by Kristina Karlsson

If you’ve ever felt caught in the endless hustle, juggling work, family, and obligations — constantly busy, yet never quite where you want to be — then this reflection on my recent podcast ep is for you.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Lloyd J. Ross, author of Become Time Rich, and his story is one that beautifully aligns with what so many of us inside the Dream Life community seek: freedom.

Freedom to do what we love.

Freedom to design life on our terms.

Freedom to choose how we spend our most precious resource — time.

Let me walk you through what we discussed, and share some powerful insights you can start applying today to move closer to your dream life. Whatever that means for you.

The Power of True Wealth: It’s Not Just About Money

One of the most striking things Lloyd shared was his personal definition of wealth.

While many people chase financial wealth, Lloyd has made a deliberate choice to pursue time wealth.

For him, being "time rich" means having the freedom to control his schedule, spend time with his loved ones, travel when he wants, and build businesses that serve his life — not the other way around.

It’s such an important mindset shift.

As Lloyd said, “Extra money is not going to do much else for me beyond the utility it can provide me today to control my time.”

I couldn’t agree more.

True wealth is having the freedom to do what matters most to you, whether that’s traveling, spending time with family, building something you love, or simply having space to breathe.

Lloyd’s Journey: From Lawyer to Freedom Entrepreneur

Like so many of us, Lloyd didn’t start out knowing exactly what he wanted to do.

Initially, he followed a more traditional path — earning multiple degrees, becoming a lawyer, and even working on massive property development projects overseas.

But deep down, he always felt a pull towards something different.

After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad as a teenager, Lloyd was inspired to seek financial independence.

Later, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss planted the seed for living life on his own terms.

Over time, he transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, eventually building multiple income streams: online education, network marketing, laundromats, events, and investing in shares.

Today, Lloyd enjoys a life of true freedom — working from home, choosing his own projects, and focusing on what brings him joy.

5 Key Insights You Can Apply Right Now

1️⃣ Freedom Starts with Belief

Before any practical steps, Lloyd emphasized that you must believe it's possible. If you don’t allow yourself to believe you can create freedom, you’ll stay stuck where you are.

His mentor once said, “You either live in possibility or impossibility.”

Choosing possibility opens doors.

2️⃣ The Power of Small, Consistent Action

Lloyd and his wife started with just one hour a day — what they called their "hour of power."

That one hour, compounded daily, eventually led to building businesses and achieving freedom.

If you feel overwhelmed, start small.

An hour a day adds up to seven hours a week — essentially a full workday. Even short pockets of time, consistently applied, can create extraordinary results.

Like journaling about what freedom means to you, just 5 mins a day. You can use this free downloadable to get started... just click on the image below.

3️⃣ Leverage Is Everything

Lloyd introduced us to the concept of leverage — a powerful tool for maximizing both income and time.

• People Leverage: Delegate tasks. Start small, even teaching your kids to handle simple responsibilities.

• Systems Leverage: Use software, AI, and automation to streamline work.

• Capital Leverage: Invest in assets like shares, businesses, or passive income streams that grow while you sleep.

These forms of leverage allow you to get more done with less effort, ultimately freeing up your time.

4️⃣ Change Your Language, Change Your Life

Lloyd offered two brilliant language shifts:

• Instead of “I’m overwhelmed,” say, “I’m disorganized.” This puts you back in control.

• Instead of “I don’t have time,” say, “It’s not a priority.” This forces you to take ownership of your choices.

Simple mindset shifts like these can immediately empower you to take action.

5️⃣ Focus on Projects, Not Busyness

Lloyd now structures his days around just a few key projects rather than filling every minute.

He’s learned that true freedom isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters most.

As he beautifully said, “My soul has now caught up to my body.”

It’s Never Too Late — Or Too Early — to Start

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was hearing how Lloyd wishes he had started sooner. He encourages young people to experiment, take risks, and dive into entrepreneurship earlier rather than feeling boxed into traditional paths.

This resonated deeply with me, especially as I watch my own son Axel build his business at just 17 years old. Starting small, learning by doing, and listening to customers are lessons that serve us at any age.

Creating Your Own Dream Life

What I loved most about Lloyd’s message is that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. He admitted he’s still learning, still refining his life, and still growing — just like all of us.

You don’t need a perfect business plan, endless capital, or special circumstances to start building your dream life. You just need:

• A belief that it’s possible.

• A willingness to take small, consistent steps.

• The courage to leverage your time, resources, and skills.

• A commitment to keep learning and adjusting as you go.

Freedom Is a Journey — Let’s Walk It Together

If this theme of creating personal freedom resonates with you — if you’re ready to stop the hustle and start creating freedom on your own terms — I invite you to join us inside my Dream Life Coaching Program.

This month, our focus is freedom.

Together, we’re working step-by-step to define what freedom means for you and how to intentionally build it.

You’ll gain tools, guidance, and the support of an incredible community of like-minded women who are creating their dream lives too.

👉 Learn more and join us here.

Because remember: your dream life is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone 💛