Being Less Stupid

It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.

Charlie Munger

I’ve spent my entire life convinced I’m a “bit smarter, and a bit better” than almost everyone else.

Some who know me might agree.

But my bank balance wouldn’t.

Now, money isn’t everything.

But it helps.

And while people who I deem “not as bright” as me, have progressed.

Increased their net worth slowly but surely.

Bought houses and assets to increase net worth.

I have little to show… for my “intelligence.”

(Relatively speaking (RS) - this is not an ode of personal tragedy)

Well…

I’ve had enough.

So, I’m going to take you on a journey of experimentation called “Being Less Stupid”

Because I’m sick and tired of being bright and poor (relatively speaking (RS))

I want to have a nice home…

Own nice things…

And not have to worry about money… 

So I’m going to publicly set some goals for myself.

And then do everything I can to get there.

Not hold back. Not censor. Not sugar coat.

I’m going to tell you (when I’m really just telling myself) what I’m doing, what was bullshit, and what actually worked, and perhaps it will help someone (starting with me)

But more than that, I’m going to pour my heart and soul into this newsletter over the next few weeks, months and years and share the journey with you.

Let’s establish my current position for July  

Incomings

(These monthly numbers can vary between £6-14K per month)

Job Ready English Income: ~£4,000 (Courses, Adsense + Hourly Coaching)

Copywriting Income: ~£4,000 (2 x Retainer Clients , 1 small, 1 large)

Outgoings

Business Expenses: ~ £6,000 (2 staff, my salary, an office, a car,  accountants, tech and subscriptions)

Personal Expenses: ~£1,500 (Rent, Food, A dog, Petrol, Insurances)

Oh, and my business is VAT registered.

So, that little slither of profit you see me making each month, basically ends up going to the VAT man.

By UK law once you earn over £85,000 a year you have to pay 20% VAT (there’s more to it, but I pay accountants to do this)

You see the topline, you might see myself or the business doing £100K+ and think “Wow!”

A 6-figure business.

He must be loaded.

The truth?

I’d make more and work less hours if I served you McDonald’s at a Drive Thru.

BUT, this isn’t work to me.

It’s a love affair with being a world class writer.

And the fact that you can imagine anything, write it, put it online and people will give you money. That is something that I hope I never get over feeling amazed by.

But, I am creating a business where I currently don’t actually make very much

money.

And that’s no good either.

Though there is a plan…

Now where do I want to get to?

There are 3 major landmarks.

1. £20K/ month in 12 months.
2. My own home in 24 months.
3. Net worth over £750,000 in 36 months.

You probably wonder why these arbitrary numbers?

1. £20K/month - A reasonable goal to double income in 12 months, plus a personal landmark for me. This is business revenue, not personal income, and would also represent a modest increase on our best every month of £14.5K. Also this is my next point of internal money resistance (more on this another time if you’re interested)
2. My own home - I’m 36 years old (soon to be 37) , I’m also for the first time ever in care of something that will be with me for a long time. My pooch. Oh sure I’ve almost been married 3 times, lived with women and even had a few step-children (none of my own so far) , but now I’m yearning for a cottage in the country for my dog and I with a few bedroom, a study, a big garden and a punchbag, gym and sauna.
3. Net worth - This essentially represents a 40% growth in revenue over 3 years. 2024: £240K > 2025: £336K > 2026: £470K. Net worth would be cash at hand, or money within assets.

Ambitious ? Sure.

Impossible? No, unless I keep doing the same stupid shit.

My main problem is not making money, it’s keeping it and not getting distracted.

Hence the Being Less Stupid [30 Day Experiment #1]

The experiment began on the 25th of July.

And the emphasis was simply subtraction

• No social media
• No WhatsApp between 6AM and 6PM (Mon - Sat)
• No TV (Disney+, Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime)
• No new things (technology, courses, books, events and friends)

Because then all that’s left is the work… or working out…or the dog…or staring into space

To increase income I need to create, and to create I need to not be distracted.

Plus, we are at a crucial tipping point in our business.

I’m either going to EXPLODE or DIE…

So, if you think this is extreme.

I’d rather do this than God forbid go back to work for someone else.

So let’s remove distractions… and see what happens.