The Story of Keval Shah - In Bound Pursuit

It was a year ago today when I realized my life was completely directionless.

I was coming off a college semester in which I failed most of my classes — yet again.

Alcohol was destroying every aspect of my life.

And I knew if I didn’t make changes, I would die...

[MY STORY]

The first thing I did was admit to myself that anything and everything that’s happened to me thus far was entirely my fault.

I chose to escape the stresses of college through alcohol.

I allowed alcohol to destroy my relationships.

I chose to let my mental health go to shit.

This was liberating in the fact that I realized I did have control over my reality — I just wasn’t doing myself any favors.

So I did a quick assessment of my situation:

• No degree
• No money
• Broken family relationships
• Broken friendships

This was going to be hard...

The first thing I needed to do was end was my relationship with alcohol.

In order for me to move forward with my life, there could be no relationship.

I enrolled myself in an IOP program to get support.

I also read Ed's book, which helped tremendously.

As an alcoholic, I can’t control my intake.

After one drink, I turn into Frank the Tank — but in the worst way possible.

I drink until I blackout, and as you can imagine, that leads to a lot of issues.

Putting the bottle down for good was a must.

I also knew I needed to fix my mental health.

Alcohol had broken me down to a shell of the confidant man I used to be — and I couldn’t stand it.

I started taking medication for my anxiety disorder.

I started a rigorous lifting routine.

I started eating right and getting an adequate amount of sleep each night.

I took lessons in Jiu Jitsu to learn discipline.

I began reading more.

I also began auditing my social circle, rigorously cutting out people who I knew could deter me from my current path.

I was a man on a mission with a singular goal: To kill my past self and unlock my true potential.

Once I had my routine in order, I knew I needed a plan to make money.

Anyone who says money doesn’t buy happiness doesn’t have money.

And this is where online business comes in...

SEO was always my thing growing up. I started doing it when I was 15 and was very good at it.

With no degree, I knew that was only option for money — and I had no problem with it because I enjoyed it.

So I went on the hunt for a job...

I didn’t necessarily want a 9-5 job but I knew a job at an agency would perfect my skill set and teach me how to manage clients.

And so, despite not having a degree, my experience helped me land a job at a local SEO agency.

I worked the job for around 9-months and slowly started taking on clients of my own on the side.

When I got the value I needed out of the company, I transitioned to a role as Digital Marketing Specialist for another company to make more money.

Keep in mind, during this duration I always had clients of my own on the side — I was just waiting for the right moment to leave the 9-5 behind and work for myself.

I wanted to make sure my mind, body and spirit were fixed from the disaster I had imposed on them.

That “right time” ended up being today.

Today I put in my two weeks notice at my current job, then signed that company as yet another client of mine.

I now make 6-figures working for myself at 23, and am in a far better place physically and mentally than I was a year ago.

So why am I telling you this?

To show you that it’s possible to climb out of the depths of hell and get on the right track.

Am I totally where I want to be right now?

No. But, that’s okay — because I know I’m on the right path.

And you can be too.

You just need a plan.

By Keval Shah