Category: Consulting

The Moment I Realized I Was Stuck

There’s a moment in everyone’s journey when you feel stuck—trapped in a cycle of frustration, uncertainty, or just plain exhaustion. It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you slowly, like the weight of an invisible burden pressing down day after day until one morning, you wake up and realize: I can’t keep doing this.

I remember that moment clearly in my own life.

At the time, I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I was working, getting by, but I wasn’t building anything that felt like mine. Every day felt like a repeat of the last, and deep down, I knew I was capable of more. The problem wasn’t my ability—it was my direction. I had no clear “Where.”

I would wake up feeling like I was running on a treadmill, moving but going nowhere. I wasn’t fulfilled. I wasn’t excited. I wasn’t in control.

I was stuck.

But feeling stuck is only the beginning of the story. What you do next is what defines you.

The Shift: Defining My ‘Where’

One day, the frustration boiled over. I had enough. I realized that the only way to move forward was to take ownership of my direction. No one was coming to hand me an opportunity or show me the perfect path. I had to create it.

I started asking myself:

• Where do I want to go? (My “Where”)

• Why does it matter to me? (My “Why”)

• What can I do right now to take a step toward that vision? (My “What”)

That’s when the idea for my cleaning company was born.

I didn’t have all the answers. I didn’t know every step I needed to take. But I knew I wanted ownership over my time, my income, and my impact. I wanted to build something real. And starting a business—no matter how small—was a step toward that.

From Stagnation to Momentum

The first few weeks were tough. I questioned myself. I faced challenges. But something felt different—I was moving. And movement, even when uncertain, is better than standing still.

I found clients. I put in the work. I built something that gave me back control over my life. And looking back, I realize that the biggest shift wasn’t starting the business itself—it was making the decision to redefine my journey. To stop accepting stagnation and start taking action.

Your ‘Where’ Starts With a Decision

If you’re feeling stuck right now, I get it. I’ve been there. And I know how frustrating it can be. But here’s what I also know:

You don’t need all the answers today. You just need to be willing to ask yourself the right questions.

• Where do you want to go?

• Why does it matter to you?

• What can you do—today—to take even one step toward that vision?

Your journey won’t change overnight, but the moment you stop waiting for clarity and start creating it, everything shifts.

I was stuck once, too. But I decided that wasn’t where my story would end.

Now, it’s your turn.

Key Takeaway: Feeling stuck is just a signal, not a sentence. Clarity begins when you define your Where, understand your Why, and take action on your What. Movement—no matter how small—is the first step to transformation.

“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

If Your Money Isn’t Making Money, You’re Losing Money

Dig this, I don’t care how hard you work or how much money you make—if your money isn’t making money, you are losing money as fast as you make it.

Read that again.

If your money is just sitting in a savings account, a CD, or under your mattress, you’re not playing the wealth game. You’re playing the slow-loss game. The longer you wait to put your money to work, the harder it will be to achieve financial freedom.

The value of the dollar goes down year over year due to inflation. That means the $100 you save today won’t have the same buying power five years from now.

Meanwhile, everything around you—rent, gas, food, healthcare—keeps getting more expensive.

Here’s the bottom line: If you’re not investing, you’re falling behind.

Too many people think “multiple streams of income” means doing more things to make more money—starting a side hustle, selling products, or picking up another job.

That’s not it.

Multiple streams of income mean:

1. Building assets that work for you.

2. Creating passive and leveraged income.

3. Investing in vehicles that multiply your wealth without requiring more of your time.

I’ll break down multiple streams of income in a future post, but for now, understand this: Wealth isn’t about working harder; it’s about making smarter moves.

If you don’t have investments—aka “your money making money”—and if you’re NOT paying taxes (or paying very little in taxes), the odds of you being able to retire comfortably are slim.

Think about it:

• Do you want to be 50, 55 years old still “hustling” just to make ends meet?

• Do you want to spend your golden years working for a business that you are paying for instead of it paying you?

The wealthy don’t work for money. Their money works for them.

Where You Are Now

Are you saving money, but it’s not growing? Are you constantly trading time for dollars? Are you unsure how to start investing?

Why This Matters

• Because time is money—and the longer you wait, the harder it is to build wealth.

• Because inflation is eroding your purchasing power every single year.

• Because retirement isn’t an age—it’s a number, and most people won’t reach it without smart investments.

What You Need to Do

• Invest: Stocks, real estate, index funds, businesses—get educated on your options.

• Tax Planning: The tax code is designed for investors and business owners, not employees. Learn how to pay less in taxes and keep more of your wealth.

• Retirement Strategy: If you’re self-employed and don’t have a plan for retirement, book an appointment with a competent financial advisor.

Your financial success isn’t just about wealth—it aligns with your core needs:

1. Safety & Security: A strong investment strategy ensures you won’t have to stress about money later in life.

2. Esteem Needs: Building wealth gives you confidence, control, and the ability to make choices based on your values—not just your bills.

3. Self-Actualization: When your money works for you, you gain the freedom to do what matters most—travel, create, give back, and live life on your terms.

Here’s your next step:

1. Take a hard look at where your money is sitting right now. Is it growing or just sitting?

2. Learn about investment opportunities that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

3. If you’re self-employed, talk to a financial advisor about tax strategies and retirement planning.

Wealth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design. Are you ready to start building yours?

Drop a comment below—what’s your biggest challenge when it comes to investing? Let’s talk about it.

Key Takeaway

Your ‘Where’ today is a reflection of your financial habits, but it doesn’t define your future. If your money isn’t working for you, you’re working for it—and that’s a game you’ll never win. Invest wisely, pay less in taxes, and build a future where money isn’t a limitation—it’s a tool for freedom.

“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

Choosing Clarity Over Comfort: The Power of a Long-Term Vision

When faced with two seemingly good choices, how do you decide which one is right for you? Recently, I had the opportunity to guide someone through one of the most important decisions in their career—a career shift that wasn’t just about choosing a job but about shaping their future.

They were at a crossroads:

1. Stay in a job with no upward mobility and little room for growth.

2. Choose between two job offers:

• Option A: Better pay but limited future growth.

• Option B: A slightly lower-paying job but significant upward mobility and long-term benefits.

On paper, the choice wasn’t straightforward. The higher-paying job was tempting, but something wasn’t sitting right with them. That’s when they called me for help—because they knew the decision wasn’t just about right now. It was about their Where.

At the heart of their struggle was this question: How do I balance financial stability today with opportunities for growth tomorrow?

It’s a question many of us wrestle with when we face big decisions. The immediate temptation of a higher paycheck is hard to ignore. After all, our basic needs (Maslow’s Physiological and Safety Needs) often drive our decisions. But what happens when you realize that staying comfortable today could mean feeling stuck tomorrow?

To help them make the right decision, we walked through the Where, Why, What philosophy:

1. Where Do You Want to Go?

We started with the end goal. I asked:

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• What does your ideal career look like long-term?

• Is entrepreneurship something you’ve ever considered?

Their answers pointed to a desire for growth, leadership opportunities, and eventually using their skills to start their own business.

2. Why Is That Important to You?

Next, we unpacked their motivation. I asked:

• Why does upward mobility matter to you?

• Why do you want to leave your current job?

They shared that being in a stagnant position left them feeling undervalued and stuck. They wanted to be in an environment that supported their growth and allowed them to learn—ultimately preparing them for their dream of entrepreneurship.

3. What Steps Will Get You There?

Finally, we looked at the options through the lens of the Where and Why. The choice became clearer:

• The higher-paying job (Option A) offered financial comfort now but no clear path forward.

• The lower-paying job (Option B) offered an opportunity to grow, learn on the job, and eventually transition into entrepreneurship.

We realized Option B aligned more with their long-term vision. It wasn’t about immediate gratification; it was about setting the foundation for the future.

In the end, they chose the job that offered upward mobility and long-term growth (Option B). Why? Because:

• It allowed them to get paid to learn—a key step toward self-actualization in Maslow’s hierarchy.

• It supported their future goal of entrepreneurship.

• It aligned with their Where, which was to be in a position of growth and impact.

While the higher-paying job would have provided short-term stability, it would have likely left them stuck in another cycle of stagnation—a pattern they wanted to break.

Key Takeaway: Short-Term Comfort vs. Long-Term Clarity

This experience highlights the importance of asking yourself:

• What is my “Where”?

• Why is it important to me?

• What steps can I take now to get closer to my vision?

When we factor in long-term clarity over short-term comfort, our decisions become intentional and future-focused. It’s easy to be swayed by what feels good today, but the real growth happens when we prioritize what gets us closer to the person we’re striving to become.

Your Turn: Redefine Your Journey

Are you at a crossroads in your career, relationships, or life in general? Take a moment to apply the Where, Why, What philosophy to your own situation:

• Where: What is your long-term goal?

• Why: Why is that important to you?

• What: What is one step you can take today to get closer to your Where?

Let’s redefine your journey together. Share your reflections or reach out—I’d love to hear how this philosophy works for you.

” Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

Solve a Problem, Build Your Business

Sometimes, what we do for business doesn’t solve a market problem—and that’s where we miss the mark. But when you focus on solving a real problem in the market, success naturally follows.

When I first entered the world of business, it wasn’t about solving problems. It was about making more money to fund my rap career. My first venture was a janitorial company. By the grace of God, I carved out a small slice of an already saturated “red ocean” market. My success was largely built on relationships I had at the time, but when a larger company came in with a better offer, my business folded.

Where: Early in my journey, my “where” was unclear. I started businesses to meet personal goals, not to solve meaningful problems in the marketplace. This approach limited how far I could go.

Later, I got into barbering. Initially, it wasn’t about solving a market problem either—it was about helping my cousin build his vision. Together, we assembled a dream team of barbers. But after a few months, things shifted, and I opened my own shop. That’s when I realized I needed to ask a vital question: What problem does this solve?

Why: The “why” behind this question is simple: solving problems creates opportunities. Our industry was oversaturated. To stand out, we focused on reducing wait times while maintaining high-quality cuts. This allowed us to carve out a loyal customer base from bigger competitors. Over time, we shifted our focus from cutting hair and found new problems to address—and that kept our business relevant.

What: Asking “what problem does this solve?” is now central to everything I do as an entrepreneur. Along with other criteria, it drives me to think beyond personal goals and create blue ocean opportunities—spaces where innovation thrives and competition is limited.

Key Takeaway: Your business’ success lies in solving real problems. When you align your “where” with your market’s needs, define your “why,” and take intentional steps for your “what,” you set yourself up for long-term success.

If you’re starting—or reassessing—a business, ask yourself: What problem am I solving? The answer may unlock opportunities you never imagined.

“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

👉 Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

The Power of the Pivot

Pivoting in your business is never a sign of failure. It’s a sign of growth, awareness, and adaptability. When you pivot, you’re recognizing the need to reassess, adjust, and realign your business with the needs of the marketplace. It’s not about giving up—it’s about leveling up.

Where: Every entrepreneur begins with a vision, a “where” they want their business to go. But as the market evolves, consumer needs change, and industries shift, it’s important to evaluate whether your current path is still leading you to that destination. Sometimes, the road you’re on isn’t the right one anymore, and that’s okay. A pivot is simply a new route to your goal.

Why: Many businesses fail not because they lack potential but because they resist change. They hold on to outdated strategies or products, ignoring the signals that it’s time to pivot. Learning the art of the pivot is what separates successful entrepreneurs from statistics. The ability to adjust shows that you’re not just running a business—you’re leading one.

Pivoting allows you to meet new opportunities, solve evolving problems, and stay relevant in a fast-paced world. It’s a decision rooted in awareness and intentionality, not fear or failure.

What: So, how do you pivot effectively? Start by assessing your business. Ask yourself:

• Are we meeting the current needs of our audience?

• What trends or shifts are happening in the marketplace?

• How can we adapt to better serve our customers while staying aligned with our vision?

A successful pivot requires humility and courage. It’s about recognizing what’s not working, letting go of old ways, and embracing the opportunity to grow in new directions. Whether it’s refining your product, adopting new technology, or targeting a different audience, the key is to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaway: Pivoting is not failure—it’s strategy. It’s the recognition that growth requires change. Businesses that refuse to adapt fade away, while those that pivot thrive. The question isn’t whether you’ll face the need to pivot—it’s whether you’ll have the courage to embrace it when the time comes.

Remember, your “where” may stay the same, but the path to get there might change. Trust the process, listen to the market, and be willing to make the necessary adjustments. The art of the pivot could be the difference between your business becoming a success story or just another statistic.

Does this capture the essence of what you’re sharing? Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to adjust or expand on!

“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney