I’ve come to realize that stagnation is my worst enemy. The thought of looking up two or three years from now and seeing that I’ve been doing the same thing without growth or new challenges makes me deeply uncomfortable. This isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about living life to its fullest potential.
For me, happiness comes from constantly pushing boundaries and asking, “What’s next?” This mindset has shaped both my business approach and personal life choices. I’m driven by a fundamental desire to experience everything life has to offer, recognizing that our time here is finite and uncertain.
The Growth Mindset in Business
In business, I’ve found that the most fulfilling path isn’t necessarily the safest one. Taking calculated risks and pursuing new opportunities has consistently led to greater satisfaction than maintaining the status quo. This doesn’t mean reckless decision-making—it means thoughtfully considering what next steps will challenge me and expand my capabilities.
When I look at my entrepreneurial journey, the most rewarding moments haven’t been the comfortable periods of stability, but rather the exciting (and sometimes terrifying) leaps into new ventures. Each new business challenge has taught me something valuable that I’ve carried forward.
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Extending Growth Beyond Work
This philosophy extends far beyond my professional life. At 37, I just scheduled my first piano lesson. Despite playing guitar since I was four, I’m starting fresh with a new instrument because I believe in continuously developing new skills and interests.
My approach to personal growth includes:
- Pursuing new skills and hobbies regardless of age
- Traveling to experience different cultures and perspectives
- Embracing family life and parenthood as growth opportunities
- Trying varied activities that push me outside my comfort zone
These pursuits aren’t just about checking items off a bucket list—they’re about expanding my understanding of the world and myself. Each new experience shapes who I am and how I approach both life and business challenges.
Finding Balance in Constant Growth
My commitment to growth doesn’t mean I’m never satisfied or always chasing the next thing without appreciating the present. Rather, it means I’m fully engaged with life, refusing to let it pass by without active participation.
I believe we maximize our potential when we balance appreciation for what we have with hunger for new experiences. This applies equally to family life, personal development, and business ventures.
Having children has reinforced this philosophy. Watching my kids grow and develop has been one of life’s greatest gifts—a daily reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to make the most of every opportunity.
The Alternative Is Misery
When I consider the alternative—staying in one place, never taking chances, watching life pass by—I know that path leads to regret. For me, that would be misery. I’d rather try and fail than wonder what might have been.
This doesn’t mean everyone needs to start businesses or learn musical instruments in their thirties. Growth looks different for each person. The key is identifying what challenges excite you and having the courage to pursue them.
The question I constantly ask myself is simple: “What else can I experience?” This question keeps me moving forward, learning, and fully engaged with life.
I don’t know what happens next—none of us do. That uncertainty is precisely why I believe in maximizing every aspect of life: business, family, travel, learning, and personal growth. By embracing new challenges rather than avoiding them, I’ve found a path that brings fulfillment and joy, even when it’s difficult.
Tonight, I’ll sit down at the piano for my first lesson. I’ll be a beginner again, awkward and unsure. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you balance pursuing new opportunities with maintaining focus on current projects?
I maintain core focus on existing commitments while strategically adding new challenges. This isn’t about abandoning current projects but expanding my capabilities alongside them. I’ve found that new pursuits often bring fresh energy and perspectives that actually benefit my established ventures.
Q: What advice would you give someone who feels stuck in their personal or professional life?
Start small with one new activity or skill that interests you. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life at once. Even modest steps toward growth can create momentum and shift your mindset. Ask yourself what you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t made time for, then take the first step—whether that’s signing up for a class, reaching out to a mentor, or simply blocking time for exploration.
Q: How do you deal with failure when trying something new?
I view failure as an essential part of growth. When I try something new, I expect to be bad at it initially—like my piano lessons. The discomfort of being a beginner is temporary, but the regret of never trying can be permanent. I focus on the learning process rather than immediate results, which makes failures feel like valuable data points rather than personal shortcomings.
Q: At 37, do you ever worry it’s “too late” to start something new?
Never. The “too late” mindset is one of the biggest barriers to personal growth. I believe the best time to start something is always now. Whether it’s learning piano at 37 or starting a new business venture, age is rarely the limiting factor people imagine it to be. In fact, life experience often provides advantages when learning new skills or entering new fields.
Q: How do you identify which new opportunities are worth pursuing?
I ask myself three questions: Does this genuinely interest me? Will it help me grow in meaningful ways? Can I give it the attention it deserves? Not every opportunity aligns with my core values or available resources. I’ve learned to distinguish between shiny distractions and genuine growth opportunities by considering how each potential pursuit fits into my broader life vision and current commitments.
