Making Smart Decisions Young
In a recent Teen Talk session, Xavier Davis, founder of Royal Mentoring Group, spoke directly to the youth about the importance of handling your business and doing things right the first time. His message isn’t just about making money—it’s about setting yourself up for success in life by combining traditional work with entrepreneurship and making smart decisions early.
His words reminded me of something my high school coach used to say: “Do It Right, Do It Light – Do It Wrong, Do It Long.” That message stuck with me throughout my life, and it’s something I’ve carried with me into my work and personal growth. It’s not just a catchy phrase; it’s a life philosophy that resonates with what Xavier was teaching the youth.
Here are the key points Xavier shared and how they tie into that same principle:
1. Find a Job That Takes Care of Your Everyday Life
Xavier is a firm believer that everyone should have a job. A steady job provides security and helps cover daily expenses. But he’s also quick to remind the teens that there’s more to life than just working for someone else. Having a job allows you to handle your basic needs, but it shouldn’t stop you from exploring bigger dreams.
2. Turn Your Hobby Into a Side Hustle
According to Xavier, any hobby can become a business. Whether it’s creating t-shirts, like the ones he designed and sold for profit, or pursuing something else you’re passionate about, your hobby can generate extra income. He encourages young people to think about how their interests can be transformed into a side hustle, creating another stream of income while they continue working their regular jobs.
Just like my coach’s motto, “Do It Right, Do It Light,” suggests, if you start working on your business the right way, you can grow it without burning yourself out. The earlier you start, the easier it becomes to manage your time and efforts.
3. Do Things Right the First Time
Xavier’s most powerful message is about doing things right the first time. He reflects on his own mistakes, telling the teens how he spent years in prison because he didn’t take the right steps early on. He wished he had listened, learned, and applied himself sooner, avoiding the hard lessons that came later.
This ties directly into my coach’s advice: “Do It Wrong, Do It Long.” When you cut corners or don’t follow through with your plans, you end up paying for it later. Whether it’s in business, school, or life, doing things correctly the first time saves you time, energy, and stress in the long run.
Xavier Davis’s message to the youth of Teen Talk isn’t just about making money—it’s about living smart, doing things the right way, and avoiding unnecessary hardships. His advice, along with the lessons I learned from my high school coach, can help guide young people toward better decision-making, financial independence, and personal success.
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