Don't Rush To Make The Wrong Decisions, A Rugby Legend, A Business Book Classing & More!

Every great destination needs a carefully planned journey, but making plans too soon could be worse than not making them at all.

Author

Matt Haycox
September 08, 2023

MATT’S CHATS: Navigate life's maze: Why not having your life mapped out as a teenager could turn out to be the best decision you never made.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Get all the latest business news and content fresh from the Matt Haycox Daily website, including the staggering new price of first-class stamps, the passing of entrepreneur and billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, and how traditional retail tactics are driving success for M&S.

SCARY STAT:  How can so many people get the most important things in their lives so wrong?

PODCAST:  Success Unmasked: James Haskell's Journey in the the Spotlight, from rugby legend to the media spotlight and beyond.

WHAT TO WATCH: If you are going to be watching tv, then make sure it is something you can learn from. One of my favourites here for your to check out.

READ ME: A book that has truly stood the test of time. As relevant today as it was in 1937 when it was written. Can you guess what it is?

STEP UP YOUR FITNESS GAME: Simple fitness secrets you need to know.

Want more Matt? Matt Haycox Daily is now available as a podcast. From getting this Friday newsletter in audio form, to hearing quick daily tips or the latest news stories, make sure you check it out and subscribe. (PS. It's a different podcast to The Matt Haycox Show so make sure you have both!)

Harlie (my 17 year old daughter for all you new readers) is going back to school this week, ready to get stuck into her A levels. Maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. Gives me chills just thinking about it!

The last 18 months or so she has taken to her education with a new level of interest that had me in shock. Having spent most of her life riding horses and being obsessed with the thought of a future life in riding, she just woke up one morning, never sat on a horse again, and became the perfect student.

Right now she seems to know very clearly what she wants to do with her education and that she wants a future career in some kind of space engineering. And that’s great. I also know for many, if not most people reading this that they (or their kids) haven’t got the slightest idea what they want to do in later life. And that is fine too.

And I am sure there are a few 30 year olds reading this too who also don’t know what they want to do if they ever grow up! And guess what, that’s all good too!

When I was a kid, other than a brief spell of wanting to be a famous magician, I always knew I wanted to be in business. But I didn’t particularly know what areas of business I wanted to work in. I just knew I wanted to be rich, and in the late 80’s / early 90’s it was very much the belief system that the only way to make big money was to own your own business.

“You will never get rich working for someone else.” 

It was also an era where the lack of a university degree was likely to close off most quality career options for you.

My mum wanted me to go to university and be a lawyer or a doctor. And whilst she will probably not admit it, she was seriously disappointed in me for not going to uni (well I lasted 6 weeks) and running off to try and carve out a career as a businessman with no meaningful qualifications.

And as a parent she wouldn’t have been alone. Because that was the ingrained thought process of the 90’s (and before).

Know what you want to do with your life by the time you are 14. Get your GCSE’s & A levels. Go to university. Get that job that you had planned on since 14. Get married. Have kids. Drum in to them the same logic. Die after many miserable years with a partner you don’t even want to be with.

Break that mould and at best you were some kind of crazy hippie. At worst you were guaranteeing a life of failure.

But the world has moved on. 

No longer is university a prerequisite for success in adulthood.

But there is still an expectation and pressure put on kids to know what they want to do with their lives from their mid teens.

Rather than layering on pressure to map out a future career, I think it is much more important to teach a teenager to define success.

I have 1 very very simple measure of success. HAPPINESS. Are you happy? Because if you aren’t happy then all the education, money and status in the world still means you have failed.

It’s very important to understand that it is quite easy to be financially successful and unhappy at the same time. I can introduce you to dozens of rich people who are miserable!

To be able to know what you want to do and then make a success out of it you need to know 4 things:

  1. What you like

  2. What you don’t like

  3. What you are good at

  4. What you are bad at

Not only can you not possibly know those answers in depth at 14 / 15 / 18 years old. You are at such a young and formative age that the answers can materially change quickly too.

I know lots of people who wanted to be doctors and dentists from the age of about 13. They went through school wanting it. They went to medical school thinking they probably still wanted it. They then finished medical school and couldn’t think of anything worse than working in medicine and went off to find a whole new path!

Looking back over the past 25+ years, there are many things I have learnt that are much more important for people in their teens and 20’s to understand than being forced to pick a path for the rest of their life at a careers fair.

I’ll be teaching Harlie & Nele:

Once You Get On The Treadmill It Is Very Hard To Ever Get Off

You leave school and go to university. You leave university and start a job. You start working your way up the corporate ladder. Next thing you know you are 50 years old and miserable in a job you hate! You didn’t go travelling around Asia and you can’t do it now because you have a boss and clients. Your wife won’t let you start that business that has been itching at you for years because that would mean leaving the security of your corporate pay check.

As much as I am the guy who always talks about following your dreams at any age, the reality is the older you get and the more settled you become with family and commitments, then the more difficult it is for most people to ever do it.

So don’t rush on to that treadmill, because once it has started it is unlikely to stop.

So Use Your 20’s To Experiment

Travel. Take a job because it sounds fun. Start a business. Commit to your passions and hobbies. Live in another country. Whatever it is doesn’t matter - as long as it makes you happy, gives you experiences and helps you build relationships. There is plenty of time to be an adult later.

Take Risks

You only learn when things go wrong and you only get rewarded for taking risks. Now is the time for all of that. The downside of making wrong choices at this age is negligible. The upside could be your dream life.

Take the wrong job, you’ve lost a few months of your life - no biggie, and you have learnt something while doing it for sure.

Start a business and go bankrupt - who cares, you didn’t have any money anyway!

Try to make it as an actor or musician - after 10 years of trying you are still not even 30!

Make Yourself Useful

Whatever position you are in, go above and beyond to be helpful and useful. Be the one everyone remembers for going the extra mile. Be the one who stayed late and helped with a project that had nothing to do with your actual role. Join your colleague or friend or manager on a weekend to campaign for their favourite charity.

Don’t Be A Dick

Being likeable is so much more powerful than being qualified! The unemployment line is full of highly qualified dick heads. Friendly, happy, proactive people will always be wanted and have a life full of opportunities.

Lean What ‘Great’ Looks Like

There is so much talk about working for a great company, having a great boss, doing great things. But what does ‘great’ even mean and look like? In a world of quantity you must learn to sniff out quality. Most companies aren’t great. And most bosses certainly aren’t great. Learn how to identify the ones that are so you can pick your path and your mentors wisely.

Follow Great People

Now you know what great looks like, find those great people so you can join them, learn from them, and let them take you on their journey.

Former Google CEO & Chairman, Eric Schmidt, famously told Sheryl Sandberg, “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.” He said that careers take care of themselves at companies that are growing quickly. Sheryl must have listened to him as she joined Mark Zuckerberg’s ‘rocket ship’ in 2008 and ultimately became a billionaire.

There Are So Many Ways To Make Money

Don’t get talked into thinking that a certain path is the ‘only’ way to make money. In today’s world just about everything is monetizable. Hobbies, side hustles, passions, there is no reason to not be smiling ear to ear getting paid to do what you love.

The short summary of all of the above is…… Collect great people and collect great experiences. This will help you build great knowledge and great relationships. And with that, you will have the ability to answer the 4 questions to be able to make your life plan.

Enjoy your teens, and enjoy your 20’s. Because in your 30’s your life is still just beginning. And if you follow my advice and thoughts you may just end up finding true success and loving the rest of your life too.

It's a bitter pill to swallow, but the hard truth is that 80% of us end up with major regrets about the key paths we've chosen in life. That person we married turns out to not be the right fit, our career went in the wrong direction, and our education ended sooner that we would have liked..

These truths are tough, but they're also a wake-up call. Life is an ongoing journey, and while we can't erase the past, we can make deliberate choices to shape a better future. So, think about the 80%, but remember that it's never too late to grab the bull by the horns and work towards what you truly dream of!

In this week's episode, I sat down with James Haskell, a gentle giant in the world of rugby boasting an impressive 77 England caps. Together, we delve into the intricacies of success, exploring life's challenges and celebrating the thrill of the 'big stage.' James pulls no punches as he highlights the significance of hard work, revaluates the true value of money, and underscores the importance of celebrating victories. Join us on a journey through his career, spanning from the rugby pitch to the DJ decks, and from the intense media spotlight to the pinnacle of success.

Get ready for:

🏉 James’ legendary rugby journey: Explore James Haskell's remarkable career- where it started and where he is now.

⭐ His addiction to the 'Big Stage': James opens up about his love for the spotlight and the excitement it brings.

💡 Unfiltered Wisdom: Get ready for valuable insights on hard work, wealth, and the art of celebrating victories- champagne at the ready!

🌍 Rugby World Cup 2023: James provides insights into the highly anticipated event, and who he things will win!

🤯 Media Intrusion and Prince Harry: Gain perspectives on handling media scrutiny, drawing parallels with Prince Harry's experiences.

🤝 Mentorship and Advice: Learn about the significance of mentorship and valuable advice in James's journey to success.

And that's just the beginning! Tune in now for more!

If you haven’t subscribed yet then please do and leave a 5* review. The better your reviews the better the future guests. Win : Win!

I know you probably spend all your free time binging on my podcast, but if you are in the mood for a little TV then I recommend you watch "The Founder" on Netflix. If you're in the mood for a bit of business history with a side of drama, this film should be on your radar.

"The Founder" tells the story of how one man, Ray Kroc (played by Michael Keaton), turned a small burger joint owned by the McDonald brothers into the global fast-food empire we know as McDonald's today. It's a fascinating look at the rise of a fast-food giant, and it's based on true events. The film delves into the intricacies of entrepreneurship, ambition, and the cutthroat world of business.

So, if you're intrigued by the stories behind iconic brands and the power struggles that often accompany success, give "The Founder" a watch. It's an engaging film that'll have you pondering the complexities of business and building an empire.

Forget popcorn, you’ll be ordering a Big Mac and fries not long into this!

This week, I've got a classic recommendation for you: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Now, don't let the title fool you. This book isn't about some get-rich-quick scheme; it's a timeless guide to achieving personal and financial success based on solid principles.

Hill's work is the result of his deep study of successful individuals, and he distilled their wisdom into 13 core principles:

  1. Desire: Clearly define your goals and develop an unwavering desire to achieve them.

  2. Faith: Visualise your success and genuinely believe it's possible.

  3. Autosuggestion: Use positive affirmations to influence your subconscious mind.

  4. Specialised Knowledge: Acquire relevant knowledge to advance toward your goals.

  5. Imagination: Harness your imagination to come up with innovative solutions.

  6. Organized Planning: Create a clear and actionable plan.

  7. Decision: Make prompt and resolute decisions.

  8. Power of the Master Mind: Surround yourself with a supportive and knowledgeable network.

  9. The Mystery of Sex Transmutation: Redirect your sexual energy into productive pursuits.

  10. The Subconscious Mind: Program your subconscious to work in your favour.

  11. The Brain: Understand and utilise your brain's potential.

  12. The Sixth Sense: Trust your intuition and act upon it.

  13. Overcoming Fear: Confront and conquer your fears that hold you back.

This book emphasises that success requires more than just a desire for wealth; it demands faith, persistence, and positive action. Hill encourages readers to think big, face challenges head-on, and never give up.

So, if you're looking for a no-nonsense guide to achieving your goals and realising your dreams, "Think and Grow Rich" should be top of your reading list.

Introducing the “8,000-Step Rule" – a game-changer for your fitness and health - especially if you have been slacking and decided you can’t be bothered with the 10,000 steps everyone usually talks about! Recent research reveals that walking just 8,000 steps a few times a week can be your secret weapon for a longer, healthier life. But wait, it's not just about your heart. This simple routine also helps you kick stress to the curb and unlocks your creative potential.

Quick 10-minute strolls that turbocharge your well-being. Stop being lazy and swap the elevator for the steps, and you're on the fast track to a healthier (and happier) you. It's all about small steps for big gains. Who would've thought fitness could be this simple?

Speaking of fitness, what's your ultimate go-to workout style? Share your fitness secrets, and who knows, we might just have something tailored to your preferences next time!

Choose Your Workout Style

Let me in on your sweat-worthy secrets and reveal your preferred workout style. Next week, we'll tailor our content to match your fitness favourites!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

P.S…… I know some of you are big fans of this newsletter because you email me and tell me about it. But you still aren’t sharing it with your friends! So use the link below to spread the word and you’ll qualify for some goodies soon!