Embracing Risk: How I Started Making Money Online
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Chapter 1: A Shift in Perspective
As a child, I was raised in a conservative household where the routine was simple: my parents worked traditional 9-to-5 jobs and saved whatever they earned in a bank account that provided minimal returns. This upbringing instilled in me a similar mindset regarding personal finance. However, last year, I made the pivotal choice to change this way of thinking, and it turned out to be the best decision of my life.
For a long time, I had no affinity for risk or investing. As a final-year medical student, I believed my path was straightforward: earn my degree and work as a doctor, following the same safe pattern as my parents. But then, everything changed.
Many of my friends and family were entrepreneurial thinkers, constantly brainstorming new ventures to increase their income. Conversations with them ignited a spark in me. I began to realize that even earning a little extra on the side could ease my financial burdens during my studies.
Initially, I downplayed my ambitions, merely wanting to find simple ways to earn a few dollars here and there. I searched for easy tasks that could provide some income but often came up empty-handed. For months, while others were earning, I hesitated to take action, feeling that their efforts were beyond my reach. The safe mindset that had been ingrained in me pushed me away from exploring more challenging opportunities, costing me valuable time.
The Turning Point
Then, a friend of mine began writing on Medium and quickly found success, earning money through his articles. During our discussions, he offered to guide me through the process, and for the first time, I felt a real opportunity was within reach. I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue writing on Medium, which seemed like a viable long-term plan.
To my surprise, I started earning money almost immediately. While my first month brought in only $17, it exceeded my expectations and encouraged me to continue. Over the following months, my earnings increased, transforming writing into a rewarding part-time endeavor. Yet, the financial aspect was only one of the many benefits I gained.
The thrill of seeing my first dollar enter my bank account was exhilarating. I soon discovered that making money online was not just a fantasy—it was entirely attainable, and surprisingly straightforward once I committed to learning.
With my newfound income, I began saving, which granted me greater freedom to take calculated risks. I started investing and exploring small projects with the hope that some would yield returns. Most importantly, I shed my fear of failure and became more open to taking risks.
In the months that followed, I tried various ventures, some of which proved successful. For instance, I launched a dropshipping business and began selling products online, which yielded some profit. I also delved into stock trading, seeking to make the most of my savings, and began freelancing to acquire valuable skills, although those efforts are still evolving.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Journey
Ultimately, the money I earn is no longer my primary focus. I find joy in the process of entrepreneurship and the thrill of taking risks. For the first time, I am genuinely excited about something I never anticipated enjoying. My mind is now constantly engaged in finding new ways to earn and grow.
I appreciate the freedom that comes with no longer being bound by the fear of financial loss. This journey has opened my eyes to a side of life I never knew existed, and I hope that anyone who feels trapped in a safe mindset like I once did can find inspiration in my story.