#48: Acting in a Certain Way

In 2002, I created a 10-step freedom plan focused on using paychecks systematically for specific intent of creating time freedom... to have more experiences in life.

Idea was to generate streams of income, avoid being bound to employers, to then live more. An experience traveling 30 days in France at age 15 convinced me life was more than chasing money. Feelings, emotions, experiences, and meaningful relationships became priority. Money became a tool.

I was 26 years old, working full-time, and determined to not trade decades of life for a paycheck. The plan wasn’t fancy or complex.

Didn’t try to time the market.

Didn’t chase fads.

Didn’t “wing it.”

It was very intentional.

Acting in a Certain Way

The idea of acting in a certain way comes from a book read in my 20s called The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles, written in 1910. While the title sounds like it’s about money, it’s more how to create and manifest what it is you want out of life.

Chapter 11. Forming a way of moving through life that, when repeated with consistency, naturally creates the outcomes you want. Not because of luck or timing, but by rhythm and structure.

So here's what I did... I’ve referenced this plan in my newsletters and social media many times, because it worked for me.

The 10-Step Framework That Freed Me

My 2002 freedom plan. My operating system. Not a to-do list but a personal philosophy because status quo was not for me.

1. Give yourself a why -- family, lifestyle or purpose

2. Stop buying things forcing you to work longer than necessary

3. Pay yourself first. Make future you the #1 bill

4. Store vs. save money. Stay broke, not poor. A mindset shift

5. Build up enough in storage to buy an asset

6. Buy assets that pay (real estate, business, stocks)

7. When it pays, store that income, add your paycheck

8. Buy another asset

9. Repeat

10. Repeat again

By year 8, basic life expenses were covered by cash flow.
By year 14, monthly passive income exceeded earnings from work.
It’s year 28, assets buy assets. It's a machine now.

“Acting in a Certain Way” paid off over time.

Was generally consistent. You don't need motivation to be consistent (motivation wanes, consistency does not).

It’s 2025. Life Has Changed. So should the approach

That plan was perfect for the version of me focused on financial freedom, wanting to create life experiences in my 20s, 30s and 40s, and a foundation to exist from for the rest of time.

I've won that 'societal competition game' we are all forced into. The 'climbing the ladder and competing with people' game is no longer in my life. It's time to shift. The old framework no longer serves. It's just more of the same. Humans are designed to grow and expand.

Now it’s protecting the board and enjoying the pieces.

Develop New Frameworks for New Chapters

With the help of a mentor, I realize I'm no longer building to escape. I'm building to deepen life (satisfaction) and help others do same.

Every decision must align with “Does this feed life satisfaction?” I'm especially sensitive to chasing money to 'get more'. When you chase money, it runs. Instead of pouring energy into accumulating more, I pour time, financial and energy resources into satisfaction.

This is how I 'act in a certain way' now

Here’s what that looks like, practically and visually:

House Creation - turning my farmhouse and waterfront cottage into warm, lived-in spaces that feel like legacy homes. Growing up, my Dad made our house the heart of the family. While I do a decent job for my family, I want to lean into it more for my kids, loved ones, and close friends. Spaces and good times they’ll remember and still be using 50 years from now.

Focus on Friend and Family Circles - narrowed my social circle to the core. My seven closest friends. My kids. My parents. Key business partners and those who truly impact my life. I don’t chase random. I go deep. Long dinners. Road trips. Flights to connect. Quiet conversations. Shared moments that stick. Pulling attention from what no longer serves, because I likely don’t serve them either. We’re all evolving.

Wake Surfing - football, policing, military, and federal agent chapters are behind me. I loved those years, but now I’m leaning into calmer ones connected to nature. I’ve found peace in wake surfing on the Caribbean Sea, lakes in Tennessee and North Carolina, and soon in Switzerland. As with everything, I find a coach or mentor to guide me. I chose Switzerland for its lake culture and direct access from both Washington DC and Beirut, my two primary hubs (note: logistics example of designing life).

Investing in Superstar People - when I meet someone with great energy and vision, especially in the Try Life On community, I lean in. Sometimes with time. Sometimes through mentorship. Sometimes by showing up in person. I share everything I know to help them move faster and further. Giving back and serving community fuels me. Met a rockstar woman on LinkedIn in her 30s. We really connected. Helped her start a private financing company over 3 years a company. Mentored her, joined her board, and she recently sold the company. Stuff like this gives me joy. She’s a superstar. So are you. You’re the reason I write these newsletters.

Leaning even more into Fatherhood - teaching my two boys everything I know about mindset, manifestation, and building a meaningful life. Legacy isn’t just money. It’s passing down wisdom and values, evolving each generation while cutting out the noise and confusion from society’s definition of success. I’m doubling down on that. Yes, I’m their Dad. But I also want to be their guide.

Family Expansion - hyper-intentional about partnership and family. I function best when my relationship is steady, warm, and inspiring. I'm expanding family in ways that feel grounded and healthy.

Emotional and Life Simplicity - paid off debts, cleared obligations, stepped away from relationships that no longer align. I say no often, especially to real estate deals and business opportunities. I only add what multiplies peace or joy. “Elimination to zero” is my filter.

Physical and Mental Wellness - rejoined softball and other teams for connection. Hired a trainer who competes in strongman events. Walk five miles a day and lift heavy again. Meditation starts every morning. Spirituality and peace lead my choices, my reading list and my youtube channel. Mental diets continue to dominate my approach to life to get more of this area in. Going to feel strong, healthy, and engaged for decades.

And from an operating standpoint:

Money moves automatically: cash flows → storage → satisfaction funding → final property payoff (have one left). Once payoff complete, all storage will go to satisfaction execution.

Calendar reflects values: satisfaction activities get scheduled. If not scheduled, it’s not real. Show me your calendar and I'll show you you're priorities.

Daily Self Check-in: “Certain Way Audit.” What snuck in that doesn’t belong? What can be trimmed?

My point is not for you to follow mine. My point is for you to be aware to develop yours... and focus there. We get so scattered in our information age. Get focused, act in a certain way, Try Life On.

Try Life On Isn’t a One-Time Decision

It’s an ongoing practice that shifts with seasons of life. The key is recognizing your season and adjusting approach accordingly.

If you’re still building, stay consistent and focused. If you’ve already built what you need, start living it. Build a new framework that reflects where you are now. Keep acting in a certain way, but make sure it fits the life you’ve created.

Maurice