If Money and Status Didn't Matter... What Would You Do?

What is Success?

I used to think success was about doing less—it's even been my mantra. I plastered it on my YouTube banner, got it tattooed on my arm, and put it on a hat.

My goal for years was to simplify everything to the point where I had all the free time in the world. And it worked.

By 24, I left my day job, and I got to a point where I was working just 1 to 3 hours a day on YouTube. But despite achieving this, I found myself depressed over the past six months.

When Were You Happiest?

When I thought back to the times when I was most excited and mentally in a good space, it wasn’t during these easy, carefree times. It was during the years when I was sacrificing a lot, chasing the seemingly impossible goal of financial freedom in my 20s.

I was happiest when I was challenging myself, trying new things, and pushing through the hard times. Even though those years were tough—I was working three different jobs, gave up TV, and mostly stopped playing video games—I was driven by a big goal that gave my life meaning.

Is Your Dream Life Your Own Dream?

One of the most eye-opening realizations was that some of the beliefs I had about who I was and what I wanted weren’t actually my own. I was influenced by ideas of minimalism and what I saw others doing. My wife and I had this goal of owning a farm, but we recently admitted to each other that we don’t really enjoy gardening or farm life. It was something we thought we wanted, but in reality, it wasn’t.

When I stripped away the expectations of money, status, and other people’s opinions, I realized what I actually wanted was simpler: I want to work, to create, and to be productive in a way that excites me. So I made the decision to embrace that. I’ve started a new channel to document the business side of my life, focusing on what truly makes me happy.

These insights didn’t come out of nowhere—I borrowed them from a podcast that asked some tough questions: If money and status didn’t matter, what would you do? What makes you happy? Does success make you happy? I think a lot of people, including myself, end up feeling unfulfilled because they settle into the status quo. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine that feels safe and reliable but doesn’t actually excite you.

What is Your Purpose?

For me, excitement is the cure for boredom and depression. It’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about the journey of self-improvement and striving for a better life. I realized that I’m a provider and a creator, and I don’t feel good about my day unless I’ve accomplished something meaningful.

My old goal of reaching financial independence and retiring by 30 no longer appeals to me. I’ve learned that retirement can actually take away your sense of purpose, which is crucial for a fulfilling life.

Now, my goal is financial freedom, not to do nothing, but to do work that matters to me. I’ve found a new balance where I can take time off to travel or work as much as I want, on things that I believe are important. I recently rented some co-working space, and I’m excited to go to work every day—not because I have to, but because I want to.

This year, I’m focusing on enjoying the process and paying attention to aspects of life outside of work. I’m spending more time studying my Bible, deepening my relationship with Jesus, and ensuring that what I do isn’t just for me. I’m thinking about the bigger picture and eternity, not just the next few weeks or years.

I’ll be documenting this journey of working more, starting new companies, and living a more fulfilled life on my new channel. If you’re interested, feel free to check out my first vlog about the business side of my life. I’m excited to see where this new path takes me.