What if the ultimate success wasn’t about building empires, but about finding peace in the present moment? For many high-achievers, the hustle eventually gives way to something deeper—inner peace and purpose. As someone who once thrived in the fast-paced, adrenaline-filled world of achievement, I never thought I’d find myself at this juncture. But life has a funny way of steering us toward what truly matters.
From Wild Nights to Cozy Evenings: The Unexpected Shift
In my twenties, I was the life of the party. Every weekend, one of my best friends and I hit the clubs, no matter where we were. We made a pact: we would never, ever become those “uncool” 30- or 40-somethings who stayed home, choosing quiet evenings over nightlife. No, we were going to party well into our 60s and 70s, becoming the two wild grandmas at the club.
Fast forward to now, as we approach 40 (next year, to be exact). We’ve swapped dance floors for cozy nights at home. We’re true homebodies now, embracing a slower pace with the occasional social gathering. The life we once dreaded has become the one we now cherish.
The Illusion of Endless Hustle
Just as I traded the clubs for calm, I also thought I would forever maintain my insane stamina, unshakable work ethic, and relentless drive to build one business after another. In my mind, there was no room for slowing down. That was for the undisciplined and weak. I was different—special, even. I was better.
Although I still own several businesses, I no longer work around the clock or chase the dream of building an empire worth hundreds of millions. Instead, I crave meaningful work—something that brings purpose, creates a positive impact, and allows me to spend more time with myself and my loved ones. You can read more about how I reached this point in another post.
Money still matters—it always will. But now, I understand what “enough” really means. Achieving massive wealth requires sacrifices that I’m not willing to make anymore. Having reached financial milestones, I no longer feel the need to chase after an unreachable number that would rob me of time and peace of mind.
Carl Jung’s Life Stages: The Path to Fulfillment
This shift isn’t unique to me. It’s part of a broader human experience, beautifully outlined by Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist who developed the concept of life stages. Jung described three key stages in the human life cycle:
- Early Life: We focus on external goals—careers, families, and success.
- Midlife: Many of us face a sense of emptiness, realizing these accomplishments don’t provide true fulfillment.
- Later Life: The focus shifts to discovering our true selves, seeking deeper meaning, and finding purpose beyond societal expectations.
Jung believed that while everyone has an unconscious desire for wholeness, few reach the stage of fulfillment. Many get stuck in their external achievements, and others avoid the self-reflection necessary for growth. Most people only turn inward after experiencing a crisis or burnout.
For me, it took a life-altering experience to begin my inward journey—a process I detail in my book. Those 2.5 years spent under the tax investigation were some of the darkest, longest, and most hopeless of my life. But they forced me to seek solace and strength from something beyond myself, reshaping my approach to life.
High Achievers’ Crises: How Public Figures Found Their Peace and Fulfilment
As I explored the biographies of notable figures, I found they too faced significant personal crises that force them to reevaluate their lives. These transformative experiences often lead them to a more meaningful, peaceful existence. Here are a few notable public figures who have faced such crises:
- Oprah Winfrey overcame a traumatic childhood filled with poverty and abuse. She attributes her resilience to meditation and spiritual practices, which helped her navigate personal crises and maintain balance in her life.
- Tony Robbins, known for his motivational speaking, faced a personal crisis that led him to explore spirituality. His deep dive into self-awareness and practices like meditation have allowed him to maintain a sense of purpose and inner peace despite the pressures of fame.
- Ray Dalio, the billionaire investor, experienced his own turning point during the 2008 financial crisis. Dalio emphasizes the importance of reflection, meditation, and understanding one’s deeper purpose as a foundation for success and personal peace.
- Jim Carrey, once obsessed with fame and success, found true peace through spirituality and mindfulness. After battling depression, Carrey turned to meditation and a more introspective path, reshaping his view on life and success.
- Russell Brand battled severe addiction before undergoing a transformative journey. His recovery led him to embrace mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality, helping him rebuild his life and find peace beyond his past struggles.
- Ellen DeGeneres encountered a career crisis and public backlash after coming out in the 1990s. She credits mindfulness with helping her manage stress, heal emotionally, and remain grounded amid personal and professional challenges.
- Tiger Woods, facing a very public fall from grace due to personal scandals and injuries, turned to mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist practices. These tools played a crucial role in his emotional healing and career resurgence, guiding him to a more balanced life.
Remember Tim—my breathing teacher I mentioned in another blog? He, too, faced personal crises that compelled him to look inward, sparking his spiritual journey before he became a teacher.
The Path of Transformation: Key Changes That High Achievers Experience
This path of transformation is not about abandoning ambition but about shifting focus inward to discover what truly matters. Here’s a closer look at the profound changes that often follow.
1. Slowing Down and Focusing on What Truly Matters
This shift toward slowing down is something many of us experience on our journeys, myself included. We start moving away from fast-forward mode—sometimes stepping back from roles or industries that no longer serve us, or zeroing in on the work that truly ignites us. And while some of us are still soul-searching, the common goal is always the same: finding what really matters.
I never realized how beautiful life could be when I simply allowed myself to slow down. In the past, the moment I woke up, I was already on edge, rushing through every moment—whether it was getting ready, having breakfast, or jumping headfirst into an endless to-do list. Each morning, I’d face a mountain of work, with hundreds of emails and messages demanding my attention.
What I didn’t realize was that everything I was looking for already existed within me. I’d been searching outside myself, always reaching for something “out there,” when what I truly valued was already right in front of me. Writing, for instance, has been a part of me since childhood, but it was only when I slowed down that I truly recognized its importance in my life.
Today, my work hours are just a third—or at most half—of what they used to be, and I feel more fulfilled. My tasks now feel like meaningful pursuits rather than obligations. I love the freedom, creativity, and flexibility that now shape my days.
If you’re at a crossroads, I can’t recommend enough The Untethered Soul and The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. These books shifted my perspective in ways I never expected, helping me uncover a new approach to finding peace and purpose. You can read more about how they transformed my outlook here.
2. Embracing Spiritual Awakening and Mindfulness
Practices like journaling, meditation, and mindfulness offer a rare gift: they allow us to step away from the rush and reconnect with our inner selves, finding a peace that wealth and recognition can’t buy. These moments help us rediscover what truly matters, bringing calm and clarity to an otherwise overwhelming world.
What about you? Have you ever felt lost at a crossroads, torn between life’s big choices—whether to buy a home or keep renting, travel now or stay put for a promotion, hold onto a relationship or move on? Decisions like these can weigh heavily, making it feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders.
But imagine if you could find those answers within yourself. Through meditation, there’s a quiet space waiting for you, where your own clarity and guidance live. Instead of looking outward for solutions, you can turn inward to reconnect with what feels right.
A close friend of mine once shared how lost she felt—stuck in a cycle of unhappiness, searching everywhere for direction. Even therapy hadn’t brought her the clarity she needed. I suggested, “Why keep searching outside when the answers are already within? Close your eyes, meditate, and let them come to you.” She took my advice, and in that stillness, she began to find her way forward.
For me, meditation has become like coming home—a moment to set aside all responsibilities, settle in, and just be. It’s a safe haven for the soul. Whenever I face a problem, I sit quietly, close my eyes, and meditate. And without fail, I feel a weight lift. The issue might still be there, but my mind feels lighter, my mood lifts, and I can see solutions with a fresh sense of clarity and calm. You can read more about how meditation has transformed my life in this post.
While I may not know Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Ray Dalio, or Michael Singer personally, I feel certain that journaling, meditation and mindfulness give them the same grounding, healing, and perspective they’ve given to me—and can offer to anyone who embraces them.
3. The Desire for Legacy and Impact
For many high achievers, personal milestones mark the beginning of a new journey. The chase for wealth and accolades often fades, replaced by a drive to create a legacy—a contribution that reaches beyond individual success. This shift opens doors to philanthropy, social impact, and the sharing of knowledge to uplift the next generation.
Years ago, I attended a client’s event where I had an unexpectedly candid moment. I asked him a question that most would consider too personal for a business setting: What’s your purpose in life? Where do you see your business going in the next year?
He didn’t hesitate: “My goal is to build something bigger than myself, to leave a legacy and create meaningful change in my industry—and maybe even beyond.”
At the time, I remember feeling judgmental, thinking he was overly idealistic. We were there to make money; who had time to care about the world and make the impact? Back then, my thinking was grounded in traditional business goals—profits, expansion, and personal rewards. Never did I imagine that one day I’d be on a similar path, searching for a purpose that extended beyond the next financial quarter.
Now, years later, I see things differently. I realize that my own journey—through writing my book and sharing my thoughts on this blog—is part of my contribution. I may not have a huge audience, but if just one person finds insight or inspiration here, I’ll consider it a success.
What’s also inspiring is that I’m not alone. In conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed a growing movement towards creating not only profitable businesses but ventures that add true value to society. There’s a shared desire to make a meaningful difference, however big or small, that reflects a shift from personal gains to lasting impact.
Redefining Success: Finding Peace and Purpose on Your Own Terms
So, what if real success isn’t about the milestones or the wealth we amass, but about the quiet moments when we feel truly at ease—when we’re in sync with ourselves? As high-achievers, we’re often conditioned to measure our worth by accomplishments, to chase one victory after another. But at some point, many of us come to realize that the ultimate goal isn’t another trophy on the shelf; it’s the peace that lives within.
If you’re standing at a similar crossroads, feeling the call to slow down, take heart: you’re not alone. There’s a growing community of us who’ve taken this path, each finding fulfillment in our own way—whether through mindfulness, creative pursuits, or simply by redefining what “enough” really means.
Remember, success isn’t a race; it’s a journey, and there’s no deadline. Each step toward clarity and purpose is a success in itself. So, here’s to carving out your own version of success—one that nourishes not only your ambition but also your soul. May you find peace, joy, and fulfillment in every step along the way.