74 lessons I gleaned from a $3,000 event that changed my life.
I take big risks all the time in my business, especially when given an opportunity to network with other freedom-focused entrepreneurs. But this one takes the biscuit.
In 2024, I attended a 2-day event in Toronto that had a whopping $3,000 price tag. Business owners and world-class speakers flew in from as far as Australia to be there, and I was literally in a room with them, mingling, for 10+ hours each day.
I listened to 22 presenters, did 2 roundtables, wrote 34 pages of notes, and had countless thought-provoking conversations that changed the way I viewed business and life, forever.
Afterwards, I hired two of the speakers for $15,000 to support me with taking my business to the next level. It’s a crazy, yet exciting time, so I’m going to share my experience with you. If you’re serious about building a freedom-focused business, listen up.
Here are 74 nuggets I took away from the event:
1. There’s never a time when you’ve “made it” and stop learning. Growth is an ongoing journey; not a destination. Even the most successful people keep learning, adapting, and seeking out new knowledge. Embrace the idea that there’s always something more to discover and you’ll go far.
2. No matter how much money you lose, your network will remain. Money comes and goes, but the relationships you nurture can support you through anything. Your network can help you find new opportunities, provide guidance, and offer encouragement when times are tough. Invest in people; they’re the most valuable asset you have.
3. It’s easier to grow when people around you believe your new story. When those around you support your growth, stepping into a new version of yourself becomes much easier. It’s crucial to have people in your life who believe in your potential and cheer you on. Seek out those who encourage you to grow and let go of those who hold you back.
4. One door has to close for another one to open. Change can be difficult, but sometimes we have to let go of the old to make room for something better. It may feel uncomfortable (or even terrifying) at first, but closing one door often leads to unexpected opportunities. Trust in the process of change and take a leap of faith that greatness is coming.
5. If you lose money in one area, it will always come back to you. Money flows in cycles—what you lose today may return tomorrow in a different form. Financial setbacks are part of the entrepreneurial journey, and they don’t define your worth or potential. Keep moving forward, and trust that abundance will find its way back to you.
6. Knowing something isn’t enough: you actually have to do it. Knowledge is powerful, but without action, it’s meaningless. It’s easy to gather information, but true transformation happens when you apply what you’ve learned. Taking action, even imperfectly, is what moves you closer to your goals.
7. People don’t value free stuff: they need skin in the game. When something is given for free, it almost always isn’t taken seriously. People value what they invest in, whether it’s time, money, or effort. A personal commitment creates accountability and makes the outcome more meaningful. Never cut corners.
8. Confidence comes from how many times you’ve done something. The more you do something, the more natural it becomes, and that’s where confidence is actually derived from. It’s not about being fearless from the start—it’s about repeating the process until fear fades. Practice leads to familiarity, and familiarity leads to confidence.
9. What you see is real; what you hear are just words. Actions tell the true story of a person’s intentions and values. Words can be deceiving, but actions are harder to fake. Pay attention to what people do—not just what they say—and you’ll get a better sense of their true character.
10. The cost of inaction is often greater than the cost of a purchase. We often focus on the price of making a decision, but we rarely think about the cost of staying still. However, inaction can lead to missed opportunities, regrets, and stagnancy. Sometimes, taking a risk is more beneficial than playing it safe or doing nothing at all.
11. Speaking is even more important for connection than writing. Writing can convey ideas, but speaking allows for real-time connection and emotion. Hearing someone’s voice adds warmth and authenticity that text alone can’t always provide. Whenever possible, have conversations rather than relying solely on written communication.
12. People want to pay for wisdom a lot more than information. Information is easy to come by—wisdom is not. People value the insights that come from experience, as it’s the context and understanding behind the facts that make them actionable. Your unique perspective is what truly sets you apart from other entrepreneurs.
13. Selling should be the most noble thing you do in your business. Selling isn’t about manipulation: it’s about offering value and solving problems. When you genuinely believe in what you’re offering, selling will become an act of service. You’re not just making a sale; you’re improving someone’s life. What a noble thing to do!
14. There’s always a hidden problem in every sales conversation. What people say they need is often the tip of the iceberg. Beneath that, there are usually deeper fears, desires, or challenges. It’s your job to listen carefully and uncover the true issue so you can provide real value. If the other person doesn’t even know it themselves, you could be onto something.
15. What puts us at the top of our market is our intuitive genius. Your unique insights, gut instincts, and creative jest are what differentiate you from others in your industry. Anyone can learn the basics, but it’s your intuition and ability to connect the dots in a particular way that sets you apart. Trust in your intuitive genius and let it guide you.
16. You can use geometric models to collapse and create paradigms. All complex problems can be simplified by looking at them in a new way. Using structural frameworks or creating geometric representations can help you understand the underlying structure of a problem and make what was seemingly impossible a lot more approachable.
17. High and low priced decision-making happens in different brain regions. Our brains process expensive and cheap decisions differently—bigger decisions tend to activate more rational thinking, while smaller ones are often emotionally led. Understanding this can help you tailor your approach to selling depending on the nature of what you’re offering.
18. How you walk through a model matters just as much as the model itself. It’s not enough to have a great framework—the way you guide people through it is what will make the difference. Your delivery, storytelling, and ability to connect the dots for others is just as crucial as the model itself, and practice makes perfect.
19. Buyers want to be the hero in their own lives. People want to improve their own situations; not just admire someone else’s success or let others do things for them. When you position your offering, make it about how your prospects can help themselves achieve their goals because it’s what they deserve. Be the guide; not the hero.
20. Tactics don’t matter; all that matters is how you deliver them. The success of a tactic isn’t just about what it is—it’s about how you bring it to life. Your passion, clarity, and execution matter so much more than the tactic itself. A well-delivered message can make even the simplest idea impactful. Get creative with how you relay information.
21. You can’t sell to a chaotic brain using a chaotic brain. If a prospect is overwhelmed, the last thing they need is more confusion. To be effective, you need to bring calmness and clarity to the conversation. A clear, composed approach can help them see the value in what you’re offering. This is where visual models and simple processes come into play.
22. Never let things that cause negative energy win. Negative energy can drain you and derail your focus. It’s important to recognize when something—or someone—is dragging you down and take steps to address it. Protect your energy at all costs and prioritize positivity to ensure you remain at the top of your game, no matter what your competitors are doing.
23. The future version of you has already achieved everything you aspire to. Imagine the future version of yourself who has achieved all of your goals. Visualize them clearly and ask: What did you do to get here? Who did you have to become? This perspective and contact with ‘future you’ is very helpful in guiding your actions in the present.
24. In order to experience transformation, you must experience discomfort. Change requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. It’s only by facing challenges and embracing the unfamiliar that true transformation occurs. Discomfort is a sign that you’re growing so, rather than avoiding it, lean into it.
25. Questions are much more valuable than answers. Answers provide information, but questions open the door to exploration, insight, and growth. Asking the right questions can lead you to new possibilities and a deeper understanding of yourself and others. This is one of the reasons why hiring a coach is so powerful: the best coaches ask great questions.
26. Sometimes our passions are sedated under others’ opinions of us. We often allow what others think to influence how we see ourselves, which can dull our true passions. Reconnect with what genuinely excites you, without worrying about what others think. Your passion is yours to nurture; not theirs to judge.
27. You should never let school get in the way of your education. Formal education is important, but it’s not the only way to learn and can have no practical implications. Real learning happens when you take initiative, pursue what excites you, and explore beyond the curriculum. Don’t let structured learning limit your curiosity. You are your own person.
28. Saying goals out loud makes them real. There’s something powerful about verbalizing your goals. Saying them out loud helps you commit and makes them feel tangible. It also invites others to support you, which increases your chances of success in and of itself.
29. The same story that got you here won’t get you to where you want to be. What worked for you in the past is probably not be enough to get you to the next level of your freedom-focused lifestyle. As you grow, your approach needs to evolve. Be willing to rewrite your story and take calculated risks to create new opportunities for your future self.
30. Knowledge is potential power; results come from work. Knowledge is only useful if it’s put into action. It’s not enough to know what to do—you have to actually do it. Results come from taking the steps, even when they’re challenging. Who is going to support you in implementing what you know to be true? Where will you find accountability for your actions?
31. Nothing is as hard as being stuck somewhere you don’t want to be. There’s nothing more draining than feeling trapped in a place or situation that doesn’t align with your goals or who you are as a person. Moving forward, even slowly, is always better than staying stuck. Progress, no matter how small, is empowering. Gain momentum and don’t stop.
32. Your brain can’t differentiate between what’s real and what’s imaginary. Visualization is such a powerful tool. By imagining your success, you’re training your brain to believe it’s possible and to take the actions needed to “get there.” If you don’t visit your future self on a regular basis, you won’t be able to embody them any time soon.
33. Your destiny is etched in the choices you make. Every decision shapes the path ahead of you, no matter how small it seems. Your daily choices add up to create your future, so choose with intention. In other words, you have the power to shape your own destiny. What are you going to do with it?
34. With great responsibility comes great power. Responsibility isn’t a burden; it’s an opportunity to create change. When you embrace responsibility for your actions and outcomes, you also gain the power to influence your life for the better. Owning your path gives you the ability to shape it.
35. Your greatest tragedy may become your greatest opportunity. Often, the hardest moments in our lives pave the way for immense growth and achievement. When things fall apart, they often make room for something new to take shape. Trust that your setbacks may hold the seeds of your future success, and pivot accordingly.
36. The best way to change is by remembering who you are. Change doesn’t always mean becoming someone entirely different—it can also mean returning to your true self. When you stay connected to your core values, it’s easier to navigate change with authenticity and clarity. Working with a coach is a great way to come back to yourself with intentionality, as they need to get to know you on a deep level in order to best support you.
37. When you move through life with your heart closed, you can’t receive. Protecting ourselves emotionally might feel safe, but it often keeps us from receiving the good things that come our way. Openness and vulnerability are what allow us to experience true connection, joy, and growth. Even if you might get hurt, it’s well worth the risk.
38. Everything is available to us right now; we can co-create infinitely. The potential to create and experience amazing things is always there. Life offers limitless possibilities when we actively participate in shaping our reality. Trust that you’re capable of co-creating the life you desire and take aligned action, and you’ll see your dreams come to life before your eyes.
39. It’s impossible to be happy all the time. Trying to be happy 24/7 is an unattainable goal that will make you feel worse when you don’t achieve it. Humans aren’t capable of being happy all the time, which science has proven time and time again. Embrace the full range of human emotions; happiness is fleeting, but meaning and purpose can persist even in tough times.
40. Playing small to protect the one stops us playing big to the many. Holding yourself back to avoid upsetting a single person can prevent you from making a bigger impact on others. Don’t let fear of judgment keep you from reaching your full potential and positively affecting many lives. Hiring a great coach can be really helpful in nipping this in the bud.
41. Humans are good at assessing their own happiness. Scientific research has proven that humans can easily tell when they’re happy and when they’re not, quite accurately. Trust your instincts about what brings you joy, and lean into the things that make you feel fulfilled.
42. Humans aren’t good at figuring out what makes them happy. While humans are good at knowing whether they’re presently happy or not, research shows they struggle to pinpoint what causes fluctuating emotions on the daily. It’s important to reflect deeply on what gives you lasting fulfillment and seek input from others to provide clarity or new perspectives.
43. Never look for the finish line: break things up into smaller steps. Focusing on a huge, distant goal is usually overwhelming. Instead, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone along the way, and you’ll find the journey much more achievable and rewarding. It’s the journey that matters most anyway; not where you’re heading.
44. When you write it, you own it. When you own it, you can change it. Putting your thoughts on paper makes them tangible. Once they’re out in the open, you can analyze, adjust, and change them. Writing things down gives you power over your own story and allows you to transform it, which is why journalling is such a helpful tool.
45. The art of living must be balanced with the science of longevity. Life is about finding a balance between joy and wellness. Enjoy the moments that bring you happiness, but also take care of your health—exercise, sleep, and nutrition are just as important for a long and fulfilling life. What’s the point in living longer if you won’t be healthy enough to enjoy it?
46. Our choices (diet, sleep, etc.) affect our cellular environment. What we put into our bodies has a profound impact on our health at the cellular level. The choices we make every day—like how we eat, sleep, and move—affect our overall well-being quite profoundly (and more than you may realize). Taking care of the small things is what results in a healthy life.
47. Whatever you’re committed to, your body will follow. Your body responds to your intentions. If you’re committed to a goal, your energy, actions, and even your physiology will align with that commitment. Stay focused on what you want, and your body will support you in achieving it. Try to do something that doesn’t feel aligned and your body will protest.
48. Watch your thoughts because they become your destiny. The thoughts you entertain shape your actions, and those actions shape your entire life. Positive, empowering thoughts lead to better choices and outcomes. So, be mindful of your inner dialogue—it’s more powerful than you think—and get support in changing your self-perception for the better.
49. The only two failures are: not learning and abandoning your dreams. Mistakes aren’t failures unless you refuse to learn from them or give up entirely. As long as you keep learning and moving towards your dreams, you’re not failing—you’re growing. Every setback is just a stepping stone that will get you closer to where you want to be.
50. If your hand is stuck in the cookie jar, you can’t open a new door. Holding onto something too tightly, especially if it no longer serves you, prevents you from embracing new opportunities. Let go of what’s not working to make space for something better. It’s going to be challenging, but trust that something better is right around the corner.
51. Borrow courage from others when you don’t have any yourself. There are times when we don’t feel brave enough to move forward, or don’t believe we’re capable, and that’s okay. Lean on the people who believe in you, and let their courage inspire you. Sometimes, a little borrowed strength is all you need to take the next step in the right direction.
52. The goal is less important than who you become while attaining it. The journey to reaching a goal is more transformative than achieving the goal itself, which people often forget. The habits you build, the lessons you learn, and the person you become along the way are the true rewards. Focus on personal growth; not just achievement and accolades.
53. We get addicted to the state of certainty, but it can be self-generated. We crave certainty because it makes us feel safe, but real growth happens in uncertainty. You can create your own sense of certainty by trusting yourself and your abilities, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Having faith is so important because there won’t always be evidence that things are working, especially in entrepreneurship.
54. We can all access memories of our future self at any time. Visualizing your future self is a powerful way to stay aligned in the present. But this doesn’t have to be a one-time thing; you can talk to your future self at any given moment. How would they handle this situation? What would they say? What would they do? How does that differ from your instincts? This gap is where change needs to happen.
55. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees. Adversity will make you stronger, like a tree that stands tall despite raging storms and strong winds. Challenges force us to grow deeper roots, develop resilience, and become more capable of withstanding whatever comes our way. Knowing this, why would anyone avoid being in a challenging state?
56. Anything someone else has done is evidence of what’s possible. When you see someone accomplish something, it’s proof that it can be done. If it’s possible for them, it’s possible for you too—you just need to take action. And you don’t even know to know exactly how they did it, or what would work for you; you know it’s possible now and that’s huge!
57. It takes 10 years to become an overnight success. What looks like sudden success is almost always the result of years of hard work, persistence, and continuous learning. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time for you to build and grow your dream business and lifestyle—true success requires patience and dedication, but it’s well worth the effort.
58. When you’re incredibly committed, it becomes your reality. When you vow to do something no matter what, you find a way to make it happen. That kind of dedication shifts your mindset, your actions, and your energy towards your goal until it becomes inevitable. There is no other parallel in which you don’t achieve your goal; if you only focus on the one in which you do, you will see it soon enough.
59. You don’t sow and reap in the same season. Success takes time; just like growing a crop. If you plant seeds today and tend to them, you’ll eventually reap the rewards. But you sure as heck can’t see the benefit right away. Be patient with yourself—good things take time, and results will come if you remain consistent and the conditions are right.
60. One thought produces one idea that leads to one result. Every result starts with a single thought. Your ideas lead to actions, and those actions create outcomes. Pay attention to your thoughts—they are the starting point of everything you achieve. This is another way in which visualization and journalling are so powerful, as well as talking aloud to a coach.
61. Schooling has been indoctrinated to produce workers; not thinkers. Traditional education focuses on conformity and following rules. But true progress comes from independent thinking, creativity, and challenging the status quo. Don’t let schooling limit your curiosity and ability to think for yourself; you had it once before and can have it now.
62. Focus on who you need to become to do what is necessary. Instead of worrying about the steps you need to take, focus on becoming the person who naturally takes those steps. Your identity is a huge factor in whether you’re seeing the outcomes or return you want. Who do you need to become in order to make your dreams a reality?
63. The mind is the engine of being. Your mind drives everything—your decisions, your emotions, and your actions. Keeping your thoughts positive and productive is key to steering your life in the direction you want to go. This doesn’t mean you can’t be sad or anxious; but riding the wave and locking into what could change is a more helpful focus.
64. When you’re seeking approval of a few, you can’t impact the many. Worrying too much about pleasing a small group of people (e.g., your friends, family, or the clients you’re used to working with) can hold you back from making a bigger impact. To make a difference, you have to be willing to let go of the need for approval and focus on what really matters.
65. If people don’t know why it matters to you, it won’t matter to them. People connect with your “why.” If you don’t share why something is important to you, it’s hard for others to care about it too. Be open about your motivations; it helps others understand and support you. And this, in turn, will help you stand out in a competitive market.
66. Playing small deprives the world of our greatest gifts. When you hold back, you’re not just limiting yourself—you’re also depriving others of the value you have to offer. Step into your full potential; not just for yourself, but for those who could benefit from your gifts. You were put on this earth for a reason. We all need you!
67. Your future self is a moving target: visualize them to connect. The version of yourself you aspire to be is constantly evolving. When you “visit” your future self to seek advice or remind yourself of the “you” you must become in order to achieve your goals, know that that version of you is always changing and improving, too; nothing is ever static or set in stone.
68. When you decide to enter the arena, there’s no plan anymore. Once you commit to going after what you want, you have to be willing to adapt and improvise. The plan may change (if you even have one), but the commitment remains. Being in the arena means being flexible and willing to face challenges head-on. Let nothing get in your way.
69. I’m the only person who can hold the torch for me. No one else can live your life or pursue your dreams for you. You have to be your own biggest advocate and take responsibility for your journey. Own your path and carry your torch with pride. You can certainly follow in others’ footsteps to speed up the process, but you’re the one who’s taking the steps, so don’t forget that.
70. Nothing that I’ve put “on the table” until now will be wasted. Every experience, effort, and lesson has value, even if it doesn’t lead to immediate success. Imagine a table that displays all of the tools you’ve picked up along the way, throughout life. They’re there for you to use; you just haven’t figured out how to yet. Trust that everything you’ve done has prepared you for what’s to come, and know that nothing is ever truly wasted.
71. What breakdown could be converted into a breakthrough? Every setback holds the potential for a breakthrough if you’re willing to look for it. Instead of seeing breakdowns as failures, ask yourself how they might lead to growth or a new opportunity. We must dismantle the old in order to make way for the new.
72. This moment contains all the doors to limitless opportunities. Right now, you have the power to choose your direction. Every moment holds infinite possibilities—it’s up to you to see them and decide which doors to open. Embrace the opportunities that are present. And if you need support in doing so, there are plenty of coaches out there who can assist.
73. One wrong step is one step closer to getting it right. Mistakes are part of the process, and each one teaches you something valuable. Every wrong step brings you closer to the right one because you learn what doesn’t work and can adjust accordingly. Knowing this makes it easier to forgive yourself, bounce back, and move on in the present time.
74. Don’t make a home in something that was meant to be a lesson. Some experiences are meant to teach us; not define us. Learn the lesson and move on; don’t get stuck in a mental place that was only supposed to be temporary. Growth requires you to keep moving forward; not settle in past challenges and let them define you or what you’re capable of.
So, there you have it. 74 lessons learned from a $3,000 event.
There might not be any new information for you here (there wasn’t for me). But when I immersed myself in the experience for 48 hours, it hit differently. That’s why I chose to keep working with a couple of the speakers who I most resonated with, on an ongoing basis.
If you’re looking to explore these principles further and TAKE ACTION towards building a freedom-focused life of your dreams as a freelance medical writer, I can support you with personalized 1:1 guidance. Check out The ‘Thriving & Free’ Medical Writer Program™ to see what it would be like to work together at Prospology.
