M. Malik

2025 was hard as f*ck.

It forced me to explore things out of my comfort zone, instead of pretending I had it figured out.

Here are my 15 lessons from 2025:

1.) Exploring what you want is better than committing to the wrong path out of fear, scarcity, and uncertainty.

2.) Quitting is not failure, if you’re quitting something that doesn’t give you energy or lowers your standards.

3.) If something can make you money but requires constant emotional labor with zero leverage, it’s not worth doing.

4.) Environment matters more than the right opportunity. The right environment will pull growth out of you whether you want it or not.

5.) Talent compounds around people who know what they are doing, and stagnates around people who don’t take responsibility for their own thinking.

6.) Sales is a powerful skill, but it should be used as leverage and access.

7.) Writing is one of the best ways to understand yourself and the world.

8.) Building something from zero and validating it matters more than anything.

9.) If you have the ability to support yourself financially while experimenting, that is a huge success.

10.) Your physical + mental health is not a side project, neglecting it will quietly tax every other area of life.

11.) A sign of a strong healthy relationship: it stays stable while every other area of your life is unstable.

12.) Over-intellectualizing faith, purpose, or meaning can become another way to avoid surrender and trust.

13.) The goal is not to do more without depth, it’s to do less with depth.

14.) Life is full of seasons. Some years are for planting and others are for harvesting, and most frustration comes from confusing the two.

15.) A year is a success if it removed paths that would have wasted the next ten.

- M. Malik

Founder: Can you stop the Zoom recording?
Me: Why?
Founder: Just stop it, I don't want this recorded...

Here's why he didn't want this on record:

This founder went from 0 → $40,000/mo in 2.5 months. At his growth rate he will do $1M/month by December 2026.

The scary past is, this is his first start up. He's in an industry that's saturated. His TAM is small. He didn't spend hours building a SaaS, branding, or networking. He focused on the thing most founders drop the ball on.

Let me explain...

I consult founders and help them plan a launch or scale their business to $10M in ARR.

I've done this with over 450+ businesses and counting in the last quarter.
It's clear that 70% of founders will NEVER make it.

The reason for this is they focus on everything except for demand gen. They'll focus on brand, logo, website, delegating, people etc...

None of that matters if you don't have a consistent and predictable way to get customers.

Even Mother Theresa will tell you that - go ask her.

But most founders focus on everything else but the f*cking thing that is the life line of their business.

Before this founder asked me to stop the Zoom recording, I had asked him:

"How'd you get into this anyway?"

I was not expecting this reply...

He was trapping for the last 10 years, decided to go legit, found 3 business models he wanted to replicate. (trapping for those of you that don't know is being a street pharmacist)

Picked the third one, went all in...Without a Harvard degree, an online course, or reading hyper postulated linkedin posts. Def not by mental ma********ng with ChatGPT...

Instead he learned about the market, the problem, and created an direct offer. Then he found competitors and broke down their sales process. He watched hundreds of VSLs and sales enablement videos, wrote them out by hand and then created his own.

Launched ads and sold his *ss off before the product was complete. Built the product with the first few customers. Yes he build the plane as he was flying it.

The result: $40,000 in revenue in 2.5 months.

Now he's at a point where he's working with us to bring on SDRs to lower his CAC and increase his ROAS, while building an infrastructure before he scales.

The lesson here is:

Keep the main thing the main thing. Generate leads and make sales. Remember, it's simple not easy.

8 outrageous ideas that will make you more money than 98.7% of people

1.) Use data to regulate your emotions.

Base your decisions in reality not emotions or fantasies. Figure out where you are and then make small changes to improve.

2.) Always be selling.

Sales is one of the highest ROI tasks in your business. Keep selling until you it becomes the bottleneck to growth.

3.) Build the people and the people build the business.

When you want to grow your business think “WHO” not what. Ask yourself: “Who can help you build the business you want?”

4.) Stop trying to learn everything.

The dumber you are, the more money you make. Find people who know more than you and hire them (either as a coach or team member).

5.) Apply leverage at every stage of business possible.

As Naval says: “To get rich, you need leverage. Leverage comes in labor, comes in capital, or it can come through code or media.”

6.) Find your competitive advantage fast and lean in.

Stop trying to solopreneur your way in life. I’ve tried, it feels like slavery. Lean into your skill sets and the thing you’re good at and delegate the rest.

7.) Always be generating leads.

Self explanatory. A prerequisite to selling. You can't make money if you don't have people to sell to.

8.) Focus on the inputs and the outputs will take care of themselves.

Set the outcome you want. Find the steps required to achieve it. Focus on the steps. Rinse and repeat.

9.) Make connections meaningful not transactional.

Nurture your leads, followers, and customers. Build relationships and serve. Money is a byproduct of serving your customers.

I remembered something today, and it hit me hard:

“To be a successful creator you don’t need millions. You don’t need millions of dollars or millions of customers, millions of clients or millions of fans.

To make a living as a craftsperson, photographer, musician, designer, author, animator, app maker, entrepreneur, or inventor you need only thousands of true fans.”

This is from an an article written by Kevin Kelly called:

1,000 True Fans

You don’t need a massive audience, only the right audience.

An audience that is willing to give you money to solve their problem over and over again.

This hit me so hard today.

I’ve sold thousands of people in my life, but I have not nurtured those relationships.

I made the relationship transactional rather than meaningful.

It’s not about chasing new leads.
It’s about serving the people who believe in you.

Here is my plan to fix that in this season of business:

1.) Reach Out To Past Clients:

I will be reaching out to as many people who have purchased something from me and reconnecting.
Make an sheet and have regular touch points.

2.) Grow Email List

I started a new email list that I plan to nurture and keep for the rest of my life where I will share my journey.

You can check it out here: https://www.mohammedmalik.com/twopercent-sc

3.) Build Deeper Relationships w/ New People

Those who comes into my network, I will build a personal relationship with every single one of them.

This is a different paradigm than I have been living.

But to do something you’ve never done you have to become someone you’ve never been.

Part of my new identity is becoming someone who fosters relationships long term.

I now see the power of 1,000 true fans and how it can change everything.

Kevin Kelly’s Article: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/

This week, I turned 30.

Funny enough, I actually forgot it was my birthday.

I woke up, went through my morning routine:

Taking supplements, making coffee, getting ready to work…

Until my wife reminded me.

She walked into the kitchen, smiled, and said, “Hey, it’s your birthday. It’s a special day.”

And she meant it.

She wanted to make the day special for me.

And I love her for that, one of the greatest qualities my wife has is making people feel special.

But the truth is, I’ve never really looked at birthdays as special occasions.

When I was a kid, birthdays weren’t a big deal.

When I was in 4th or 5th grade, I watched my classmate Johnny celebrate his birthday every year.

His mom would bring cupcakes, the whole class would sing, and he’d open presents.

I wanted that.

I envied that.

One day, I asked my dad if I could celebrate my birthday too.

He didn’t say anything and walked away.

When my birthday came, he handed me a pack of pens from the dollar store and said:

"Here. Make something of yourself."

I’m not sure if he was trying to teach me a lesson, but that moment changed me.

That day I realized no one was coming to save me.

If I wanted something, I had to make it happen myself.

From that point on, I stopped asking for things.

I raised my own money to play sports.
I found ways to buy things that I needed.

I learned early that ownership is the key to your freedom.

Too many people wait.
Wait for recognition.
Wait for things to change.
Wait for permission.

But waiting won’t get you anywhere.

Taking Ownership and then taking action will.

When you take full responsibility for where you are in life, you gain the power to change it.

Blaming others keeps you stuck.

Ownership sets you free.

I talked about this in a video I made this week, it’s a message I think more people need to hear.

If you’re serious about growth and taking full responsibility for your life, check it out here: https://youtu.be/UqP1vKP2rXs?si=Pm5D9NB9Jw3dXVjc

Also here's some pictures of us at my best friend Bashir's wedding!

— Malik

P.S If that resonated with you check out my free newsletter called the 2% Club…

It’s for business owners, founders, & high performers who want to reach their full potential in business & life.

Plus I am sharing everything I’m learning by helping companies grow past 8-Figures.

Click here to join for free: https://www.mohammedmalik.com/twopercent-sc

Most people blame their circumstances for why they are unhealthy, unhappy, and not where they want to be in life.

They will blame their bad childhood, toxic boss, unfair system...

Literally everyone and everything EXCEPT themselves.

But the truth is the more you blame, the less power you have.

That is why I believe that ownership is the key to your freedom.

I break it all down in this video:

Ownership Is The Key To Your Freedom Free Newsletter: https://www.mohammedmalik.com/twopercent-scThis video is about taking ownership to help you improve your life. 00:00 The Family Statement I ...

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." - Carl Jung

Most people never reach their true potential.

They live their life on auto-pilot never realizing that they have the power to change.

Or they try to make a change but nothing sticks and they go back to their old ways.

Today I’m going to show you how to shift your identity, so that you can create better habits, get rid of those self sabotaging behaviors and actions that hold you back…

When you put this into action you will start living a happier and healthier life as the best version of yourself.

Plus I will share 3 practical worksheets that you can use to make a positive change in your life!

🔥Check out the full video here:

How To Create Your Dream Life (In Just 21 Days) Identity shifting and identity shifting techniques are the secret to breaking bad habits, healing from trauma, and rewiring your mindset for success. If you’...

Harsh Truth:

The best apology is changing your behavior.

Most people overcomplicate trying to improve their life.

But the truth is small daily habits make the biggest impact.

In this video, I break down 11 powerful but EASY habits that will improve your sleep, energy, and overall well-being...

..Without spending hours in the gym, or eating magical fruit from Tibet.

📌 Some of the game-changers habits inside:

✅ The one habit that instantly improves sleep quality
✅ How to optimize your caffeine intake (without giving it up)
✅ A simple trick that can help you release weight
✅ A forgotten nutrient that 50% of people are deficient in—and why it matters

These are backed by science and easy to implement.

No fluff, just practical strategies you can start using today.

Watch the full breakdown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7-0rxf0nA4&t=1s

If you find it helpful, let me know which habit you’ll start first! 👇

11 science based habits that will make you healthier than 98% of people 🔥 Free Health Reset Guide & Food List: https://www.weareforgehealth.com/fhresetguide👉 Book a Free Health Strategy Session here: https://www.weareforgehealt...

Want to know the real reason women struggle to release weight after 40?

It’s not just your hormones, metabolism, or age…

The main reason may be inflammation.

Inflammation can disrupt the balance of hormones and metabolism.

This week I am hosting a Free Hormone Masterclass...

This is about understanding why your body is fighting against you and exactly what to do about it.

By the end of this workshop, you'll know:

✓ The real reason diets that worked in your 30s now make you gain weight (and exactly how to fix it)
✓ Why belly fat becomes stubborn after 40 and the 3 steps to finally lose it
✓ How to stop waking up bloated and tired (even if you got 8 hours of sleep)
✓ Which "healthy" foods are actually causing inflammation in women over 40
✓ The exact protocol that helped women like Sandra lose 22 pounds in 6 weeks after menopause
✓ How to reset your metabolism when hormone changes have slowed it down
✓ Which blood tests to ask your doctor for (and how to interpret them yourself)

You'll walk away with the same system that's helped thousands of women over 35 lose 20-30 pounds in as little as 6 Weeks…

Our system has worked for women who’ve dealt with thyroid removal, PCOS, hormonal imbalances, hysterectomies, autoimmune conditions, multiple pregnancies, and who have been dieting for decades.

The Hormone Reset Masterclass is specifically for women who are:

- You're sick and tired of being sick and tired
- You want to stop guessing and finally understand why your body won't let go of weight
- You're ready to put yourself first for once
- You want a clear plan that actually works after 35

…plus how to get your body to release weight naturally & keep it off for good.

The masterclass is happening:

📅 Thursday, December 19th at 6 PM EST
📅 Saturday, December 21st at 11 AM CST

(Yes, replays will be available for those that are subscribed to my free newsletter)

👉 Click the link to access the Free Hormone Reset Masterclass:
https://weareforgehealth.com/forgehormonereset

This message is so sad

Someone left this comment on my YouTube video I made a few days ago…

I thought my response to this person may help you as well…

Before I share my thoughts, I want to be clear: I'm not a medical professional.

I'm a holistic health coach and functional nutritionist who focuses on preventative health measures to help people improve their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

While I can share what I've learned and experienced, please consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice, especially regarding specific conditions.

— Here Is My Response:

Reading your message resonated with me very deeply.

I can feel the weight of your struggle in every word, and I want you to know that you're not alone in this journey.

— Let's Talk About Nutrition:

I noticed how you emphasized "CAN'T. EAT. CARBS. REGULARLY."

I hear you, and I understand the frustration when your body seems to fight against basic foods.

Here’s a different perspective:

You've already shown incredible awareness by identifying how certain foods affect you.

That's not weakness – that's wisdom.
Your body is communicating with you, and you're listening.

Instead of saying you can't eat carbs, let's get specific:
- You've noticed grains and potatoes cause issues
- But there's a whole world of other carbohydrates your body might welcome
- Think berries, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, even quinoa

— Understanding Your Body's Signals

Again, I want to emphasize that I'm not a medical professional, and I don't know your specific situation.

However, from my experience as a health coach, when someone has strong reactions to certain carbohydrates like you're describing, it could point to underlying issues that deserve medical attention.

Your symptoms – particularly the joint pain, inflammation, and how dramatically better you feel when avoiding certain carbs – might suggest conditions like celiac disease or insulin resistance.

But please remember: I'm not making a diagnosis.
I'm sharing possibilities that you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider.

If you can, consider getting comprehensive blood work done to find the root cause.

Some key markers to discuss with your doctor might include:
- Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels
- CRP or HSCRP (inflammation markers)
- Homocysteine (inflammation markers)
- ALT Liver enzymes
- Celiac disease screening

Understanding these markers could help you create a more customized approach to your nutrition.

Instead of avoiding all carbs, you might discover specific types your body can process and help with the systemic inflammation..

— Sleep and Movement:

I know that feeling of forcing yourself to move, waiting for it to be over.

I've been there.

But here's what I've learned:

You don't have to love movement right now.

That's okay.

What if instead of seeking enjoyment, we started with acceptance?

It’s something you have to do, like the oil change on your car.
No one likes to do it but if you want to have your car run you need to.

Start small:
- Step outside your door once daily
- That's it. No pressure to go further
- Just build that one promise to yourself

About the lack of sunlight – I hear you.

It's tough when nature doesn't cooperate with our needs.

But even on cloudy days, natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm.

- Stepping out during the brightest part of the day, even briefly
- Supporting your body with vitamin D supplements (after consulting your doctor)
(this will significantly improve your hormones, mood, sleep, and overall physiology)

— Managing Your Stress

When you say you don't enjoy being alive, my heart goes out to you.

I've been in that dark place too.

But here's what I learned: These feelings, while incredibly real and valid, are often connected to our physical state.

When our bodies struggle, our minds follow.

Your physical health affects mental health & vice versa.

— My Two Cents:

You asked if you have any real chance to fix yourself.

Let me be clear: You don't need fixing because you're not broken.

You need support, understanding, and a path forward.

Start here:
1. Make one small promise to yourself daily
2. Keep that promise
3. Let that victory build your trust in yourself

Remember:
- You don't have to transform everything at once
- You don't have to pretend it's easy
- You just have to take one tiny step forward

Don't focus on enjoying it yet.

Focus on doing it.

The enjoyment often comes later, after consistency creates change.

The odds of being alive and conscious are so rare that scientists need millions of digits just to write the number.

We have a 1 in 400,000,000,000,000 (400 trillion) chance of being alive.

You're not just alive - you're one of the most improbable things in the entire universe, and that's worth fighting for.

Right now, that might feel more like a burden than a gift.

That's okay.
Feel that.
Acknowledge it.

But don't give up.

Your health is the fundamental currency of life.

Everything feels overwhelming when our health suffers.

I believe in you, even if you don't believe in yourself right now.

Take that first step and I know everything else will follow.

If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know, I'm here to support your journey.

With love and support,

— Malik