drive paid-off vehicles, own a TV that's a few years old, and haven't splurged on new furniture. Instead, I've invested over $400,000 in myself, explored angel investments, real estate syndications, and lent money to others for additional income.

The truth is, constant upgrading is often a sign of undisciplined spending to keep up with others. But how can you know if you've fallen for this lie? Here are some questions to ponder:

If you had to go without income tomorrow, how long could you last without losing everything? If it's less than six months, there's room for improvement in your spending, saving, or earning habits.

Do your monthly payments exceed 75% of your monthly income? It's essential to measure purchases in terms of their total cost, not just the monthly payment. Apart from necessary expenses like housing and possibly a car, you should minimize payment commitments.

Have you invested more money in unnecessary things than in actual investments, including yourself? It's counterproductive to complain about a lack of funds while splurging on luxuries. Remember, you are your most valuable asset, and your ability to earn is in your hands.

Ultimately, the most crucial question to ask yourself is how you want your life to unfold. For me, the goal is to achieve financial independence and not have to work by my 40s or even my 60s. I want to spend my time doing what I love, not just what I have to do. That's why I prioritize hard work, taking risks, and investing in myself rather than indulging in unnecessary possessions.

Don't be fooled by the lie that constant upgrading is necessary. You might end up retiring from your first job at 62, only to find yourself needing a second job to afford a modest lifestyle. Take the time to figure out what truly matters to you, and if necessary, don't hesitate to downgrade.