How to Actually Make Money Online in 2025 - Case Study

Key Concepts

• Making money online
• Entrepreneurship
• Bias to action
• Consistency
• Overcoming resistance
• Internal locus of control
• Friction
• Timing
• Sacrifice
• Investing in knowledge
• Enjoying the process

Aman's Story: From Broke College Student to $20K/Month Profit

Initial Inspiration and Action (May 2020)

• Aman, then a 19-year-old college student, was inspired by Ali Abdaal's video documenting online income streams.
• Within a week, he launched a Skillshare class on the C programming language.
• He borrowed a microphone from a friend, drafted the course in 5-6 hours, filmed it in an afternoon, and launched it within 3 days.

Results and Lessons Learned

• The Skillshare course generated $1,500 passively over four years.
• Aman emphasizes that the first venture doesn't have to be the ultimate success; it's a starting point.
• He highlights the importance of taking action over analysis and planning.

Overcoming Resistance and the Importance of Self-Belief

• Aman attributes his success to an "absurd level of self-belief" and an internal locus of control.
• He believes that with enough time, effort, and work, he can replicate at least a portion of anyone's success.
• He has a strong "bias to action," immediately taking steps after deciding on something.

The Myth of Effortless Success and Embracing Friction

• Aman and Ali discuss the misconception that entrepreneurship should be easy from day one.
• Aman shares an example of the friction involved in finding a singing teacher, highlighting the multiple attempts required to achieve a goal.
• The key is to recognize friction as normal and persevere through it.

The "Timing Isn't Right" Excuse and the Power of Consistency

• They address the common excuse that "the timing isn't right," recognizing it as procrastination in disguise.
• Aman emphasizes the importance of acting now, assuming the timing will never be perfect.
• After the Skillshare course, Aman launched a blog, an email newsletter ("Thoughtful Thursday"), and a YouTube channel.
• He committed to posting weekly on YouTube, even with low initial subscriber counts (100 subscribers in year one).

Sacrifice and the Price of Success

• Achieving extraordinary outcomes requires more work than most people are willing to do.
• Aman sacrificed time spent watching Netflix and TV to dedicate to his online ventures.
• Everything has a price, and success requires paying that price.

The Value of Continuous Learning and Productivity Hacks

• Aman emphasizes the importance of consuming self-improvement and productivity content consistently.
• He implemented productivity hacks, such as using Beeminder to charge himself $100 for missed YouTube uploads.

The Turning Point: Investing in Knowledge and Coaching

• Midway through year four, Aman realized the value of investing in knowledge and coaching.
• He invested in Captain Sinbad's YouTube coaching program, becoming one of his best clients.
• This investment supercharged his progress, providing guidance on market research, video titles and thumbnails, and sponsor negotiations.
• He also invested in a coaching program from Charlie Morgan, which helped him with sales conversion and fulfillment.

Financial Results and Freedom

• After investing in coaching, Aman's income increased significantly.
• He went from barely making $5-6K/month to hitting $30K/month in July, August, and September.
• In November, he made $55K in revenue.
• With expenses around $10K/month, he's been making around $20K profit per month for the past six months.
• This income is almost double his full-time software engineering salary, allowing him to quit his job.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Invest in educational resources and skills.
• Stay consistent and keep grinding until it works out.
• It is possible to make $10K/month online from almost nothing.

Finding Enjoyment in the Process

• It's impractical to do something long-term if you hate it.
• Find ways to enjoy the process and make it feel like play.
• Hobbies that "double dip" (are fun and have the potential to make money) are more likely to lead to success.
• You won't know what you enjoy until you try it.

Conclusion

Aman's journey demonstrates that success in online business requires a combination of action, consistency, self-belief, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Overcoming resistance, embracing friction, and investing in knowledge are crucial steps. While sacrifice and hard work are necessary, finding enjoyment in the process is essential for long-term sustainability.