Working Smarter
The Key to Success
There’s nothing more fulfilling than accomplishing a task the right way the first time. My father always taught me that it’s far more efficient to do something correctly the first time than to redo it later. Unfortunately, many people continue to approach life in a way that limits their growth—taking shortcuts, working in circles, and missing out on opportunities to maximize their potential.
For me, efficiency and focus are the keys to success. I’ve created systems in my life that allow me to accomplish more than most people, and I do it without burning myself out. I believe in working smart—and I’m not afraid to take breaks when needed. In fact, I make it a priority to take naps nearly every day. Why? Because a quick break rejuvenates my body and sharpens my mind. It’s a productivity strategy that works wonders for both physical and mental clarity.
When I write a book, for instance, it’s an investment that keeps paying off. People continue to buy copies year after year, whether online, in stores, as audiobooks, or through YouTube content. That’s residual income—steady cash flow without the constant need to hustle for every sale. The same goes for my music; each song I write and produce continues to generate royalties long after it’s released. I also build websites for businesses, and I enjoy ongoing maintenance fees.
Let’s talk about JRQTV, my indie TV network—it’s one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on. The beauty of it? Even while I’m not actively working, I still see profits. I can take time off and return to find my business has grown, making money while I wasn’t even around. That’s the power of working smarter, not harder.
The reality is, creating a sustainable and profitable business is a journey that requires careful planning. Building an enterprise that can weather shifts in the market and adapt to trends is a big challenge. Short-term solutions or quick-fix businesses may promise immediate returns, but the truth is that success doesn’t come from hopping from one opportunity to another. Building a business model that lasts takes strategy, patience, and long-term vision.
I often say that success in business comes down to three pillars: Sustainability, Tenacity, and Positioning.
Sustainability
How well does your business adapt to change? Can it grow with the market? Look at companies like Tesla, which has revolutionized electric cars, or Amazon, which evolved from a bookstore into the world’s largest online retailer. Even the restaurant industry has shifted, with food delivery now available from virtually any establishment. The businesses that keep up with change thrive, and those that resist it fade away.
Tenacity
Are you working long hours just to survive, or is your business running smoothly on its own? In the early days of my motorcycle business, I worked non-stop, physically present every minute the business was open. I quickly learned that working long hours doesn’t necessarily equate to success. True success comes from leveraging your time and resources effectively, so your business can operate without your constant presence.
Positioning
Where does your product or service stand in the market? Is it relevant, and does it adapt to consumer needs? Take a look at Apple—every new iPhone iteration improves on the last, but it’s never perfect. The key is continuous improvement, always staying ahead of the competition while meeting consumer demands. Your product needs to evolve to maintain a competitive edge.
When your business embodies all three of these principles—Sustainability, Tenacity, and Positioning—you’re on the path to success. The next step is to systematize your business, automate processes, and set up systems that allow your business to run efficiently without needing constant supervision. This is how you create a business that works for you, instead of you working for it.
I’ve built my business in a way that allows for passive income. With low overhead and a streamlined operation, I don’t need to spend endless hours managing it. This allows me the freedom to live my life while still building wealth. Once you’ve created a business model that generates consistent cash flow, you’re on the path to wealth and freedom. Building these assets opens the door for even greater opportunities, and that’s the key to long-term success.