One of the most common questions I’m asked is:

It’s very difficult, if not impossible, financially for some people to do what you do. How do you do it?

Since I began writing Hundred Goals, I’ve tried to encourage people to live minimally, and within their means. Despite the subtle financial advice I offer, people still seem confused, and sometimes even offended, that I’m able to live the way that I do. I’ve actually been accused of being a drug dealer. For some reason, I just can’t seem to convince people that, financially, they can do exactly the same things I’m doing.

I’m not rich.

The truth is, I live on less than $20,000 a year. But despite my limited budget, I still manage to do a lot of amazing things. I’ve backpacked around Europe, learned how to surf in Hawaii, toured the White House, and watched the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. It’s not because I’m rich that I’m able to do these things. I’m able to do these things because I’ve taken the necessary steps to live within my financial means.

If you’re finding it financially challenging to live the life of your dreams, here’s my advice to you:

Eliminate all of your debt, and avoid incurring any new debt. If you’re always paying debts from your past, it’s impossible to live in the moment. Pay off your debts, and avoid any new debt. Live within your means.

Avoid buying shit you don’t need. Only spend money on things of value. The rest is just bullshit. Don’t waste your money.

Don’t pay attention to other people. What other people have, or where they go for vacation isn’t important. Know what you value, and stay focused on the goals that you’ve set for yourself. Don’t be distracted by other people.

You can’t have everything you want. You can have anything you want in life, but you can’t have everything. Whatever you want, you can have it. But having it will probably mean giving up something else. Sacrifice the things you don’t value so that you can have the things you do.

Make life a priority. If you want something, you can’t just expect it to happen. You have to make it happen.  Don’t sit around thinking about all of the things you want to do with your life. Do them! Stop thinking, and start doing.

It’s really that simple…but also easier said than done.

It takes a lot of dedication and determination to get out of debt. It’s a battle that must be fought EVERY.DAMN.DAY. And it isn’t easy to ignore what other people have, or what they’re doing. But instead of feeling jealous of them, be happy for them. Focus on your goals, and your dreams. Stop thinking about the life you’ll have someday, and start living the life you want today!

And stop buying stupid shit you don’t need. Seriously. Stop.