In today’s challenging economic environment, overcoming financial struggles can feel overwhelming, especially for young parents juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities. This article draws on key advice from a video response aimed at a young man, Avante, who is working two jobs with a one-year-old child. If you’re in a similar situation, here’s a guide on how to break free from poverty, increase your income, and achieve long-term success.

1. Cut All Unnecessary Costs

The first step to overcoming financial struggles is to dramatically reduce your expenses. You need to cut all non-essential costs immediately:

• Stop eating out, unless it’s from a discount grocery store.
• Hold off on buying new clothes – use what you already have or buy secondhand from places like Goodwill.
• Consider living with family or roommates to reduce living costs by splitting rent and utilities.

This phase won’t last forever, but it’s critical for freeing up cash to invest in your future.

2. Increase Your Income

Working two jobs may not be sustainable in the long term, especially if you dislike them. However, there are ways to improve your financial situation by increasing your income:

• Look for higher-paying opportunities, like sales jobs that offer starter roles with zero experience.
• Consider side gigs like driving for Uber or flipping items for profit. Start by selling someone else’s stuff, then graduate to buying and reselling bigger items like furniture or even homes.
• Continuously apply for better jobs in industries you’re passionate about and that offer growth potential.

3. Learn a Valuable Skill

The quickest way to elevate your financial status is by learning a new, in-demand skill. This will increase your value in the job market and help you land better-paying roles. Here’s how to approach this:

• Dedicate four hours a day to learning and developing this skill.
• Watch tutorials, read books, and consume content only related to your chosen field.
• After spending about 20 hours learning the basics, start applying for jobs that require this skill. Prove your hustle and enthusiasm through personalized messages to potential employers.

4. Adopt a Success Mindset

It’s essential to adopt a mindset focused on hard work and persistence rather than relying on luck. You need to be proactive and force success through your actions:

• Focus on being undeniable in your efforts by working harder and longer than anyone else.
• Push past failure and view every rejection as a learning opportunity.
• Work twice as hard as the top performer in your field – when they clock out, you clock in.

By internalizing this mindset, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success in less than a year.

5. Push Through Failure

Failure is inevitable, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow. The key is to keep pushing through until you find success. This is particularly important when:

• Applying for jobs – if you apply to 100 places, you only need one “yes” to change your life.
• Taking on side hustles – not every sale will be profitable, but the experience will help you get better.

Remember, volume negates luck – the more attempts you make, the better your chances of success.

6. Surround Yourself with the Right People

It’s crucial to be mindful of who you spend your time with. If the people around you don’t have bigger dreams for you than you have for yourself, it’s time to reevaluate your relationships:

• Avoid taking advice from people who haven’t achieved what you aspire to accomplish.
• Focus on building relationships with individuals who support your vision and push you to succeed.

This might be tough, but it’s necessary to escape the limitations of your current environment and mindset.

Conclusion

Avante’s situation may resonate with many young parents who are struggling financially, but the advice here applies broadly to anyone looking to improve their financial situation through hard work, skill development, and a clear success mindset. By following these steps, you can overcome financial challenges, create a better future for yourself and your family, and ultimately, achieve your goals.