The other day my brother-in-law asked me a simple question: if you could go back to age 25 knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? The answer turned out to be anything but simple, because every change I'd make would unravel the chain of events that led me to where I am today.

If I hadn't gotten into computers at 12, I probably wouldn't have gone into IT security. Without that career, I wouldn't have started my own company, moved to Switzerland, transferred to the US, met my wife, had our kids, or ever started homesteading. One different decision and none of this exists.

In this episode, I work through that tension and share the principles I'd build my life around if I were starting over – even knowing I probably wouldn't change the path itself.

The biggest one is making money work for you as early as possible. Trading time for dollars is a losing proposition long-term because time is the one thing you can't make more of. I'd start investing immediately, spreading across ETFs, real estate, cryptocurrency and precious metals. We started investment accounts for our kids shortly after they were born, and half of everything they earn from chores and their businesses goes straight into compounding. By the time they're my age, that head start will matter enormously.

The second is buying land. Even a small piece somewhere out in the sticks with water access and room to grow. Land with resources is independence, and the earlier you acquire it, the more options you have later. I'd save aggressively to make that happen as fast as possible.

The third is learning to build things with your hands. Woodworking, framing, welding, masonry. I'm learning all of this now at 44 and wishing I'd started at 15. Those skills also put you outside in nature, which is another thing most people have to artificially incorporate into their lives later.

And the last is learning to think critically about established systems early. Most of what everyone does, how we eat, how we live, when we go to bed, doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Being willing to do things differently and tolerate the inconvenience of going against the grain is a skill that compounds just like money does.

I saw myself in Silicon Valley at one point, building and selling tech companies. Now I'm raising cattle and recording a podcast from a tiny home on 45 acres. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Learn More: How We FOUND the Perfect Homestead Land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6E4k7D0P1M

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Apollo Neuro!

Apollo is a wearable that delivers gentle vibrations to calm your nervous system and help your body stay in a restful state through the night. I've been wearing it for years and still notice a measurable difference — higher HRV and a lower resting heart rate on nights I use it. That's not placebo. That's my nervous system responding differently.

If your sleep issues feel stress-related — and honestly, most of them are — Apollo is worth trying.

To learn more, visit apolloneuro.com/michaelkummer and use code PRIMALSHIFT for $60 off.

In this episode: 00:00 Intro

01:36 How one choice changes everything

06:34 Make money work for you

07:37 Teaching kids to invest

10:24 Buy land early

11:19 Learn hands-on skills

13:04 Question the default path

14:26 Money mistakes and lessons

16:37 Final thoughts

Find me on social media for more health and wellness content:

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[Medical Disclaimer]

The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.

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