LIVING METTLE SUMMER LAUNCH

You've got exactly three months.

Three months that most of your peers will waste playing video games and sleeping until noon.

But what if I told you these next 90 days could set you up for success while everyone else falls behind?

Let's be real. That diploma you’re working on or they just handed you?

It's worth about as much as the paper it's printed on in today's economy.

And college? It's getting more expensive while delivering less value.

Most graduates end up with debt and jobs they could've gotten without that fancy degree.

The traditional path isn't broken, but it's definitely cracked.

PART 1: TRIPLE YOUR VALUE BEFORE COLLEGE

STEP 1: SKILL ACQUISITION

First, remember Rule #12 from my book: "Get out of your comfort zone, and stay out of it." Most people play it safe, but that's exactly why you shouldn't. This summer, commit to mastering one high-value skill that nobody expects from someone your age.

Maybe it's learning to code through free online courses. Or mastering a design program like Adobe Illustrator. Or even learning the fundamentals of financial analysis through Excel. Whatever you choose, make it something that:

Has clear market value
Can be demonstrated through projects, not just a certificate
Makes people say, "Wow, I didn't expect that from someone so young"

When I was starting out, I taught myself basic computer system management over one summer. That single skill got me my first real job, making twice what my friends were earning.

STEP 2: EXPERIENCE BUILDING

Second, follow the principle of "aprovechar"—the Spanish concept of making the most of every opportunity. Don't just get a summer job flipping burgers. Find one that builds relevant experience AND connections.

Here's how:

Identify three industries that genuinely interest you
Find small businesses or startups in those fields (they're more likely to give you meaningful work)
Approach them with a specific proposal: "I'll work for less than market rate in exchange for hands-on experience with [specific skill/task]"

Remember, at this stage of your life, experience and connections are worth more than money. As I say in"Living Mettle, "Your network becomes increasingly important as your career progresses." Start building it now.

STEP 3: INCOME STREAM CREATION

Finally, begin building what I emphasize throughout Chapter 3: multiple income streams. Most people never think beyond the paycheck model, but successful people develop various ways money flows to them.

Start small:

Take the skill you're learning and offer services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork
Create and sell a simple digital product related to your interests
Learn the basics of investing with even just $100 in an index fund

I started my first side business the summer after high school, designing simple logos for local businesses. It only brought in a few hundred dollars, but it taught me more about business than any class ever could.

WRAP UP

Three months. That's all you have. While your friends are binging Netflix, you could be building skills, experience, and even your first income stream. The decisions you make this summer will compound for decades.

As I write in Living Mettle, "Life isn't meant to be easy—it's meant to be worth it." Make this summer worth it.

If you want to dive deeper into building a meaningful, successful life, click here to order a copy of my book from Amazon. It's the guide I wish I had when I was your age.

Remember: Work hard, play hard, and never take anything for granted. Now go make something happen.

PART 2: PASSIVE INCOME FOUNDATION PROGRAM

Program Philosophy

This program is designed around three core principles from Living Mettle:

"Get out of your comfort zone, and stay out of it" - We'll push you to develop new skills and embrace challenges that drive growth
"Money is a tool, not a master" - You'll learn to build income streams that serve your larger goals in life
"Function before form, always" - We focus on practical, effective strategies rather than what looks impressive

Remember: "Life isn't meant to be easy—it's meant to be worth it." Building passive income requires significant upfront effort, but the long-term benefits are worth the investment.

MONTH 1: FOUNDATION & DISCOVERY

Week 1: Self-Assessment & Skill Inventory

Day 1-2: Skills Audit

Create a comprehensive list of your existing skills, interests, and knowledge areas
Rate each on proficiency (1-10) and enjoyment (1-10)

Day 3-4: Market Research

Research which of your skills/interests have income potential
Identify 3-5 possible passive income paths aligned with your strengths

Day 5-7: Resource Assessment

Take inventory of your available resources:

Time commitment (hours per week you can dedicate)
Starting capital (even if minimal)
Equipment and tools you already have access to
Network connections who might help

Week 2: Digital Foundation Building

Day 1-2: Digital Identity Setup

Create professional email address
Secure consistent username across platforms
Set up professional social media profiles

Day 3-5: Basic Web Presence

Register a personal domain name (YourName.com if possible)
Set up a simple portfolio site using no-code tools like Carrd or WordPress

Day 6-7: Learning Platform Setup

Create accounts on key learning platforms (YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, etc.)
Bookmark learning resources specific to your chosen income streams

Week 3: Skill Development Initiation

Day 1-2: Learning Plan Creation

Research specific skills needed for your chosen income path
Create a structured learning plan with clear milestones

Day 3-7: Core Skill Building

Begin first training modules/courses for your required skills
Commit to 2-3 hours daily of focused learning
Document progress and insights in a learning journal

Week 4: Income Stream Selection

Day 1-3: Research Refinement

Deep research into 2-3 most promising passive income options
Study success stories in your chosen area
Identify common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Day 4-5: Strategy Selection

Commit to ONE primary passive income strategy
Create detailed implementation plan

Day 6-7: Resource Gathering

Gather all necessary tools, accounts, and resources needed
Set up tracking systems for progress and finances

MONTH 2: CREATION & DEVELOPMENT

Week 5: Content/Product Creation Begins

Day 1-2: Outline Development

Create detailed outline of your product/content
Break the project into smaller, manageable tasks

Day 3-7: Creation Sprint

Dedicate 3-4 hours daily to creating your product/content
Focus on completing a minimal viable version first
Implement daily "work sprints" with focused time blocks

Week 6: Platform Building

Day 1-3: Distribution Channel Setup

Set up necessary accounts on platforms where you'll sell/distribute
Learn platform-specific best practices and requirements

Day 4-7: Automation Systems

Research and implement basic automation tools
Create templates and systems to reduce repetitive work
Set up essential analytics to track performance

Week 7: Testing & Refinement

Day 1-3: Initial Testing

Test your product/system with a small group (friends/family)
Gather detailed feedback and identify improvements

Day 4-7: Refinement

Make necessary improvements based on feedback
Streamline your creation/delivery process
Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ongoing maintenance

Week 8: Marketing Foundation

Day 1-3: Audience Research

Identify your target audience in detail
Research where they spend time online
Identify their key problems your offering solves

Day 4-7: Basic Marketing Setup

Create essential marketing materials
Set up appropriate social channels
Develop a simple launch strategy

MONTH 3: LAUNCH & SYSTEMS

Week 9: Pre-Launch Preparation

Day 1-3: Final Product Polishing

Complete final revisions to your offering
Ensure all technical aspects are functioning properly

Day 4-7: Launch Materials Creation

Develop launch content (emails, posts, etc.)
Create FAQ and support resources
Set up payment and delivery systems

Week 10: Soft Launch

Day 1-2: Friends & Family Launch

Release to your immediate network
Address any issues that arise

Day 3-7: Limited Public Launch

Open to a small public audience
Actively gather feedback and testimonials
Make rapid adjustments as needed

Week 11: Full Launch & Optimization

Day 1-3: Full Public Launch

Implement your launch strategy
Engage actively with early customers/users

Day 4-7: Initial Optimization

Analyze early data
Optimize based on user behavior
Streamline any problem areas

Week 12: Sustainability Systems

Day 1-3: Maintenance Plan

Develop minimal maintenance schedule
Create troubleshooting guide for common issues
Document all processes for future reference

Day 4-6: Growth Planning

Identify opportunities for future expansion
Set up passive traffic/customer acquisition systems
Create milestone goals for the next 6-12 months

Day 7: Reflection & Celebration

Review your three-month journey
Document lessons learned
Celebrate your accomplishment!

INCOME STREAM OPTIONS

1. Digital Product Creation

E-books or guides in your area of expertise or interest
Templates or digital tools that solve specific problems
Online courses teaching valuable skills you possess
Stock content (photos, videos, music, graphics)

2. Content Platforms

YouTube channel with ad revenue and affiliate marketing
Blog or niche website with display advertising
Podcast with sponsorships and premium content

3. Automated E-commerce

Print-on-demand merchandise with your designs
Dropshipping store in a niche you understand
Digital downloads shop on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad

4. Knowledge Monetization

Membership site with recurring valuable content
Affiliate marketing of products you genuinely use and recommend
Information products solving specific problems

DAILY HABITS FOR SUCCESS

Morning Gratitude Practice (5 minutes)

Begin each day by noting three things you're grateful for
Include one simple thing (clean water, food, shelter)

Learning Block (1-2 hours)

Dedicate time to skill development regardless of how busy the day is
Focus on skills directly related to your income stream

Creation Block (2-4 hours)

Your most important daily activity
Protect this time from distractions
Focus on output, not perfection

Network Building (30 minutes)

Connect with others in your chosen field
Participate in relevant communities
Help others without expectation of return

Evening Review (10 minutes)

Document progress and lessons from the day
Identify top priorities for tomorrow
Note any obstacles and plan solutions

MINDSET PRINCIPLES

Remember these key principles from Living Mettle throughout your journey:

"Stuff can be replaced" - Focus on creating value and building skills, not accumulating things
"Solve your own problems, the world is not fair" - Take full responsibility for your success and failures
"Trust, but verify" - Learn from others but always test advice in your own context
"Pay attention to others, but pay more attention to yourself" - Be aware of competition but focus on your unique value
"Work hard, play hard" - Balance intense effort with true rest and recovery

AFTER THE PROGRAM

Your passive income stream will require some maintenance, but should now be established with systems that minimize your ongoing time investment. Moving forward:

Set aside 2-4 hours weekly for maintenance and optimization
Review performance metrics monthly and make adjustments
Reinvest a portion of earnings to grow your system
Begin planning your next income stream once the first is stable

Remember: "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Your summer investment will continue bearing fruit for years to come.

This program is inspired by principles from Living Mettle and designed to help high school graduates build sustainable financial foundations.