I just kept going, did what I needed to do, stopped doing unnecessary shit and hit the pavement running. I never had enough self consciousness to not believe in myself.

It took a while. Day to day I worked as hard as I could then stopped after work hours and did little on the weekends (though I don't know how that would work these days, I was cold calling people).

I ate as cheap and healthy as I could and exercised as much as I could, lots of walks.

This was back in the early 2000's so the internet was shit and I couldn't lose myself there. These days I'd advise 0.00 leisure internet. No news, no forums, no social media. No fucking around.

This is an existential moment, very thin margins, high speed, no guard rails, this is adult shit.