Millionaire By Age 23
Millionaire By Age 23
What keeps business owners motivated after reaching financial goals?
The desire to achieve is something we all share. We want to reach our goals, but once we do, it can feel like the worst thing that could happen. After reaching a milestone, like I did three years ago when I hit millionaire status, I found myself asking, "What now?" That sense of emptiness creeps in, and you need a new goal to pursue.
I still want to keep growing, and I’m young, with so much more to do. I think people fall on a spectrum—some don’t know where to start, while others see so many opportunities that they struggle to pick one. I lean more toward the latter. There are so many things I want to do, and at 26, I’m just getting started. No amount of money or success has filled that void. For me, it’s only the beginning. As Gary Vee says, "I’m just getting started," and that’s exactly how I feel, both in terms of my age and my career. The possibilities keep expanding, and I’m always going to stay hungry.
Why is pursuing long-term goals more fulfilling than seeking short-term pleasures?
I believe there's always a chase happening, especially for men. We’re wired to pursue something, and while that might sound cheesy, it’s true. Short-term pleasures, like fun activities, can make me happy for a bit, but they don’t fulfill me. True fulfillment comes from hard work and getting results, whether it's at the gym or building something. Quick highs don’t lead to lasting happiness.
Another key factor is competition—not just with others, but with myself. Recently, I made a list of what the better version of myself has, does, or is. This "better me" is what I’m always striving to become. It’s not just a few points; I wrote down 30 to 40 things. For example, if my ideal version goes to the gym every day and has a six-pack, I can’t skip a workout. If I’m not working, my better self is, so I have to keep pushing.
Often, we think our villain is someone else—someone we see online or a friend—but the real competition is within ourselves. Focusing on beating my own best version has been more productive and healthier for my growth. There’s always something to chase. Matthew McConaughey once said, "My hero is me in 10 years," and that idea stuck with me. Even when you reach your goals, there’s always another version of yourself to pursue.
How should business owners use visualization to reach their goals?
Visualizing yourself as the person you want to be and having the things you desire is powerful. It allows you to feel the abundance of the universe and realize there’s so much out there. You shouldn’t worry about not having something you wish for. Practicing visualization—imagining yourself already holding the key to your dream car, or the house you want to buy for your family—tricks your mind and body into believing you already have what you desire.
This changes everything at a biological and chemical level because our thoughts influence our chemistry. For instance, stress can lead to health problems, but if you feel like you’re living a blissful life, you experience the opposite. Dr. Joe Dispenza talks about how our thoughts change our chemistry and how our environment impacts our body, which is why it’s so important to create the right environment.
Visualization has worked wonders for me. In early 2020, my e-commerce business wasn’t doing well, and then the pandemic hit, making things worse. But it turned out to be a great opportunity for another business I was just experimenting with, which eventually boomed. Before that happened, I spent weeks practicing visualization every morning for 10 minutes. I imagined traveling business class, inviting friends on trips, moving to Dubai, skydiving with my favorite influencer, and more. Believe it or not, all of those things happened.
I moved to Dubai, skydived with my favorite influencer, Jay Alvarez, traveled the world, and helped my mom financially by hiring her. Recently, I even bought my dream car—a black Ferrari Portofino, which I had subconsciously visualized from the movie Limitless. I manifested all of this through visualization.
On the flip side, I’ve also lived in a state of scarcity, where I felt needy and constantly focused on what wasn’t working. That scarcity mindset pushed everything away. When you feel good about what you want instead of bad, you attract it. It’s all about being in the right frequency.
How can business owners avoid complacency and stay focused on improvement?
What else would you do with your time? That's something I think about often. If you're not improving, things start to fall apart. I've learned that you can't get complacent. If you do, you'll wake up to find yourself losing.
Competition is ingrained in me, and while it might sound simple, it's the truth. I believe everyone should have goals and work to understand what they want to achieve. Even if you're unsure, pick something and go for it. You’ll figure things out along the way.
For example, when I was 18, I wrote down notes about my doubts regarding affiliate marketing. I wasn’t sure if it would work out or if going to Las Vegas in 2016 would be beneficial. I even listed the pros and cons. Now, looking back eight years later, I see that taking those risks paid off. That uncertainty was part of the process, but things worked out because I put in the effort.
We need to be courageous and trust that things will work out if we do the work. Recently, I found those old notes, and it was a reminder of how much we worry unnecessarily. Now, when challenges arise, I remind myself that everything will be okay.
What mindset helps in overcoming fear when taking business risks?
I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue business until I was 16. I saw the power in making my own money—I could buy what I wanted without asking my parents. My parents were divorced, and I didn’t want to be a burden on my mom. That realization made me think, “This is powerful, and I can make a living from it.”
When people started talking about universities and life paths, I thought, “Why sit in a classroom studying business when I can practice it right away?” Instead of reading about the taste of an apple, I’d rather grab the apple and take a bite. That’s just how I prefer to do things—go straight at it, without wasting time. It’s scary and risky, but that’s the only way I’ve found success.
I think many successful people share this mindset. At first, you’re not wired that way—you need to explore it. But when you start taking risks repeatedly, the fear becomes less significant. You still feel it, but you don’t give it as much weight. In the end, it’s not about how you feel, it’s about doing what needs to be done.
What lessons have you learned in your entrepreneurial journey?
One of the main lessons I’ve learned is that I invested too much money in stocks that flopped. I didn’t follow the principle of not putting all your eggs in one basket, and I paid for it.
Another area where I’ve struggled is with loyalty. Sometimes, I stay loyal to people who aren’t good for me, whether in business, friendships, or personal relationships. Holding on to the wrong people for too long can be problematic because they won’t help you grow or improve your life. Letting go is tough, but it’s necessary to create space for new people who can bring value.
It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way, and it’s something I’m still working on. Letting go allows for growth, and that’s an area where I’m continuously trying to improve.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*
