I Get the World or Nothing at all

It's either I get the world or nothing at all. 

Since I was a young boy, I have always aspired to be great. I remember reading about Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and I thought to myself, "I want this!" I didn’t care that she disappeared on her return journey; I craved that kind of thrill. I still do! 

While my definition of "greatness" has evolved over time, my vision of a life worth living has remained constant. 

I want a life so thrilling that it feels like an action movie. 

Mediocrity is the bane of my existence. 

This mindset of "the world or nothing at all" enables me to make what some might consider "insane" decisions—choices that my peers and parents often think are crazy, or that I am foolish for making. Fortunately, I thrive on the thrill of it all and have learned to embrace the uncertainty of walking the road less traveled. 

To me, that's the beauty of life: not knowing what will happen tomorrow and choosing to bet on yourself anyway. 

Normalizing this mindset is crucial; otherwise, you'll forever be trapped chasing society-generated goals. 

You know the drill: 

- Go to school
- Get good grades
- Land a decent job
- Work for 40 years
- Save for retirement
- Retire at age 65 to finally enjoy life 

If you pay attention, you'll see this pattern play out everywhere, including with your close relatives or friends. 

It’s what your government wants. 

It’s what your parents want for you. 

They want you to become another cog in the machine, which means you are replaceable, just like a piece in that machine. 

And because you may lack the courage to question them, you follow their lead. 

You get a good enough job. 

You get a good enough life. 

You build a happy enough family. 

And before you "wake up" at 70, it's too late. You fall right into the matrix. 

That’s not even the most painful or regretful part. The worst part is that deep down, you knew you could have done more. You knew you were capable of more. You knew there was more to life than a 9-5 job. You knew you could have traveled the world more. You knew you could have started a business earlier. 

But you never did. 

You were too busy being responsible and seeking "safety," which, by the way, is an illusion that you were sold. 

Now what? 

How do you snap out of this reality and finally build a life you'll be proud of? 

The very fact that you are aware you are capable of more means you are ahead of 99% of the entire world's population. 

The fact that you are still reading this is the only proof you need. 

Realize that 99% of people never truly "grow up." Despite their outward appearances, they remain psychologically children of their parents, living by hand-me-down values and motivated primarily by their parents' approval and disapproval. They never dare to truly take their destiny into their own hands. 

The solution? 

Now picture yourself as one of the 1% who do change. The rare individuals who challenge the status quo in an attempt to live life by design. 

These 1% make the tough choice to question everything. 

They are willing to be seen as fools in the short term while they work on their long-term goals. 

Most importantly, they make that one BIG decision that changes everything. 

For me, it was quitting university to pursue my own path. For Amelia Earhart, it was flying solo across the Pacific Ocean. 

For others, it could be: 

- Quitting a soul-sucking job
- Ending toxic relationships
- Traveling abroad
- Switching careers 

The BIG decision changes everything for you. It throws you into chaos, makes you doubt yourself, and prompts you to wake up each morning questioning your sanity. But on the other hand, this BIG decision has the power to completely change the trajectory of your life. 

Stop waiting for permission. 

Stop letting fear take the lead. 

Start building momentum towards a fulfilling life. 

If it means creating a life you're proud of, you have even more reason to do it NOW. 

Or better yet, DO IT FOR THE PLOT. 

I love the idea that I had the courage to quit university. I enjoy telling the story of my decision to leave without a second thought and how it adds excitement and thrill to my "movie of life." I also cherish the fact that I failed in four business ventures. More twists mean a more engaging plot, and while failing is tough, learning is fun. 

I can't wait to land on Mars and include that in my autobiography. But before that, let's fast-track freedom and land in Cape Town, South Africa. (My second big decision) 

Don't settle for less than you know you are capable of. 

Quit more often. 

Build things that ignite your passion. 

And remember, you only have one life, so you might as well bet on yourself and become the best version of yourself that ever roamed the Earth. 

Stay curious. Question everything. 

Leave a dent. 

... 

Talk soon, 

Dennis.