Personal story (never shared before)…

I struggled for years, in a state of confusion, lack of clarity, and no sense of purpose. It felt like I was just going through the motions, and wandering.

This was shortly after the real estate crash that hit me personally in 2008.

Before that, I had good "success" as an entrepreneur (with businesses, income, properties, and “stuff”), but then I experienced huge failure and I lost it all.

Worst of all, I ended up hurting people that meant the most to me. It was unbearable, and I “hid” in shame for a long time.

Then in 2012, I began a two-year process that led me to a spiritual awakening, an understanding of where I’d gone wrong in the past, and clarity on who I am and what my purpose is on the planet.

That was when I was able to truly embrace the fullness of life again.

The whole up and down was a painful process that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

But I also wouldn’t take it back because I learned so much and it made me the father, husband, and leader I am today. Now I live a life of peace, joy, passion, and fulfillment, knowing I’m making a big impact on the lives, relationships, and businesses I have had the privilege to speak into.

With that, I’d love to share some key insights I gained from all the mistakes I made (in the hopes that you might avoid them or learn from them):

I’m not saying rules are bad. They’re just not good motivators for growth. They don’t lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. I used to be a rule follower. Now I’m a freedom seeker. I want freedom for me, and I want freedom for those I love.

I have found that most of the time, rules are based on fear. And fear usually leads to separation (rather than connection). Fear is an “avoid something” mentality. But if you live in a state of fearlessness, you can be free to truly soar.

Don’t get me wrong, money and security are important. However important it seems to be in life, it pales in comparison to loving people. 

Bottom line: relationships are the most important thing. Protect relationships, not your stuff. If you have a financial catastrophe, but still have your people, it will be ok.

As I have learned most societal rules are B.S., the one rule that seems to guide everything in the best direction is “love your neighbor as yourself”. 

The interesting thing about that rule is most people don’t do a good job of loving themselves. No wonder the world is so broken with a lack of love for others.

So, start working on yourself, accept yourself, love yourself, and be the best version of yourself. Then with your cup already full, invest in others who need a helping hand. Whenever I come to a place where I’m not sure what to do, I remember “love your neighbor as yourself” and the right answer seems to come.

In my past life, I was obsessed with goals, and I had a great goal achievement system that brought me lots of “success”. But as Tony Robbins says, success without fulfillment is not true success. 

And at the end of that chapter of my life, I lost it all.

𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞. 

If you want to know how, it’s basically simply looking at your unique set of gifts, skills, and abilities. Then realize how to live those out to the fullest in every aspect of life. It’s the key to a fulfilling life.

If you want to know more, join the free "Define Your Purpose Challenge". 

I believe learning and prioritizing these 3 intentions in your life will take it from just OK to fully alive, full of peace, love, and joy, and absolutely fulfilled.