The Upgrade Blog

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 23:30:19 GMT

The Massively Effective Tools to Make Lots of Money
(PS: This is the look I get when I get excited about all of this)

When I first really got involved in marketing (Especially digital) in 2019, I had to grind and grind hard. These tools were not available back then to make it easier like it is now. You had to search and search for tools to use, then you had to put in hours and hours of time to learn each tool. Those hours and hours were taking away from time you should be talking to leads and potential clients or getting sales.

I can't even begin to describe how many times it was late at night, all my family was in bed and I was falling asleep at my computer. Most of that was having to work through the available tools by trial and error.

I went to masterminds, joined communities, paid for coaches and programs (Close to $250K worth). If you were to look at the favorites in my web browser, you would see literally hundreds and hundreds of them and most of them paid tools. Shoot, I even too my iPhone into the hot tub with me at one of those masterminds (Yeah, no phone all weekend was a relief and not fun at the same time).

I can't even begin to describe how many times it was late at night, all my family was in bed and I was falling asleep at my computer (Once actually face planted into the keyboard). Most of that was having to work through the available tools by trial and error.

Aren't you tired of having to search the internet over for the best tools to create consistent income in your business?

Yeah, I was too, so I did it for you.

I am going to hit you straight between the eyes on this one: you don’t need a $25,000 mastermind, a flashy Lambo, or a content team stacked higher than your email inbox to build a 6–7 figure online business. What you do need is grit, a will for action, and the right stack of tools— what I call The Million Dollar Stack .

We're going to show you all of the tools that when combined together can help you generate $1 million. I either still use or have used all of these tools. However, if everything in my business burned down tomorrow, this is the stack of tools that I would use to start over and make it big again...FAST.

And yeah… even if your bank account says “Oops,” this stack still works. I started my climb from the dirt (Ok, maybe not dirt, but low), not a penthouse. No silver spoon. Just commitment, coffee, and a computer.

So if you’re at zero—good. You’re the perfect candidate for what’s next.

Here's the catch though (Yes, of course there is a catch). There is too much information to put it all in one place. So today I am only going to cover one tool, although it is an AMAZING TOOL.

Not You Though. You Get the Hand Picked Power House Right Here
(Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat)

The great news for you is that you are about to learn how you can get everything you want with just a simple set of tools. Not only a simple set of tools, but most of these are Free and easy to use, especially this one that we are going to talk about today.

Are you ready to take it to the next level and make a sh*t ton of money.

Yes, of course you are.

Ok, I do have a confession to make. There is WAY too much to share at once, so we are going to start with one tool today.

Then let's get it on.

The All -In-One Tool That EVERYONE Needs

Systeme.io - A one stop shop for all your marketing and selling needs.

In today's digital marketing world or even just doing business online, everyone says things like "You need a website, you need a CRM, you need funnels, you need data tracking" and blah and blah and blah.

Well, they're not wrong...you kinda do.

So, let me show you how to use this all on one system that can give you all of that.

There are WAY too many expensive tools out there for business growth or to make money...except you don't need them.

This is the place that you need to be and as you can see below...you can get the whole system for FREE (Up to 2500 contacts that is).

I have used this system many times, including websites, CRM, sales funnels, automated email replies and the works.

This is the best way for you to build what you need to start (Or continue) to make fat cash online.

You can see below how many options and tools this system has.

It would take too much time to go through each of the aspects of this system, although let me assure you that it is worth it.

Your best bet is to hop in and get started. They have amazing tutorials and training videos. It is one of the fastest systems to learn that I have seen in a VERY long time.

Jump in, get your systems set up and start making massive amounts of money.

Oh yeah, they show you how (See Below) AND they have an affiliate program to make even more money.

Check it out for yourself at Systeme.io to see how well it can work for you.

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you get regular tips, tricks, tools and updates to get you to that million dollars you are looking for.

Subscribe here at www.upgrade-newsletter.com .

The Choices You're Making Could be Breaking You

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:23:31 GMT

Everything is YOUR Choice — and if you don’t choose, life will gladly choose for you (and you probably won’t like it).

Let’s rip the bandage off fast: Everything is your choice.

Yeah, I know. Not everyone wants to hear that. Most folks would rather cling to their excuses like a toddler to a teddy bear. But here’s the raw, unfiltered reality — your life is a direct result of your choices.

No fairy godmother. No magical winning lottery ticket. No knight in shining armor galloping in to fix your finances, your health, or your happiness.

You. Just you.

No, still not convinced yet. Ok, here is a real like example that may help you see.

Let's say you get rear ended in your car while stopped at a stop light. Nothing to do with your choice, right?

WRONG!

You chose to leave your house at that particular time. You chose to take that particular route to your destination and you chose to stop at that light at the right time for that person to rear end you.

I know what you are thinking. "But Tony, if I don't stop at the light I am breaking the law".

Ok fine, I didn't say choices always lead to good outcomes, but it is still a choice. Plus, stop ignoring the first two choices and probably a ton of other choices between the time you woke up to when the accident happened.

You can continue to play the victim if you want and point fingers somewhere else or you can make the CHOICE of how your life is going to be.

This is a concept that I first absorbed while reading Steve Chandler's amazing book, Reinventing Yourself (Which I highly recommend - Get it HERE ).

You have the choice of being happy or being sad.
Yes, even if you think you don't have control over that, it is still your choice how you are letting yourself feel. Even if that means taking some action.
You have the choice to be successful or to be a failure.
"But I don't know how Tony". Guess what? There are so many coaches, programs, courses or similar out there that it is just an excuse and you have not made the choice. Heck, just using Google or ChatGPT can move you forward.
You have the choice to move forward in your life past previous struggles or traumas.
You're not stuck. News Flash, you're not a tree. Make the decision and move forward.
You have the choice what kind of mood you are going to have.
We are human beings, so it is ok to "Wake up on the wrong side of the bed", although it is your choice whether you stay there or not. Make the right one.

These are just a few things to keep in mind about your choices.

The main thing to remind yourself of is that you are where you are with your life as a result of the choices you have made.

If you are not as successful as you would like to be, it is a result of the choices you have made in the past. This could be career/business, personal life, relationships, etc.

You may have decided to golf 3 days a week instead of growing a business or maybe watch 3 hours of Netflix instead of reading books or taking course.

There are so many possibilities.

I'm not going to drag this one out today as I sometimes do. I could go on and on and on about how everything is our choice, although, I will stop here.

If you want to find out some of the choices that have been holding you back, then take the 3 minute, Free quiz to learn more. www.ultimateassessment.com .

The 3 Tools That Saved My Sanity (and Blew Up My Business Online)

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:28:36 GMT

The "Holy S**T" this Saved Time and Made Me MONEY!!

Let me be brutally honest...

If you're an online entrepreneur, affiliate marketer or coach trying to duct tape your business together with 5 different tools, you're not a business owner — you're a part-time software juggler with a full-time headache.

I know. Because that was me.

I was drowning in tabs. Funnels in one app. Email in another. CRM somewhere else.

Campaign tools duct-taped on top of all that. It was a damn circus. And I was the clown.

Until I nuked it all and replaced everything with 3 tools.

These aren’t just tools. They’re time-savers, money-makers, and stress-killers. And if you’re not using them yet, I promise you’re working way too hard for way too little.

Let’s dive in...

Tool #1: Systeme.io — Your All-In-One Digital Command Center

Check it out here if you’re smart: Systeme.io

Systeme.io is like having a full-time tech team in your pocket… but without the payroll.

Funnels? Covered. Emails? Built in. CRM? Yep. Automation? Slick and simple. Course hosting? Done.

And the price? Free. I’m not kidding. You can literally run your business for $0 until you're ready to scale. I used to pay 4 different companies to do what Systeme does with one login.

My bank account hated me. Now it sends me thank-you notes.

I dumped a Frankenstein stack of ClickFunnels, Aweber, Pipedrive, and some janky automation tool I’m too embarrassed to name.

I replaced them all with Systeme.io . Building funnels is drag-and-drop stupid-simple. Automations? Smooth. Everything in one place.

Pros:

Free to start
Built-in email & CRM
Drag-and-drop funnel builder
Fast setup even if you’re a tech caveman

Cons:

Not as fancy-looking as some high-priced tools (but who cares if it works?)

If you’re still trying to “connect” 6 tools that barely talk to each other, stop. Get Systeme.io and breathe again.

Tool #2: Duda — Websites That Actually Look Like You Know What You’re Doing

Check it out for Free here: Duda.co

Let’s talk about your website...

If your current site looks like it was built in 2007 by your cousin who once "took a class on computers," we need to have a talk.

Duda is the site builder you never knew you needed.

It’s clean. It’s fast. It’s loaded with AI to make your life easier.

This isn’t some drag-and-drop dinosaur — it’s a launch-a-gorgeous-brand-today weapon.

When I launched my homepage with Duda, the response was: "Whoa, who built that?!" — and I got to say, “I did.”

With AI helping me build the content, SEO baked in, and the cleanest UX I’ve seen, it made Squarespace look like a toddler’s drawing app.

Pros:

Blazing-fast load times
AI-written copy and SEO structure
Beautiful templates that don’t scream ‘template’
Pro design without the pro designer price

Cons:

It’s not free (but offers a 14 day Free Trial and the time and credibility you gain pays for itself fast)

If you're serious about getting leads, your site can’t suck. Duda makes sure it doesn’t.

Tool #3: MyLeadGenSecret — Build Your List While You Sleep

Use this link before someone else does: MyLeadGenSecret

Let me put it like this: If you don’t have leads, you don’t have a business.

Period.

MyLeadGenSecret gives you 100–200 real leads every single day.

You can email them from the platform itself. It’s plug-and-play prospecting on autopilot.

I wake up. Check the leads. Fire off an email. Make money.

It’s basically the online version of fishing in a stocked pond — and being the only one there with a net.

Pros:

New leads daily (on autopilot)
Built-in email sender
Dirt cheap compared to paid ads

Cons:

Not every lead is a winner (but you only need a few to score big)

If you want passive list building and simple email marketing that works while you sleep — you’re looking at it with MyLeadGenSecret

These 3 tools took me from overwhelmed and overpaying… to streamlined, profitable, and damn proud of how my business runs.

Of course I use other tools too that I will talk about another day.

Although, this combination has made the biggest impact.

If you’re serious about leveling up your coaching or online business, stop pretending you can build an empire duct-taping trash tech together.

Get Systeme.io . Build on Duda. Feed it with MyLeadGenSecret .

Now go build something powerful — and get paid while doing it.

Need help getting started with these tools? Shoot me an email at info@tonyschmaltz.com . I’ll show you how to set this up fast — no fluff, just results.

If you feel like you are already doing everything right and still not seeing the results, take this Free 3-Minute Quiz to find out what's holding you back.

Breaking Free from the Cocoon You Are Currently Living In

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Wed, 07 May 2025 15:16:53 GMT

Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop, living the same day over and over, despite your best intentions to change? You're not alone.

What if you were given a roadmap to break free from self-imposed limitations and step into a life of purpose and ownership?

If you have not read the book Reinventing Yourself by Steve Chandler, then you are missing out.

Most of the below are renditions of my takeaways from the chapters in that book.

The Invisible Handbrake — Why You’re Feeling Stuck

Let’s cut through the fluff. Most people are stuck not because they lack talent or opportunity — but because they’re operating from an outdated identity. They’re trying to create new results with old software.

This is called the "victim mindset" — and chances are, you’ve worn it without even realizing it.

Meet Brian.

Brian is a sharp guy — mid-30s, college grad, decent job in corporate sales. But every Monday morning, he wakes up with dread in his chest. He scrolls through Instagram, sees friends building businesses, traveling, doing meaningful work. He thinks to himself:

“I could never do that… I’ve got bills. I’m not like them. I don’t know where to start.”

Brian doesn’t hate his life. But he’s watching it more than he’s living it. And that’s the real danger — not rock bottom, but a life of quiet resignation.

He’s trapped in the illusion that something external needs to change first — more money, more confidence, fewer problems — before he can become who he really wants to be.

That’s the victim trap . The "someday" syndrome.

The Shift — From Victim to Owner

Truth bomb: “You don’t reinvent your life. You reinvent yourself — and that reinvents your life.”

The shift starts when you stop asking:

Why is this happening to me?
Why don’t I have what they have?
When will someone notice my potential?

And you start declaring:

This is my responsibility.
I create my circumstances.
I choose my thoughts, language, and actions.

Let’s get something straight. Reinventing yourself doesn’t mean burning everything to the ground and moving to Bali (unless you want to). It means changing the internal narrative that’s been running your life.

Case in point: Michelle .

Michelle was a client of mine. She was a mid-level HR director at a Fortune 500 company, well-respected… and absolutely miserable. She felt unseen, undervalued, and had a dream of becoming a leadership coach — but kept saying:

“I need another certification. I’m not ready. What if I fail?”

We worked on one thing: Identity upgrade.

I asked her to stop describing herself as “an HR rep who wants to be a coach” and start BEING the coach — in how she talked, how she showed up, how she served.

Within three months, she’d launched her side business. Within six, she walked away from the company. Now she’s thriving — not because her industry changed, but because she did.

The Hidden Traps That Sabotage Your Reinvention

1. Waiting for Confidence Before Taking Action

Most people think confidence leads to action. Chandler flips that. Action builds confidence.

You’re never going to feel ready to start the podcast, pitch the new client, or launch that service. But every time you take action while afraid, you’re reinforcing a new identity:

“I’m the kind of person who shows up anyway.”

Truth bomb: Courage isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision.

2. Letting Language Trap You

Chandler is obsessed with how language shapes identity — and he’s dead right. Phrases like:

“I’m not good at tech.”
“I’ve never been a morning person.”
“I just hate sales.”

…aren’t innocent statements. They’re identity scripts — and you’re reinforcing them every time you say them.

Mini Shift Example:

Instead of “I’m not good at sales,” say:

“I’m learning how to connect more powerfully with people.”

Your brain listens. And it obeys.

3. Surrounding Yourself with Spectators Instead of Players

You can’t reinvent yourself while staying in rooms where everyone is stuck in “same old, same old” mode.

If your inner circle is full of complainers, excuse-makers, and people who fear growth… you’ve got a glass ceiling built on relationships.

The solution? Get around owners.

People who challenge you, mirror back your potential, and don’t let you off the hook when you play small.

Show me your circle, I’ll show you your identity.

Tactical Identity Upgrades

You don’t need a 12-week program to start reinventing yourself. You need a decision — and some tactical moves that make it real.

1. Own One Area of Your Life

Pick just one area where you’ve been passive. Health. Business. Relationships. And declare:

“This ends today. I own this now.”

2. Create an Identity Statement

Steve Chandler swears by this. Instead of “I want to be more confident,” say:

“I’m the kind of person who shows up powerfully, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

Say it until you become it.

3. Track Wins Like a Scientist

Stop journaling your failures. Track your wins — even small ones. Evidence builds belief. Momentum starts with a whisper.

4. Speak the New Identity Daily

Every morning: speak who you are becoming — not who you’ve been. Speak it like it's already true. Because your subconscious doesn’t know the difference.

Final Words (a.k.a. The Slap You Didn’t Know You Needed)

Nobody’s coming to save you. And that’s the best news.

Because when you take full ownership of your life — when you stop waiting for permission, perfect timing, or external approval — you become unshakable.

We don't hand out comfort. We hand you the mirror. And when you actually look into it, you realize:

You’ve been the author all along.
You just forgot you had the pen.

So pick it back up. Reinvent yourself — not someday, but right now.

When you are ready for more help with that, set up a complimentary call with me.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLIMENTARY CALL

Success Ain’t a Secret – You’re Just Ignoring the Rules

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:12:57 GMT

5 Brutally Honest Truths That’ll Slap You Into Alignment
(If You Let ‘Em)

I spent years kicking my own ass for everything in our lives. We pulled the victim card every chance we got.

Then, I learned about these 5 truths.

If you read my book, Wake the #$*! Up , you know that I have struggled with many of these.

When you make the shift in your life (Sometimes it can be a real bitch too), then you create miracles.

You become the massive success you really deserve

And, you find the happiness that you are really looking for.

Learn these bone crushingly obvious truths and BE the best you need to be to get the results you want.

Check out more about how I've done this at www.tonyschmaltz.com .

For now, read on

1. Reject Rejection – Quit Letting “No” Own You

What Most Brainwashed Numbskulls are doing:

They take a single “no” like a sucker punch to the soul.

Someone ghosts them? They crawl into their little emotional cave.

Their idea gets shot down? They go quiet.

A prospect bails? They start questioning their whole existence like it’s a Greek tragedy.

The No-B.S. Move That Gets You Out of the Mud:

Rejection ain’t personal unless you make it that way.

Learn the sales math. Most successful people know it takes 20 no’s to get one yes. The faster you collect rejections, the faster you win.

Guess what? This goes for just about anything in your life.

If you're looking for the perfect partner, you may have to date 20 people to find "The One".

Tony’s coaching corner:
When I trained a room full of managers at Amazon, not every idea stuck. Of course not, in fact, I got more "Deer in the headlight" looks than I like to admit.

You think I cried in the bathroom?

Hell No.

I adjusted. I kept showing up with power. I owned the room by outlasting their doubt.

Plug This In and Level the Hell Up:

Set a rejection goal this week. Go get 10 no’s on purpose (In every aspect of your life).
After each “no,” journal: What did I learn? instead of Why do I suck?
Start saying “next” instead of “why me?”

2. Use Feedback to Your Advantage – Not As a Weapon Against Yourself

What the Herd of Head-in-the-Sand Hustlers are up to:

They get feedback, and then... they spiral. “Oh no, they said I talk too fast—I’m not cut out for this.”

Cue the self-doubt parade.

They turn every piece of input into confirmation bias for their inner critic. They say "Give it to me straight", then get offended when someone does.

There is gold in virtually every piece of feedback if you "unbury" yourself and actually listen.

The Savage Shift That Changes the Game:

Feedback is fuel—not a firing squad.

It’s just data. Like GPS recalculating your route. Nothing more.

Take the feedback, sift out what’s real, and keep it moving.

Sometimes it's positive, sometimes it's negative, although it is ALL useful in some way, shape or form.

Tony's Coaching Challenge:

When I started speaking publicly, someone told me I said “um” too much and talked WAY too fast.

After hearing that a few times, I could’ve quit.

Instead, I practiced, I studied the tapes like game film, and learned to slow down and fix it.

That feedback made me sharper—not smaller. Although, that's because I chose to use it.

Don’t Think. Just Do This:

Ask specific questions when getting feedback: “What’s one thing I could improve?”
Don’t react emotionally for 24 hours. Sit with it. Then act.
Track your feedback over time. Spot the patterns. That’s your growth map.

3. Take 100% Responsibility – Even When It Feels Like 120%

The Mindless Moves Keeping Most Folks Broke and Bitter:

Blame the economy. Blame the government Blame the algorithm. Blame Karen from accounting. Blame their dad. Blame Mercury in retrograde.

They blame anything except look in the mirror.

It's really freaking easy to point the finger somewhere else.

Not so easy to point the finger at yourself and realize your causing this in your life and in your feelings.

Here’s What You Do When You’re Done Playing Small:

Own. Every. Result. Period.

Not in a shame way—in a power way.

When everything is your responsibility, you’re never stuck waiting for permission or rescue.

The people in the media and social media want you to think that you don't have any control, however...

YOU HAVE ALL OF THE POWER. YOU OWN YOUR LIFE. YOU ARE THE AUTHOR OF YOUR STORY.

Write the story the way you want to live it.

My Wake Up Call. Served Hot and Unfiltered:

When the big motivational speaker event I was planning didn't come off and we lost it all (A few year ago), I had some choices.

I could have blamed everything. I could have blamed Covid. I could have blamed the economy. I could have blamed the location. I could have blamed my lame salesman or so many other things.

Did I blame those things?

F**k No! I took ownership over what happened.

Then we made a comeback that would make the most successful people say "How the heck did you do that?"

When you understand that this is your life, then you can have the life you want.

Add This to Your Arsenal:

Ask this daily: How did I contribute to this outcome?
Start replacing “Why did this happen?” with “What will I do now?”
Say “I get to...” instead of “I have to...” Language shifts power.

4. Be Willing to Pay the Price – Success Has a Tab, Not a Coupon

The Pathetic Parade of Playing Small:

They want six-pack abs with zero sweat.
Million-dollar business with $5 energy.
Deep love without deep work.
They want the reward but skip the reps.

You have to pay the price if you want to get ahead.

No, that doesn't always mean money, although sometimes it does.

If you really want something in you life, then you have to be willing to do what it takes

You can't just sit around hoping, wishing and praying, thinking you are going to manifest it.

The effort must be made.

What to Do if You Actually Give a Damn About Winning:

You gotta pay for what you want.

Time, energy, discomfort, money—something’s gotta go.

If you're not uncomfortable, you're not growing. Sorry, not sorry.

Get uncomfortable, put in the time, spend the money and then see the results.

Real Talk from Tony:

While building my coaching business, I am up at 4 a.m. every day and still going at 9 p.m.

I miss happy hours. Skip Netflix. I pay in focus.

That’s why I’m where I am—and why they’re still “thinking about it.”

I have spent over $250,000 to be mentored, coached, build systems and grow.

When you really want something you put in the time and the money.

Burn This Into Your Brain:

Audit your week: Where are you really investing (Time, Money, etc)?
Decide the price you’re willing to pay—and write the damn check.
Stop saying “someday.” Make a non-negotiable schedule for what matters.

5. Act As If – Your Identity Drives Your Destiny

The Lame Script Society Keeps Handing Out:

People wait until they feel confident to act.

Spoiler Alert: they rarely do.

They dress like they’re invisible, speak like they’re unsure, and move like they’re waiting for validation.

You have to show up like you belong in the room, because you do...any room.

There was a time when I was first starting out that I was afraid to be in rooms with people I thought were more successful than me.

I was intimidated and shy.

After meeting one of my mentors, Brian Fanale, I snapped right out of it.

Now snap out of it yourself.

The Upgrade Move Your Future Self Will High-Five You For:

Identity is created through action, not thoughts.

Want to be a leader? Start acting like one now. Speak like one. Walk like one. Decide like one.

Confidence is a decision, not a feeling.

The most confident people I know started as introverts.

Then they made the decision to be bold. They showed up even when scared to do so

And their confidence grew.

Now, like me, they own the rooms that they walk into and it is amazing to see.

Tony’s Take:

I didn’t wait to “feel” like a CEO. I decided I was one.

I stepped on every stage like I belonged. I built my brand like it mattered.

That energy? It attracts clients, opportunities, and results.

When I got in front of managers at Amazon, one of the biggest company's in the world, IO showed them why I was there.

I used to be quiet and shy too (Just look at my Facebook lives from 2018-2019), then I made the decision.

That led to countless podcast, TV and speaker appearances.

Try This:

Write down: “How would my highest self show up today?”
Dress, speak, and decide from that place.
Repeat daily: “I am the type of person who...” (Then live it.)

This Is the Line in the Sand:

Most people are waiting to feel ready before they start living successfully.

You? You’re not most people.

You’re reading this because you’re the type who acts before they’re ready, takes the hit, learns, and fires back smarter.

Now…

Pick one of these five and live it hard for the next 7 days.

Comment below which one you’re taking on. No excuses. No delay. Just upgrades.

If you want to see how I can help you move faster, Click Here and let's get on a call. It is always complimentary to start.

Everything You Want Is On the Other Side of the Bullsh*t You Keep Tolerating

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:31:30 GMT

Most people aren’t stuck because they’re incapable.

Everything You Want Is On the Other Side of the **Bullsh*t You Keep Tolerating**

You ever look around at your life — the business, the relationships, the half-finished goals — and quietly admit to yourself:

“Damn... I should be way further along than this.”

Yeah. I’ve been there too. More times than I care to count.

Let me hit you with something straight:
Most people aren’t stuck because they’re incapable.
They’re stuck because they’ve been taught to tolerate mediocrity.

Tolerate the mental fog.
Tolerate being "busy" instead of effective.
Tolerate that silent, soul-numbing whisper that says, “Play it safe. Don’t rock the boat. Just survive today.”

Screw that.

Because if you’re reading this, there’s a part of you — maybe buried, maybe raging — that knows damn well you were built for more.

But You’ve Been Lied To About Success.|

They told you success is about grinding harder.
Waking up at 4:30am and chugging kale smoothies.
They told you to “fake it ‘til you make it.”
To chase motivation like it’s some magic pill that’ll save you from your own patterns.

It’s all noise.

What no one tells you is this:
Real success isn’t a tactic. It’s a decision.

It’s a choice to stop outsourcing your power.
To stop blaming your past, your boss, your spouse, your schedule, or your bank account.
To take full, violent ownership of everything in your life — even the sh*t you didn’t create — because if you don’t own it, you can’t change it.

That’s where my life flipped.

My Turning Point Came in a Hurricane

Not metaphorically. I mean a literal Category 5 hurricane.

It tore through our life and left us staring at rubble — emotionally, financially, spiritually. And I remember thinking:

“We’re not doing this anymore.”

We made a decision. A real one.
Not a "wouldn't it be nice" resolution.
A line-in-the-sand, “burn the damn ships,” kind of decision.

That’s when the fog started to lift.
That’s when we stopped tolerating.
And that’s when everything began to change.

The Inner Game Rules the Outer Game

Most people are chasing outer wins with a scrambled inner world.

They’re trying to build a thriving business with broken beliefs.
Trying to lead teams when they can’t even lead themselves.
Trying to manifest abundance while tolerating toxic thinking.

You can’t win on the outside if you’re losing on the inside.

That’s why this game we’re in — the game of life, business, and leadership — is first and foremost, an inner game .

And it’s a brutally honest one.

If you’re willing to look in the mirror and really see the excuses, the patterns, the “almosts,” and the mental shortcuts you’ve been making?

That’s when things start clicking.

Here's What I See for You (If You Decide to Step In)

If you're really ready to step in, let's hope on a complimentary (Free) call to help you get where you want, CLICK HERE , otherwise...

You’re reading this for a reason.

And what I see in you isn’t just potential.
It’s power. Pure, raw, untapped power.

I see a version of you that...

No longer dances around decisions — you make 'em and move.
Shows up powerfully, even when the voices of self-doubt start whispering.
Operates from a grounded confidence, not people-pleasing or pretending.
Isn’t waiting for motivation, permission, or the perfect time.
(Spoiler: there isn’t one.)

You start showing up like that? The world has to respond.

Your business starts catching fire.
Your presence changes rooms.
Your results go from inconsistent to inevitable.

But none of that happens until you stop tolerating.

Your Final, Friendly Kick in the Pants

If anything in this hit you — good. Let it.

Because it means you’re awake.

Now the only question is:

Are you gonna keep tolerating your current level?
Or are you gonna upgrade?

That decision is yours. Always has been.

If you’re ready for what’s next — not in theory, but for real — I’ve built something for people exactly like you. But we’ll talk about that later.

For now?

Draw the damn line.

And decide.

PS: Get on a Complimentary (FREE) Video Call with me and let's discover what you really want in your life, business or career, then develop a plan to get you there CLICK HERE .

What They Don’t Teach You in School About Real Success (But Should)

tony@tonyschmaltz.com (Tony Schmaltz) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:48:45 GMT

The top methods that separate the Winners from Whiners

Let’s Talk About the Real Game

You want success? Cool.

But let’s make something painfully clear right now:
Success isn’t sexy. It’s not a hashtag.
It’s not a “mood” or a vision board or a meditation playlist.

Success is a choice. Over and over. Made with discipline, grit, and relentless personal responsibility.

This isn’t theory.

This is what the greats do—from entrepreneurs to pro athletes to the leaders who built something real from nothing but sweat and stubborn belief.

Below are principles I teach in my no-nonsense, real-world system, that is based on principles I have learned from carious sources, including The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.

Consider this your introduction into methods that are flipping the script for business leaders, high performers, and coaches ready to dominate their inner game and outer results.

�� 1. Stop Whining. Everything’s Your Fault Now.

Back when William Farrell was spiraling out in depression and booze, he had two options: keep playing victim, or grab the wheel. His job sucked, his health was trash, and his bank account looked like a cruel joke. Most people in that situation double down on excuses and stay there for years, sometimes decades. But William did the thing most won’t—he got radically honest. He asked himself, “What if I’m the reason this isn’t working?”

Boom. That question shifted everything. He stopped blaming the system, his upbringing, and the economy. He started learning, reading, getting coached. Six months later, he had launched his coaching practice. A year in, he had clients, confidence, and cashflow. His life didn’t change because of luck. It changed because he owned every inch of it. That’s the power of 100% responsibility—it’s not sexy, but it works every damn time.

⚡️ 2. Figure Out Why You’re on This Planet… or Stay Lost Forever.

Julie Marie Carrier used to wake up every day feeling like she was wearing someone else’s shoes—successful on paper, but off-track inside. She was working in corporate D.C., clocking in, smiling for the meetings, but deep down she knew this wasn’t it. One day she finally asked herself: What am I actually here to do?

The answer wasn’t immediate, but she kept asking, kept listening. Eventually, she realized her mission was to empower young women to step into leadership. That clarity lit a fire in her gut. She left her cushy job and dove into work that mattered to her. Now, she's one of the top speakers for young women in the country. The world didn't give her clarity—she demanded it. And when it came, she ran with it like her life depended on it—because it did.

�� 3. Get Specific or Stay Broke.

You wanna know why most people stay stuck? Because they’re afraid to get specific. They’re scared to say what they really want. Enter Miriam Laundry —wife, mother, "normal person" by most standards. But she had one wild idea: she wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. Not just “someday,” not just “in theory.” She decided she would impact 100,000 kids.

Did she have a plan? Nope. A massive platform? Not at first. But she got clear, wrote a book, and rallied people around a cause. That clarity and conviction led to her setting a freakin' Guinness World Record for the largest online reading event for children. Over 100,000 kids reached. Boom. Done. That’s what happens when you decide instead of wish. She went from “average mom” to record-breaking author and speaker—not because she hoped for it, but because she chose it.

�� 4. If You Don’t Believe It’s Possible, Just Quit Now.

Mike Pate was like most people: grinding hard, stuck in a rut, and quietly doubting whether things could actually change. Then he started applying success principles. But here’s the kicker: they didn’t work until he actually believed they could. Once that switch flipped in his mind, the dominoes started falling fast. He doubled his income in one year. Then did it again. He bought a freakin’ vacation home in Hawaii. He went from surviving to thriving, not because the world got easier, but because he started believing he could win—and that belief infected everything he touched.

Let me make this brutally clear: You can’t outperform your beliefs. If you don’t think it’s possible, it won’t be. Period. Your belief system is either your rocket fuel or your emergency brake. Choose wisely.

�� 5. Goals Are for Winners. Wishes Are for Losers. Choose a Side.

You know this one. Jack Canfield didn’t just wake up and “hope” to become a bestselling author. He wrote down a specific, measurable goal: I will sell 1 million copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Not “someday.” Not “maybe.” That was the mission. And he chased it like a dog after a steak truck. He visualized it, planned it, and kept going through 144 rejections until one publisher finally said yes.

Now? 500+ million copies sold. Global brand. Legacy secured. That’s not a fairytale. That’s what happens when you use goals like GPS coordinates for your life. If you don’t know exactly where you're going, don’t be surprised when you end up nowhere worth being.

�� 6. Cut the Crybabies Out of Your Life Before They Infect You.

Toni Signature was buried in $65,000 of debt, hating her job, and living a life that felt like a slow-motion panic attack. Every conversation around her was the same tired soundtrack: “Ain’t it awful? The economy sucks. Life is unfair.” She realized one day that this club she was in—the complainer’s club—had no perks and no exits unless she made one. So she bailed. She stopped entertaining whiny conversations and started investing in herself.

Fast forward: she's debt-free, working in her ideal job, and on pace to retire early. The change didn’t come from wishing. It came from cutting out the dead weight. Let me say this loud for the people in the back: If your crew sucks, your life will too. You are not required to attend every pity party you're invited to.

⚔️ 7. Take the Damn Shot—Perfect Plans Are Killing Your Dreams.

You’ve probably heard of Jia Jiang —the guy who intentionally sought out 100 days of rejection to crush his fear. He’d walk into Krispy Kreme and ask them to make him donuts in the shape of the Olympic rings. (They did it.) He’d ask strangers for $100 “just because.” (Sometimes they gave it.) His point? He wanted to prove that action—especially uncomfortable action—kills fear better than any motivational quote ever could.

Here’s the truth: most people aren’t failing because of bad plans. They’re failing because they never start. You want to build confidence? Move your damn feet. Take messy action. Success rewards the bold—not the perfect.

�� 8. Get Better Every Day… or Get Buried by Someone Who Is.

Kathleen Seeley was making $3K/month and coasting on autopilot. Comfortable, but far from fulfilled. She decided to flip the switch and go all-in on her growth. Books. Coaching. Masterminds. The whole nine. Six months later? $25K/month and a totally upgraded life. Not just financially, but in her identity, her relationships, her leadership.

Here’s the part most people miss: mastery is boring. It’s repetition. It’s showing up when the novelty wears off. But that’s the game. Constant improvement isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty. But it’s also the fastest path to becoming dangerously good at what you do.

�� 9. Your Inner Circle Is Either Fuel or Poison. Pick Carefully.

You can trace almost every major leap in someone’s life back to a shift in who they spent time with. Tim Ferriss openly says that his success didn’t just come from hustle—it came from curating his circle like his life depended on it. He made it a non-negotiable to only surround himself with people who stretched his thinking, raised his standards, and had no tolerance for mediocrity.

If you hang with complainers, guess what you become? A pro complainer. Hang with builders, leaders, and action-takers? You either rise up—or tap out. Want to change your life fast? Change your room. Upgrade your circle before you upgrade your goals.

�� 10. Do What You Said You’d Do—Especially When No One’s Watching.

You want to build unshakable self-confidence? Here’s the secret weapon: keep your damn word. To others, sure—but especially to yourself.

Warren Buffett doesn’t over-promise. But when he gives his word? It’s done. No reminders needed. That reputation has made him one of the most trusted names in business. But even on the micro level, this principle is life-changing. Every time you say “I’ll get up at 6,” and then snooze till 7? You just told your subconscious: “I’m not someone who follows through.” Stack enough broken promises to yourself, and your self-trust tanks. But flip that? Start keeping even the tiniest agreements? You become unstoppable. Confidence isn’t built from hype. It’s built from integrity in the dark.

�� Ready to Stop Dipping Your Toe and Actually GO ALL IN?

If you're really ready to step in, let's hope on a complimentary (Free) call to help you get where you want, CLICK HERE , otherwise...

This is the kind of straight-shooting, action-driving, inner-game dominating fire we I bring to each and every person.

I am not about “feel-good” sessions or information. I am about hard-hitting transformation.

It’s a no-excuses transformation experience designed to:

Blow up old patterns
Install elite habits
Make you the kind of person who gets what they want — in life, business, and legacy

�� Learn more at www.tonyschmaltz.com

And if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t just read things but actually does something about it?

Then g et on a Complimentary (FREE) Video Call with me and let's discover what you really want in your life, business or career, then develop a plan to get you there.

CLICK HERE NOW .

No fluff. No filters. Just results.

Let’s go and always remember...to Be Schmaltzy

— Tony Schmaltz

High-Performance Coach, No-BS Leadership Whisperer, & Founder of The Upgrade Community

The Upgrade Blog

The Massively Effective Tools to Make Lots of Money (PS: This is the look I get when I get excited about all of this)

Not You Though. You Get the Hand Picked Power House Right Here (Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat)

The All -In-One Tool That EVERYONE Needs

Systeme.io - A one stop shop for all your marketing and selling needs.

There are WAY too many expensive tools out there for business growth or to make money...except you don't need them.

The Choices You're Making Could be Breaking You

Everything is YOUR Choice — and if you don’t choose, life will gladly choose for you (and you probably won’t like it).

The 3 Tools That Saved My Sanity (and Blew Up My Business Online)

The "Holy S**T" this Saved Time and Made Me MONEY!!

Let’s dive in... Tool #1: Systeme.io — Your All-In-One Digital Command Center

Pros:

Cons:

Tool #2: Duda — Websites That Actually Look Like You Know What You’re Doing

Pros:

Cons:

Tool #3: MyLeadGenSecret — Build Your List While You Sleep

Pros:

Cons:

Breaking Free from the Cocoon You Are Currently Living In

Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop, living the same day over and over, despite your best intentions to change? You're not alone.

1. Waiting for Confidence Before Taking Action

2. Letting Language Trap You

Mini Shift Example:

3. Surrounding Yourself with Spectators Instead of Players

Success Ain’t a Secret – You’re Just Ignoring the Rules

5 Brutally Honest Truths That’ll Slap You Into Alignment (If You Let ‘Em)

What Most Brainwashed Numbskulls are doing:

The No-B.S. Move That Gets You Out of the Mud:

2. Use Feedback to Your Advantage – Not As a Weapon Against Yourself

What the Herd of Head-in-the-Sand Hustlers are up to:

The Savage Shift That Changes the Game:

Tony's Coaching Challenge:

Don’t Think. Just Do This:

3. Take 100% Responsibility – Even When It Feels Like 120%

The Mindless Moves Keeping Most Folks Broke and Bitter:

Here’s What You Do When You’re Done Playing Small:

My Wake Up Call. Served Hot and Unfiltered:

Add This to Your Arsenal:

4. Be Willing to Pay the Price – Success Has a Tab, Not a Coupon

The Pathetic Parade of Playing Small:

What to Do if You Actually Give a Damn About Winning:

Real Talk from Tony:

Burn This Into Your Brain:

5. Act As If – Your Identity Drives Your Destiny

The Lame Script Society Keeps Handing Out:

The Upgrade Move Your Future Self Will High-Five You For:

Tony’s Take:

Try This:

This Is the Line in the Sand:

Everything You Want Is On the Other Side of the Bullsh*t You Keep Tolerating

Most people aren’t stuck because they’re incapable.

Everything You Want Is On the Other Side of the Bullsh*t You Keep Tolerating

But You’ve Been Lied To About Success.|

My Turning Point Came in a Hurricane

The Inner Game Rules the Outer Game

Here's What I See for You (If You Decide to Step In)

Your Final, Friendly Kick in the Pants

What They Don’t Teach You in School About Real Success (But Should)

The top methods that separate the Winners from Whiners

Let’s Talk About the Real Game

�� Learn more at www.tonyschmaltz.com

The Massively Effective Tools to Make Lots of Money
(PS: This is the look I get when I get excited about all of this)

Not You Though. You Get the Hand Picked Power House Right Here
(Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat)

Let’s dive in...

Tool #1: Systeme.io — Your All-In-One Digital Command Center

5 Brutally Honest Truths That’ll Slap You Into Alignment
(If You Let ‘Em)

Everything You Want Is On the Other Side of the **Bullsh*t You Keep Tolerating**