I want to start by addressing a common misconception Many people think that success is all about money. We see it everywhere—in the media, on social platforms, and even in the people we surround ourselves with. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that having more money automatically means you’ve “made it,” that it’s the ultimate marker of achievement. But let me tell you something important: money is not the end-all, be-all of success.
Let me share a quick, funny story.
When I was younger, I had this big dream of owning a fancy car—a convertible sports car, no less. You know, the kind of car that makes you feel like you’re in a music video every time you drive it. I saved up, worked overtime, sacrificed weekends, and finally got it. Man, I was on top of the world—until I wasn’t.
The first week I had the car, I pulled into the gas station. This was going to be the grand moment when people finally recognized my “success.” I stepped out of the car, sunglasses on, looking cool. Then I realized something… I didn’t know how to open the gas tank. I’m serious. I spent 15 minutes fiddling with buttons, flipping through the manual, and trying to look like I knew what I was doing, while people waited impatiently for me to move out of the way. By the time I finally figured it out, my “moment of success” was so embarrassing that I drove home, parked the car in the garage, and didn’t drive it again for two weeks!
That car was a symbol of my misguided idea of success. I thought material things would make me feel successful, but in reality, they only left me chasing the next thing, and sometimes just looking foolish in the process.
Focus on What Really Matters
Now, to all the young adults just starting out in the world—I get it. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, and the pressure to “make it” is real. But let me give you some hard-earned advice: Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that success is defined by your job title, your salary, or the things you can buy.
Here are some truths I wish I had known earlier:
- Your relationships matter more than you think. Build meaningful connections with people who uplift you. Success without genuine relationships is empty. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you to grow, and love you for who you are, not what you have. Trust me, no amount of money can replace the value of true friendships or family bonds.
- Invest in yourself before you invest in anything else. Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing emotional intelligence, or taking care of your physical health—focus on becoming the best version of yourself. The world will always be changing, but the one constant is you. Make sure you’re your greatest asset.
- Take risks, but take the right ones. You’re going to make mistakes—that’s inevitable. But don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s starting a business, moving to a new city, or taking on a leadership role—you will never feel 100% ready. Do it anyway. You learn through action, not by standing on the sidelines.
- Find your purpose and pursue it with passion. Success without meaning is just busy work. You don’t want to be the person at 50 who looks back and wonders, “What was all that for?” Find what lights you up, what you’re passionate about, and let that guide your decisions.
It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself
Now, to the middle-aged adults who are starting over—whether it’s after divorce, career changes, or life just didn’t turn out the way you expected—I’m talking to you too.
I know it’s tough. You’ve lived through some things. You’ve had successes, you’ve had failures, and maybe right now you’re standing at the crossroads, wondering if it’s too late to make a real change. But let me remind you: It is never too late to rewrite your story.
Here’s the truth about starting over
- Your past doesn’t define your future—your choices do. Whatever has happened, it’s just a chapter in your life, not the whole book. Every day, you have the power to turn the page and start fresh. Yes, you may have regrets or wounds from your past, but they don’t have to dictate where you go from here. What matters is what you do next.
- You are wiser now. Use that to your advantage. When you’re young, you have energy and enthusiasm, but as we age, we gain wisdom. You’ve learned lessons from your experiences, and those lessons are invaluable. Now is the time to apply them. Use your wisdom to avoid old mistakes, make better decisions, and create a future that aligns with who you truly are.
- Don’t let fear hold you back. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of change—let me tell you, fear is a liar. Fear will keep you in the same place, stuck and stagnant. Don’t let the fear of what might go wrong keep you from experiencing what could go right.
- Focus on quality over quantity. Whether it’s in your career, your relationships, or your goals—now is the time to focus on what truly matters. At this stage in life, it’s not about chasing everything; it’s about chasing the right things. What brings you peace? What adds value to your life? Who are the people that make your heart feel full? Let those things be your priority.
Success Is Holistic: It’s About Balance
Whether you’re just starting out or starting over, the key to success is balance. Success isn’t just about how much money you make—it’s about the quality of your relationships, your health, your inner peace, and your sense of purpose.
Let me ask you this: What good is financial wealth if your health is suffering? What’s the point of climbing the corporate ladder if you’re too stressed to enjoy your life? You see, real success is about balancing all areas of your life—your finances, your emotional well-being, your physical health, and your spiritual peace.
- Take care of your health. You can’t enjoy success if you’re not physically well. Make time for your body—whether it’s exercise, eating well, or simply resting.
- Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Protect your peace. Surround yourself with positivity. You are the company you keep, so be mindful of who and what you allow into your life.
- Don’t ignore your spiritual side. Whether you’re religious or not, find something bigger than yourself to believe in. It could be a cause, a mission, or simply the pursuit of living with purpose.
Define Success on Your Own Terms
So, whether you’re stepping out into the world for the first time or starting over after life threw you some curveballs, remember this: success is not one-size-fits-all.
- For some, success might be financial freedom.
- For others, it’s having a close-knit family and meaningful friendships.
- For others still, it’s waking up every day with a sense of purpose, knowing you’re doing something that matters.
The truth is, you get to define success for yourself.
Don’t let society, your family, or social media dictate what success should look like. You are the author of your story, and it’s up to you to make it one you love. Remember, you have the power to create the life you truly desire. Every choice you make shapes your reality, so why not choose wisely, with purpose and intention?
As I share in my upcoming book, “If You Change Your Mind, You Can Change Your Life,” the journey to transformation begins within. It’s about aligning your thoughts and actions with the vision of the life you want. I believe in you, and I know that with faith in yourself, you can manifest your deepest dreams through making wise decisions.
I know we’ll meet again on the other side of your dreams. Keep pursuing them—no one ever said it would be easy, but if you stop, you’ll never reach them. Your best life is waiting for you.
Love Always
John Maurice