Episode 072 – Personal Development Principles That Made Me $30 Million

Subscribe on: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | GOOGLE | RSS

Note: This blog post serves as an accompaniment to the corresponding podcast episode of A Changed Mind, where we’ll distill down the core ideas of this week’s theme, along with additional distinctions and insights. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, you can go here to do so.  Enjoy.

Today, I’m sharing with you 19 principles that have been instrumental in my life. These aren’t just theories; these are actionable insights that took me from feeling completely stuck to creating a thriving $30 million business and a deeply fulfilling life.  No matter who you are or how long you’ve been on a journey of personal growth, adhering to these principles will help you create more abundance, joy, meaning, and impact in your life. 

1. You Are Creating Your Own Reality

Here’s something to think about: every single result in your life is something you’ve created. The good, the bad, and the in-between. This is a foundational principle from Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich that’s influenced so many successful people. Your thoughts shape everything—relationships, finances, health, and career. And once you realize that your thoughts are the starting point, you understand that you can change your reality by changing your thoughts. That’s why we’re never truly “stuck.” If you feel like you’re in a rut, look at what’s going on in your mind.

It’s not just philosophy either. Behavioral psychology backs this up, showing that beliefs formed early on shape how we think today. If you grew up with the idea that “money is hard to make,” chances are you still have thoughts about financial struggle. But the incredible thing is, you can shift those thoughts. Henry Ford said it best: “The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right.”

2. Your Desires Are Already Working Their Way to You

The moment you have a desire, life begins organizing around that. It’s like a line in scripture: “Before they even ask, I hear them.” Whether you call it God, the universe, or just life itself, there’s a larger intelligence responding to you. And here’s what I want you to know: you don’t have to keep checking in on your goals or force them into reality. Your desire is already in process.

3. Stop the Hustle—Practice Non-Resistance Instead

Contrary to what you might hear out there, success doesn’t have to come through the hustle. In fact, pushing harder usually comes from fear that things won’t work out. But life works best when we’re not in resistance, where we’re not stressed or trying to force everything. This is the opposite of what most of us learn, which is why it feels so refreshing when you realize it’s possible.

When you let go of resistance, things start to fall into place. You’re more likely to notice the right opportunities, you feel good, and from that space, you take inspired action. There’s no need to overthink it. This is all about learning to be at ease with where you are and trusting what comes next.

4. Emotions Are Your Guidance System

Your emotions are telling you whether or not you’re in alignment with what you want. When you’re feeling good, you’re moving in the right direction; when you feel bad, it’s a sign of resistance. Think about it this way: if you believe in abundance and success, life aligns to support that belief. But if you’re thinking, “This never works out for me,” you’re going to feel tension, worry, and struggle. Your feelings are a feedback loop, pointing out when your thoughts are working against your goals.

5. Life’s Doing the Heavy Lifting

Every goal you’ve ever achieved wasn’t just because you were out there grinding. Life itself organized a lot of it. Take podcasts, for example. I could have worked hard to put out an episode each week, but if the platforms, timing, and audience weren’t there, would it reach people? Life made all those cooperative components available.

Realize that you’re not in this alone. When you have a vision, life is working to align everything you need—people, timing, places. You’re not carrying the whole load yourself.

6. Hustling and Grinding Often Comes from Resistance

Let’s talk about hustle for a second. If you’re out there grinding it out every day, pushing yourself to the brink, it’s usually because you feel like you have to, or else things will fall apart. But you don’t have to live in that state. There’s a much more powerful approach, and that’s non-resistance. When you’re relaxed, you’re inspired. Hustle and grind are actually signs of fear and resistance, and over time, they wear on you.

7. You Don’t Need to Know “How”

A lot of people get stuck because they don’t know how they’re going to make something happen. But you don’t have to know how! That part will come as you go along. There’s even a study where piano players were just imagining playing, and the same parts of their brain lit up as when they were actually playing. Your brain starts creating the connections even before something is real, so allow yourself to dream without the need for all the answers.

8. If a Thought Doesn’t Feel Good, It’s Not True

This principle has been life-changing for me. If you’re thinking something that doesn’t feel good, it’s not true. We think things like, “I’ll never get there,” or “I’m not good enough,” and it doesn’t feel good because those thoughts are out of alignment with what’s real. Break the habit of following these thoughts. Just tell yourself, “That’s not true.” This daily practice is like a workout for the mind—over time, you’ll feel the difference.

9. Be Happy Now to Attract Success

A lot of people believe they’ll be happy once they reach their goals, but happiness actually has to come first. Happiness is the royal road to success. When you’re in a good place, you’re in alignment, and things flow from there. Don’t let your happiness depend on some future outcome—make it the foundation.

10. Alignment Makes Action Feel Effortless

When you’re in alignment, taking action feels inspired, not forced. That’s why non-resistance is so important. You still take action, but it feels natural, and you enjoy the process. That’s the sweet spot.

11. Beliefs Are Simply Decisions

The idea that “beliefs are decisions” changed everything for me. A belief that “money is hard to make” or “I can’t trust people” is a choice we made somewhere along the way, likely unconsciously. But knowing this means we can make new decisions. We can choose thoughts like “Money flows easily,” or “I attract the right people.”

When you change these internal decisions, your perception shifts. Suddenly, things you didn’t see before—opportunities, people, resources—become visible. When you look for growth, abundance, and connection, life organizes to bring them to you.

12. Let Go of Resentments

Some limiting beliefs are more stubborn than others because they’re tied to resentments. Often, forgiving those who shaped these beliefs—family, friends, even ourselves—frees us. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for releasing resentment and letting go of beliefs that hold us back.

13. The Echo Effect: Stick with New Beliefs Even When Old Patterns Resurface

There’s a lag between making a new decision and seeing it reflected in life. It’s like an echo; today’s reality reflects past beliefs. So if you’ve made new decisions about abundance, but things still look scarce, don’t give up. Stay with the new belief, and let the old echo pass.

14. Life’s Bigger Plan

It’s essential to understand that life has its own plan. I might have a list of things to do each day, but life often brings unexpected events that are actually part of a bigger plan. Relax and recognize that what shows up is what’s meant to be. Embrace it as part of the journey.

15. Meditate Daily to Build Non-Resistance

Meditation is like exercise for the mind. Spend just 20 minutes a day in stillness, allowing resistance to fall away. Meditation gives your mind a reset, a time to down-regulate from stress and align with ease.

16. Don’t Obsess Over Goals

Obsessing over goals often creates resistance. Instead, focus on non-resistance and enjoying life. Your goals are already in motion. Trust the process, and allow life to take care of the timing.

17. Find Your Community

Personal growth isn’t a solo journey. Surround yourself with people who share these principles and who support your evolution. Personal growth is not a do-it-yourself project; it takes a village to create an extraordinary life.

18. Step Away from Problems

When you’re stuck on a problem, step back. Einstein said, “You can’t solve a problem with the same energy that created it.” Go for a walk, spend time with friends, and watch how solutions naturally emerge. Often, it’s the space that lets answers come through.

19. Choose Powerful States Over Primal States

At any moment, we’re either in a powerful state (joy, curiosity, peace) or a primal state (stress, anger, anxiety). The key is to notice when you’re in a primal state and shift back to a powerful one. This doesn’t mean never feeling negative emotions, but it’s about returning to a positive, empowered state more often.

Moving Forward with Purpose

These 19 principles are the foundation for creating a life of purpose, success, and fulfillment. They’re the lessons that have transformed my journey and can do the same for yours. No matter where you are today, know that change is possible—starting with a change in mindset. Embrace these ideas, and let’s create the life you truly desire, one step at a time.