In Austria, surrounded by the breathtaking alpine vistas, I just touched down for a friend's wedding. Here I am, working on my laptop, living my version of success. Not everyone can say they've found this luxury, and it got me thinking.
Do we all crave the same version of success?
You might begin to think Elon Musk. You might think of a billionaire's lifestyle, of splashing in gold coins like Scrooge McDuck.
But pause. Reflect.
What does success mean for YOU?
The mountains of Austria aren’t laden with gold, but with serene snow. They're stunning in their own way.
Likewise, success isn't always golden millions. Sometimes, it's a satisfying life, doing what you love, where you love.
Socrates challenged us long ago, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
This quote isn't about fortune. It's about introspection.
Many people desire a billion-dollar status. Do you?
Think of the stress. Consider the overworking. Ponder the responsibility.
Lawsuits. Personal relationship stress. A never-ending workload. Sleepless nights. Media scrutiny. Constant judgments.
They all come with the territory.
It's not just a heavy bag of money. It's a heavy burden to bear.
So why are you working a 100-hour week? To make billions? Or to shape a life you can love, live, and embrace?
Don’t chase someone else's illusion. Create your own reality.
Maybe making a million a year is enough for you. Maybe it’s more than enough. Maybe it's not enough.
The point isn't the number. The point is to think about it.
To carve out your ideal, architectured lifestyle.
Your life isn't a cold, unfeeling machine. It’s a vibrant, lively canvas.
Don’t color it with someone else’s shades. Use your own palette.
Your dream might not be a golden mountain, But a tranquil snow-capped peak.
It’s unconventional. It's unique. It's you.
The perfect life isn't a copy-paste template. You're its architect.
Being at Elon's level isn't just about dealing with financial abundance. It's about confronting challenges that most would shudder to face.
Do you want to grapple with corporate espionage? Handle hostile takeovers? Navigate the relentless ocean of competitors?
These aren't simply problems. They're titanic struggles.
But perhaps, your success doesn't need to lie there.
The world’s richest person isn't the one with the most zeroes in their account. It’s the one who's living a life they've lovingly designed.
So the next time you think of success, don’t look at Elon Musk’s empire.
Look at the alpine peaks. Look at the life you want.
Study the mountains, not the moguls.
Architect your life, not someone else's version of a good life. Embrace the true luxury of a life on your terms. That's the treasure no one can take. That's the success no one can measure.
Hey Scott, thanks for sharing. There's a good resource on mental models you might be interested in: https://www.jaakkoj.com/mind-expander