Do you ever find yourself scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, captivated by a 90-second soundbite from someone incredibly successful, leaving you wondering, “What’s their story? How did they get there?”

If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, especially when I first came across entrepreneurs like Codie Sanchez, Alex Hormozi, and Layla Hormozi. These individuals have built empires, seemingly overnight, but the truth is, their success didn’t happen by chance. It’s rooted in something much deeper—years of hard work, learning, and laying a strong foundation.

The Reality of Your 20s

Let’s talk about your 20s for a moment. They’re tough, and they’re supposed to be. Codie Sanchez put it best in a recent podcast when she said, “Your 20s are going to suck.” And she’s right. This decade is often filled with long hours, low pay, and a lot of grunt work. But here’s the silver lining: your 20s are also the time when you build the foundation for your future success.

I started working at 15, and by the time I was in college, I was already juggling a full-time job. I thought landing a corporate job before graduation was like winning the lottery. But reality hit hard when I moved to San Francisco on a $37,000 salary and realized just how little that really was. I quickly learned that if I wanted more out of life—better food, the ability to keep my apartment warm, a social life that didn’t revolve around ramen noodles—I’d have to work even harder.

Building a Foundation Through Experience

In your 20s, it’s all about saying yes to opportunities that come your way, even when they seem daunting or outside your comfort zone. I spent years working in various roles across different industries—retail, finance, technology, communications, and more. I managed people, oversaw operations, supported change management, and traveled the world. Through all of this, I learned two crucial things: what I was good at and what I never wanted to do again.

For example, nine months into a role in finance was enough to teach me that no amount of money could keep me there. On the other hand, I discovered that I loved problem-solving and building things from the ground up. These experiences, though exhausting, were invaluable. They allowed me to identify my strengths and passions, laying the groundwork for my future career.

The Shift in Your 30s

All that hard work in my 20s set the stage for a rapid rise in my 30s. I went from a senior business analyst to a global executive and eventually to the C-suite. But here’s where my story diverges from those of Codie Sanchez, Alex Hormozi, and Layla Hormozi. While they transitioned their foundational experiences into entrepreneurial ventures early on, I stayed in corporate, believing that reaching the top would bring the financial rewards I’d been working toward. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

When I finally reached the C-suite, I realized that staying at the top meant constantly battling to maintain my position. The financial security I had expected never materialized. It was a harsh lesson, but one that ultimately led me to a crucial realization: I needed to take the leap into entrepreneurship if I wanted to build real wealth and live the life I envisioned.

The Entrepreneurial Leap

My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t happen overnight. It took years of experience, learning from others, and even a few failed business attempts before I found my footing. But once I did, everything changed. Today, I run a successful business as a Fractional COO, a role that allows me to leverage all the skills and knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years.

Here’s the key takeaway: the success I’m experiencing now in my 40s is a direct result of the foundation I built in my 20s and 30s. If you’re in your 20s right now, embrace the grind. Use this time to learn, grow, and discover what you’re truly passionate about. Find mentors, absorb knowledge, and be open to coaching. Your 20s are the time to make mistakes, experiment, and figure out what works for you.

The Road Ahead

Starting a business is never easy, but it’s a completely different experience when you have years of experience to draw from. When you start a business after years of learning and working for others, you’re better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way. You’ll still have to work hard, but you’ll be able to fast-track your success because you’ve laid a solid foundation.

So, if you’re dreaming of running your own business, don’t rush it. Take the time to learn from others, build your skills, and create a strong foundation. And when you’re ready, take the leap, knowing that you’ve done the work and are fully prepared for what’s to come.

Remember, everything is possible with the right foundation and structure. Your 20s may be tough, but they’re setting you up for a future of unlimited possibilities. Keep going, stay focused, and know that your hard work will pay off.

Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself. The best is yet to come.

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