Redefining Success on My Terms
For years, I chased the version of success we’re all sold: work long hours, climb the ladder, make more money, buy bigger things. I checked a lot of those boxes early in my career. But I eventually realized something critical, none of it really felt like success until I felt good about the life I was living. Until I felt happy. And stable.
Today, I define success with a formula that keeps me grounded: Happiness + Financial Stability = Success. Not either/or, both. It’s a balance that didn’t come overnight, but it’s one I live by every single day, both in my personal life and in the work I do through CDI and other ventures. This approach has not only helped me stay aligned with my values, but it’s also allowed me to make more meaningful and impactful business decisions.
Happiness Is a Non-Negotiable
Let’s be honest, what’s the point of money, accolades, or influence if you’re miserable? I’ve seen too many people burn out chasing goals that don’t reflect what they really care about. That’s why, for me, happiness is a non-negotiable. Not the surface-level kind of happy that comes from checking off tasks or winning deals, but the deeper kind that comes from doing work that aligns with who you are.
Happiness, for me, comes from time with my family. From spending time in nature. From being part of my community and investing in people who care about progress. It also comes from being purpose-driven. At CDI, we don’t just talk about innovation, we live it. We work on projects that create a better world, whether it’s improving public infrastructure or pushing the boundaries of sustainable development. That matters. That feeds happiness.
Why Financial Stability Matters
Now let’s be real: happiness alone doesn’t pay the bills. That’s where financial stability comes in. It’s not about being rich or flashy, it’s about having the resources to live comfortably, care for your family, and plan for the future without constant anxiety.
Financial stability gives you freedom. Freedom to say “yes” to opportunities and “no” to things that don’t serve you. Freedom to give back. Freedom to build something bigger than yourself. I’ve seen what happens when people don’t have that security, it’s hard to dream when you’re just trying to survive.
That’s why in my businesses, I focus on building sustainable models, not just high-growth, but smart growth. I want our team members to thrive, not just hang on. And I want to show young entrepreneurs that it’s possible to build something meaningful and financially sound.
Living the Formula Daily
So how do I live this formula every day? It’s not about perfection, it’s about intention. Here are a few ways I keep the balance:
- I start each day with purpose. Whether I’m heading into a strategy session or grabbing coffee with a community leader, I remind myself why I’m doing this work. It’s not just about the bottom line, it’s about impact and joy.
- I check in with my finances regularly. Not obsessively, but proactively. I treat financial health like I treat physical health, it needs regular attention. I keep things lean where possible, invest where it counts, and stay focused on long-term goals over short-term wins.
- I protect my peace. That might mean saying no to a “great” opportunity if it doesn’t align with my values. It might mean taking a walk instead of another Zoom call. Or taking time off to be fully present with my family. Mental clarity fuels everything else.
- I invest in people. Nothing brings happiness like surrounding yourself with people who share your values. At CDI, we’ve built a culture of respect, creativity, and accountability. And we’re building systems that allow everyone involved to grow, not just the business.
Practical Business Choices That Reflect My Values
Every business decision I make is filtered through this formula. Is this opportunity going to make us more financially secure? Will it contribute to personal and team happiness? If it doesn’t meet both criteria, I question whether it’s really a fit.
That’s why I’m intentional about the projects we take on. At CDI, we focus on innovation with real-world utility, things that make a difference in people’s lives, not just flashy ideas for show. That choice may mean slower growth sometimes, but it leads to deeper, longer-lasting success.
We also look at how we pay our people, how we treat partners, and how we spend our resources. Can we grow while still being responsible? Can we build equity into our business model? Those are the questions I care about, because the answers directly affect both happiness and financial health.
The Freedom to Define Success for Yourself
Here’s what I want you to take away from all this: You get to define what success looks like for you. Don’t let someone else’s version of success convince you that you’re not doing enough or earning enough. For me, success is not just hitting revenue targets or adding titles to my name. It’s about waking up fulfilled, ending the day with peace of mind, and knowing I’m building something with integrity.
If you’re chasing happiness but ignoring your finances, you’re going to feel the pressure. If you’re chasing financial gains but sacrificing your values, you’re going to feel empty. But if you can bring the two together, build a life that supports both joy and stability, you’ve found something really powerful.
Success Is a Living Practice
Success isn’t a finish line, it’s a practice. It’s how you move through each day, the choices you make, and the people you bring with you. For me, happiness + financial stability isn’t just a slogan, it’s a formula I test, tweak, and live every day. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you’re looking for your own version of success, start with what makes you feel alive. Then build smart, stable habits around it. That’s where the magic happens.