I need to tell you about my five years in the one-foot-in prison.

Not because I'm proud of it. Because I need you to see what it actually looks like from the inside.

I left my job with a promise. Build a business. Be present for my son. Create something meaningful.

My wife took on full-time work so I could chase this dream.

Year one: "Figuring things out." Year two: "Still learning." Year three: "Building the foundation." Year four: "Close to a breakthrough."

Every year, a new story. Every year, the same results: nothing.

I wasn't doing nothing. I was at my computer every day. I was "working." I was busy.

But I was half-in. Every single day.

I'd wake up with good intentions. Sit down at my computer. Within 30 minutes I was scrolling. Reddit. Twitter. YouTube videos about productivity—the most pathetic form of procrastination.

I'd tell myself I was "researching" or "taking a quick break." Then an hour would pass. Then two. Then the day was gone.

Year five, my wife said: "Move in with your parents until you figure out what you're doing with your life."

That's when I finally woke up.

I'm telling you this because I know some of you are in year one, two, three, four of your own prison sentence.

Get out now. Don't wait for someone to force you.

Done negotiating.

-Joel