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Success Advice

3 Investments That Are Better Than a College Degree

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Let’s look at the facts: the average college student leaves school with $30,000 in debt (according to U.S. News), the unemployment rate increased to 7.2% (up from 4.7%) for 2020 college grads (CBS News), and on average, tuition costs inflate by 8% every year (FinAid).

So I wouldn’t blame you for wondering — whether you’re a parent or a just-graduated high-school student — what investments are better than a college degree. 

I myself am a college-dropout (I’m now 28) who’s built a successful freelance writing business that supports my family and allows us to live in Hawaii — no degree required.

A friend of mine, Ryan Dossey (who also dropped out of college and high school), built himself a portfolio of over $8.8 million in real estate assets (with $1.94 million in equity) by the age of 26. He also has founded two businesses that are doing over 7 figures per year in revenue. 

How’d we do it?

Well, I sat down with Ryan Dossey and we discussed this simple question: what investments are better than a college degree?

Here’s what we came up with.

1. 3.5% Down Payment To House Hack

Here’s a hack that millennials love — and rightfully so. Get a mortgage to purchase a duplex (or triplex or quadruplex) and pay the minimum down payment possible. Usually, that’s around 3.5%. Then live in one of the units and rent out the others.

Imagine that you purchase a $250,000 duplex — that means you just pay $8,750 for the down payment (far less than most people spend on college). Your mortgage is around $1,100 per month. And you can rent out the other unit for $1,200 to $1,500 per month. 

That means you’re living for free and building equity for free. And now you can save extra money every month to purchase more properties and continue growing your real estate empire.

2. Real-World Skills

Maybe real estate isn’t your thing. But maybe you’re interested in copywriting, marketing, web design, sales, or computer programming — those are all skills that you don’t need a college degree to master. 

I became an experienced copywriter and online marketer by taking courses, reading, working for free, and getting people results. Eventually I was able to land a paid client. Then another. Then I got a full-time gig as a copywriter. Then I left that job to go full-time as a freelancer. 

Now I make well over six figures every year with my freelancing biz — and I can work when I want, where I want, how I want. 

So how do you do it?

Start by choosing a skillset that you want to learn. Then look online for reputable and helpful resources — that could be YouTube, podcasts, blog articles, or even social media influencers. Practice your craft every day (even if it’s on your own stuff), invest money to become a master (buy courses!), pitch potential clients, and network with other professionals in your niche.

Do those things consistently and you’re virtually guaranteed to come out on top.

3. Building a Business

Have a business idea? There’s no better time to try and start a business than when you’re just out of high school — and don’t let anyone tell you differently. 

You’re at an age where you’ll have more energy than you will 10 years down the road. You also have less risk (no spouse, kids, big debt or bills, etc.). More importantly,  you believe that anything is possible. 

That’s the best time to grab the bull by the horns — that’s what Ryan and I did… and we wouldn’t change it for the world. You can always turn the truck around in your 30s or 40s if things don’t work out, because you’ve got plenty of time. But now is the time to take your biggest risks and try to build the business you dream of building. 

Don’t let anyone tell you it’s too early. If it wasn’t too early for us… then it’s not too early for you.

Mike Blankenship is the low-profile, high-impact writer behind lots of online brands and businesses. He's also the co-founder of The Tonic, a free email newsletter that makes personal growth interesting and enjoyable.

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
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Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

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