something you learned very late in life, but wish you knew much earlier

Michel was what I considered “successful.”

But my understanding of success changed dramatically when my friend Michel lost everything after the 2008 financial meltdown.

Michel lived an extravagant life, which made everyone jealous about his “good life.”

He drove a luxury Mercedes Benz. I wanted one.

He had a magnificent office. I wanted one.

He traveled in luxury. I wanted that.

He had an impressive home. I also wanted one.

But Dave’s life dramatically changed overnight. As soon as he lost his job during the 2008 financial crisis, Dave’s massive debts made him lose everything.

It happened that Dave’s “millionaire” lifestyle was like a balloon filled with hot air — the moment his income stopped, everything came crumbling down.

Stress took over his health, which eventually led to diabetes and depression.

He could never get back up again.

To answer your question, what is something that I learned late in life, but wish I had learned earlier?

I used to live competing for financial success.

I stressed about achieving Dave’s lifestyle and also made stupid decisions. I wish I had listened sooner to my father’s advice who insisted, “Hector, success in life is not a race. Success in life is living wisely.”

For years I struggled with my dad’s advice. I wanted to live like my friend Dave. Luckily, eventually taking my father’s example saved me from ending up in the same situation as my friend.

When I witnessed Dave’s life collapse, I finally understood my father’s words of wisdom.

·         Dave’s life was hollow and fake. His lifestyle was not reasonable or realistic. He was living for the moment. My dad’s example taught me to live each day making wise decisions.

·         Michell was living to impress others. My dad’s example taught me to live each day with character.

·         Dave’s shallow and fake lifestyle came to an end abruptly. He never invested in the future. He burned everything that he made.

Today I’m not racing anymore. Today I see each day as an investment. I live life as if I were investing in search of compound interest.

I wish I had understood earlier in my life that the sacrifices I make today will pay me dividends in the future.

Stay happy