Podcast Summary: BigDeal Episode – "If I Wanted to Become a Millionaire in 2025, I’d Do These 7 Things (Step by Step)"

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Codie Sanchez

Introduction

In the episode titled "If I Wanted to Become a Millionaire in 2025, I’d Do These 7 Things (Step by Step)," Codie Sanchez delves deep into actionable strategies for achieving significant financial success within a defined timeframe. Drawing from personal experiences, entrepreneurial insights, and motivational philosophies, Codie outlines seven pivotal steps designed to transform one’s approach to wealth-building. This comprehensive guide not only emphasizes disciplined practices but also challenges conventional thinking, urging listeners to adopt a more resilient and proactive mindset.

1. Reps Before Results

Codie emphasizes the paramount importance of consistent practice over immediate outcomes. She references Bruce Lee’s wisdom:

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
(00:02:15)

This principle underscores that mastery and success are products of persistent effort and repetition. Codie shares her journey of building businesses and raising funds, highlighting that initial struggles and repeated attempts are essential for long-term achievement. She likens progress to a domino effect, where each small, consistent action compounds over time, leading to substantial victories. The key takeaway is to focus on the process and embrace the grind, understanding that perseverance paves the way to success.

2. The Flake Tax

In this segment, Codie introduces the concept of the "flake tax," which penalizes individuals who fail to follow through on their commitments. She differentiates between "flakes" and "executors":

"Flakes have linear progress... Executors have compounding trust."
(00:18:50)

Codie explains that consistently keeping promises, especially those made to oneself, builds credibility and opens doors to greater opportunities. Conversely, overcommitting and underdelivering erodes self-trust and stunts personal and professional growth. She illustrates this with the example of her employee who, despite intelligence, became a flake by making excuses and missing deadlines. The lesson here is to prioritize dependability and accountability, as these traits are directly linked to financial and personal advancement.

3. Remove "Try" from Your Vocabulary

Drawing inspiration from Charles Bukowski, Codie vehemently advocates for eliminating the word "try" from one’s lexicon:

"If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start."
(00:30:10)

Codie interprets this as a call to action – encouraging listeners to commit fully to their endeavors without half-hearted attempts. She argues that true dedication means embracing challenges and persisting through adversities, whether it be personal sacrifices or societal mockery. By removing "try," individuals are prompted to adopt a definitive stance, fostering a mindset geared towards completion and success rather than mere attempts.

4. Be a Fixer, Not a Freeloader

Codie introduces a compelling analogy comparing responses to a leaky boat, distinguishing between "fixers" and "freeloaders":

"Fixers see a problem and take immediate action to solve it. Freeloaders complain but do nothing."
(00:42:30)

She emphasizes that society often rewards those who actively address issues rather than those who merely discuss them. Codie shares a poignant story from her friend Andy Frisella’s company, illustrating how even minor actions, like cleaning a countertop in the bathroom, reflect a deeper company culture of ownership and responsibility. The core message is to adopt a proactive approach in all aspects of life and business, ensuring that one contributes meaningfully rather than relying on others to drive change.

5. Climbing the NPC Ladder to Main Character Energy

Codie introduces the "NPC ladder," a metaphorical framework inspired by non-player characters in video games, to categorize individuals based on their initiative and impact:

"NPCs exist to create the illusion of a world alive. PCs make things happen."
(00:55:45)

She categorizes employees and individuals into various rungs, from minimum wage workers who only perform tasks when directed, to "player characters" (PCs) who take charge and drive progress. Codie urges listeners to assess their positions on this ladder and strive towards becoming PCs – individuals who proactively solve problems and lead initiatives. By fostering a "main character" mindset, one can elevate their role in both professional and personal spheres, thereby enhancing their potential for financial success.

6. Action Before Opportunity

Challenging the common tendency to wait for the perfect moment, Codie advocates for prioritizing action over the search for optimal conditions:

"Your bank account is a direct reflection of how fast you move and how many risks you take."
(01:08:20)

She posits that taking swift, decisive actions creates opportunities rather than passively hoping for them. By setting tight deadlines and compressing timelines—such as completing tasks within an hour instead of days—individuals can accelerate their progress and capitalize on emergent possibilities. This approach fosters a proactive mindset, ensuring that one remains dynamic and adaptable in the pursuit of financial goals.

7. Your Economic Superpower is "I Do"

In the final step, Codie explores the profound impact of personal relationships on financial prosperity. She presents data illustrating that married individuals often attain higher net worths compared to their single counterparts:

"One of the fastest ways to wealth is finding another human who can tolerate you for the long term."
(01:20:35)

Codie highlights the importance of partnerships, not just in business but also in personal life, as they provide emotional support, accountability, and collaborative opportunities. She argues that a strong, enduring relationship can significantly contribute to one’s ability to navigate challenges and leverage combined strengths for mutual financial growth. The emphasis is on valuing and investing in meaningful partnerships as a cornerstone of sustainable wealth-building.

Conclusion

Codie Sanchez's "BigDeal" episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring millionaires, blending practical strategies with motivational insights. By focusing on relentless practice, commitment, proactive problem-solving, and the cultivation of supportive relationships, listeners are equipped with the tools necessary to transform their financial trajectories. The inclusion of notable quotes and real-life examples serves to reinforce the applicability of these steps, making the pathway to becoming a millionaire not only attainable but also grounded in proven principles.

For those seeking to implement these strategies, Codie offers additional resources such as the Empire Builder Index quiz and various workshops, further supporting their journey toward financial independence and personal fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
   — Codie Sanchez (00:02:15)

2. "If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start."
   — Charles Bukowski (00:01:30) (Referenced by Codie Sanchez)

3. "You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is."
   — Codie Sanchez (00:11:45)

4. "Fixers see a problem and take immediate action to solve it. Freeloaders complain but do nothing."
   — Codie Sanchez (00:42:30)

5. "Your bank account is a direct reflection of how fast you move and how many risks you take."
   — Codie Sanchez (01:08:20)

6. "One of the fastest ways to wealth is finding another human who can tolerate you for the long term."
   — Codie Sanchez (01:20:35)

Resources Mentioned:

• Empire Builder Index: A free 15-question quiz designed to evaluate the potential success and scalability of one’s business. [Link in Show Description]

• Growth and Scale Workshops: Scheduled four times a year in Austin, Miami, and San Diego, these workshops cater to business owners aiming to elevate their ventures. [Contact via Show Notes]

• Contrarian Operating System: Codie’s proprietary system for managing and scaling businesses efficiently. [Available through Show Description Link]

Final Thoughts

Codie Sanchez masterfully combines motivational rhetoric with practical business advice, offering listeners a clear and actionable plan to achieve millionaire status by 2025. By internalizing these seven steps, individuals can cultivate the mindset and habits necessary for substantial financial and personal growth.