The Code and Media Rule
Reading The Almanck of Naval Ravikant changed how I think about leverage in today’s world. He explains that real leverage is no longer just about capital, it’s about code and media.
That idea stuck with me. For a long time, wealth was reserved for those who controlled money. But today, anyone who can write code or create content has the tools to reach millions, build value, and scale their impact, without needing permission or deep pockets.
Code scales through software.
Media scales through the internet.
Both work while you sleep.
It’s a shift that levels the playing field.
My Freelance Journey: Putting Code Leverage into Practice
When I first read The Almanack of Naval Ravikant in October 2024, I was just starting out (or) restarting in web development. Naval’s ideas hit at the perfect time in my learning curve.
From Beginner to Leveraged Coder
At first, I saw coding as just another useful skill. But Naval’s perspective helped me see it differently. Learning to code wasn’t just about syntax, it was about building a form of leverage that could reshape my economic future.
That shift in mindset changed everything. Instead of only focusing on tutorials, I started building projects with scale in mind. Even as a beginner, I took on freelance work that reflected this principle, small web projects where my code could deliver value repeatedly, not just once.
Building My Leverage Strategy
I didn’t try to out-code veteran developers. Instead, I found a niche where my current skills solved real problems. By focusing on outcomes, not complexity, I was able to offer clear value to clients and see how code could serve as leverage.
These projects weren’t just gigs, they were stepping stones to income and independence not tied strictly to hours worked.
Through this approach, I earned my first real income using leveraged code. It wasn’t a small amount, it was significant enough to not only validate my path but also give me the financial space to reinvest in myself. I used that money to explore and learn new technologies, deepening my skills and expanding the kind of value I could offer.
That first win showed me what’s possible when you apply code with purpose (that’s my tagline). As of now, I’m working on my 5th freelance gig, each one building on the last, both in complexity and confidence.
Freedom Through Code
This kind of freedom is what Naval talks about when he says:
“Whenever you can in life, optimize for independence rather than pay. If you have independence and you’re accountable on your output, as opposed to your input, that’s the dream.”
I’m still early in my journey, but I’ve already seen how coding can decouple time from value. Naval’s ideas didn’t just inspire me, they gave me a roadmap. And I’m building that path, one line of code at a time.
If it helps you on your journey, here’s the link to the book online:
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant