A young man had everything handed to him on a silver platter—no, make that a diamond-studded platter. A house, fully paid for. A restaurant, fully set up and ready to run. Most people would call that a dream opportunity. A money machine. But he didn’t see it that way.
The restaurant business just didn’t interest him. So, instead of making a go of it, he left it behind. Today, he lives in another town, running a business that aligns with his hobbies. He’s not broke. He rents out his house. Someone else runs the restaurant. But he simply walked away from an opportunity that most people would have given anything for.
It’s a shocking story, isn’t it? But it proves an important point: Even if success is handed to someone, it doesn’t mean they’ll take it.
Passion vs. Practicality
We live in an era where “follow your passion” is drilled into our heads. If you’re not doing what you love, you’re doing life wrong—at least, that’s what modern thinking suggests.
But let’s step back for a moment. There was a time when people pursued stable, practical careers to earn a good living. Then, in their free time, they explored their passions. Some of the world’s greatest architects were also brilliant painters. Some engineers composed symphonies. Their day jobs funded their creative pursuits.
Then, there are others—the ones who start with nothing and build something from scratch because they’re driven by a different kind of fire.
Take, for example, the South African immigrant who moved to the United States with nothing. Perhaps you’ve seen his story on TikTok. Today, he owns a massive farm and runs a successful business. He had no silver platter, no head start. But he had the determination to create something from the ground up. For him, the journey wasn’t just about making money—it was about proving to himself what he was capable of.
What Drives You?
So, what does all this mean for you?
The key isn’t whether success is handed to you or whether you build it from scratch. The real question is: What is your personal framework for success?
Some people need to follow their passion from day one. Others find financial stability first and pursue their passions on the side. Both approaches can work—but you need a framework that fits your personality, goals, and values.
If you’re trying to figure out the best path for you, there are proven frameworks that can help—not just to build financial success, but to create a life that truly satisfies you. Want to know more? Let’s talk.
