5 Things I’d Do If I Were 22 and Wanted to Level Up Fast
Coming back from Labor Day always signals the start of fall and with it, the sudden realization that the year’s almost over.
For a lot of people, that brings a mix of fear and pressure:
“I haven’t done enough.”“There’s so much I said I’d do this year.”“Time is moving fast, and I’m falling behind.”
So I wanted to share something I get asked constantly, including this past weekend:
“How do I get a job like yours?”
“How do I make more money?”
“What would you do if you were me?”
It’s usually someone in their early 20s… Ambitious, hungry, but unsure where to start.
Some are in college. Some dropped out. Some have degrees that don’t clearly convert into income.
They want freedom, flexibility, and options but don’t know where to begin.
*To be clear: I’m not perfect, and I didn’t do all these things early on.*But now, at 28, making well over six figures, running a few businesses, having traveled to 30+ countries, and recently competing in a bodybuilding competition, I’ve learned what moves the needle.
Here’s what I’d focus on if I were starting over at 22.
1. Wake Up Early and Move Your Body
“There is no such thing as a loser who wakes up at 5AM and works out.” — Sahil Bloom
This is the first habit I’d build. Hard stop.
Wake up by 5 or 6AM and move your body. Not necessarily for aesthetics, but for momentum.
It changes your entire day — physically, mentally, emotionally.
Why it works:
You can’t miss a workout you’ve already done. No distractions. No excuses.
You make better choices all day. You already did something hard — you’re less likely to coast or eat like trash.
You wake your brain up. Morning movement boosts blood flow to the prefrontal cortex (focus, planning, decision-making).
You train your dopamine system. That endorphin hit makes early mornings rewarding — and easier to repeat.
This isn’t about getting jacked (but you probably will).
Just sweat. Walk. Run. Lift. Play pickup. Stretch.
Whatever it is, make it intentional.
Before the world gets to you, prove you’re in control.
2. Read Nonfiction Every Day
Spend 15–30 minutes a day reading nonfiction — biographies, business, psychology, history, personal growth.
Anything that expands how you think and helps you understand the world better.
It gives you perspective. Pattern recognition. Decision-making frameworks.
And here’s the cheat code:
It makes you more interesting.
Most people lean on pop culture or headlines to carry conversation. But when you read, you bring ideas into the room. You make connections others don’t.
3. Get Into a Field That Pays for Output, Not Time
Want freedom? Pick a field that actually gives you leverage.
Look for work that:
Has high demand (more jobs than qualified people)
Offers high upside (you can grow with your skill)
Has a low barrier to entry (certs, projects, or proof — not necessarily a degree)
Pays for results, not hours
This is how you escape the time-for-money trap.
You work smarter, not longer — and you free up space to live.
Here are a few fields I recommend:
Cybersecurity (biased — but it’s what I do. High demand, great pay.)
AI & automation (prompt engineering, systems building, integration)
No-code tools (like Bubble or Webflow — powerful with very little barrier)
Copywriting & email marketing (words sell. Simple as that.)
Tech sales / SaaS sales (especially if you’re naturally good with people)
There are more. But the key is this:
Don’t just find a job. Find a lane that builds leverage.
If you pick the right field, stay consistent, and focus on solving real problems — the money will follow.
And more importantly, so will the freedom.
4. Develop Soft Skills on Purpose
Most people treat communication like it’s something you either “have” or you don’t.
That’s bullshit.
If you can talk to people, ask thoughtful questions, explain your ideas clearly, and read the room — you’re ahead of 90% of people.
Learn to talk to people across age, gender, and background.
Especially if you’re a guy — get comfortable talking to women without trying to get something from it.
Seriously. When you stop putting hidden expectations on conversations, you’ll not only connect better — you’ll actually become more confident, more respected, and more fun to be around.
Not everything needs an agenda.
And when you get good at navigating different rooms, everything opens up.
Here’s a fast way to build trust and likability:
Make people feel seen.
Actually listen. Ask follow-ups. Remember the small stuff.
Text them good luck before their job interview. Congratulate them on that launch. Send the link you mentioned in conversation.
Most people don’t feel heard.
So when you show up with presence — they remember you.
5. Try Something New Every Day
A lot of people grind their way into a life they don’t even like.
Don’t be one of them.
You don’t have to be rich to enjoy life.
And if you don’t practice joy now — you probably won’t later.
Start small. Do one new thing a day:
Take a different route on your walk
Change one thing in your usual recipe
Say yes to something spontaneous
Ask a question you’ve never asked before
Newness expands your life — in energy, ideas, people, and perspective.
That’s why I started Why Not Wednesday — a weekly ritual to try something different.
New food. New activity. New mindset. New conversation.
You don’t need a total life transformation.
Just one moment of curiosity — every day.
Closing Thoughts
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
But you do need direction, consistency, and curiosity.
If you wake up early and move, read every day, build a skill with upside, sharpen your people skills, and bring a little newness into your days — you’ll be ahead of 90% of people in just a year or two.
Not because you’re lucky.
Because you’re intentional.
Pick one thing.
Start small.
And keep showing up.