Eduard Totok: Biography and Entrepreneurship
- Eduard Totok
- Jan 22, 2025
- 43 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Table of Contents
1. Who I Am Today & Why This Journey Might Matter to You
Before we go into details, this chapter offers the context behind what I do and how I work. It explains how years of real-world experience, personal values, and long-term vision directly influence the quality of our services and the results we deliver.
This is not a success story.
It’s a story about confusion, building things that didn’t work, learning the hard way, starting over, and slowly understanding how business, people, and life actually work.
If you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone trying to build something meaningful, this article will help you understand how my thinking was formed, why I work the way I do, and what I’ve learned from over 17 years of real-world entrepreneurship across tech, real estate, and digital businesses.
The truth behind 17 years of entrepreneurship
Almost two decades of entrepreneurship didn’t begin with a clear plan or instant success. They began with a dream, a desire to earn more, a lot of curiosity, and plenty of mistakes along the way. At 18, everything felt possible. The world seemed open, inviting, and full of opportunity.
But very quickly, I was forced to see how little I actually knew, and with it came the first real shift in how I understood myself and the world around me. In our basics section, we cover the essential topics that laid the foundation for everything that followed.
What followed wasn’t a straight line upward. It was shaped by many failures, failed partnerships, difficult decisions, personal losses, and moments that forced me to stop and question almost everything I thought I knew.
I learned that the world isn’t “mine” to conquer, but a system I’m part of, one where I have a role, a responsibility, and a chance to contribute. I became more deliberate in my choices, more careful with my energy, and more intentional about where and how I invest my time and effort.
Working Within Elite Environments
Along the way, I also learned how to build strong, long-term partnerships and how high-level environments truly operate. Working closely with very successful people revealed something essential: the difference between earning €50,000 a year and managing €1 million or €50 million is not just scale, it’s a completely different way of thinking, deciding, and taking responsibility.
At higher levels, money stops being the goal and becomes a tool. Decisions are slower, more deliberate. Trust outweighs speed. Quality matters more than visibility. Systems matter more than effort. And every action is evaluated through long-term impact, not short-term gain.
Over time, dots started connecting and clear patterns emerged: what creates real value, what truly scales, and why mindset, timing, humility, integrity, and the ability to serve others matter just as much as strategy. That lived experience accumulated quietly over years and is the foundation of everything I build today.
The Courage to Build Something Bigger than Yourself
On my journey, I understood that your life partner can become either your greatest ally or your biggest obstacle. The right partner supports your growth, brings clarity in hard moments, and helps you become a better version of yourself. The wrong one can slowly drain your energy and derail everything you’re building.
Also, I believe that when the time is right and if we feel ready, having children is one of the most meaningful things a human can experience. It adds depth, responsibility, and purpose. I always imagined building a small, safe world of our own, filled with love, trust, and appreciation.
Becoming a dad changed me in ways no business ever could. It shifted my focus away from perfection and control, toward presence, openness, and the understanding that the future grows from many perspectives, not just one.
Seeing my child grow, learn, and discover the world became one of my deepest sources of inspiration. In moments of exhaustion and doubt, he reminds me to slow down, to stay present, experience life and to feel what it means to be here, in the moment.
Giving back to the world
At a tipping point in my journey, I realized that progress means little if it doesn’t consider what comes after us. That’s when I chose to invest in green initiatives, recycling, and education for children, guided by the belief that the future grows from how responsibly we live today. It was a journey my mother began long before I was born, a story I’ll return to a bit later.
With time and experience, I recognized that giving back felt less like charity and more like a responsibility. The value of everything I’ve lived, learned, and gathered along the way only reveals itself when it becomes hope, support, direction, and dignity for others in the world we all share.
This is why I choose to be at the service of people, ideas, and the futures we’re only beginning to imagine. Because real fulfillment doesn’t come from how high you climb alone, but from how many lives you help rise with you.
2. Birth and Romanian Revolution 1989
I was born on the 26th of July 1988, a time when Romania was still under the iron grip of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime. My earliest moments of life were shaped by a world of scarcity and fear, a nation where freedom was a distant dream. My parents, like so many others, faced the daily challenge of navigating a system that demanded blind obedience and offered little in return.
Imagine walking through a world where food was rationed and where even speaking your mind could bring dire consequences. Yet through all this, my mom and dad shielded me from the worst of it, carrying me sometimes quite literally, through the tyranny of those times. When I think about it today, it's very hard to imagine the fear they must have felt.
The Fight for Freedom
The year 1989 marked the beginning of the Romanian Revolution.
And it all started in my hometown, Timișoara.
It wasn’t just about politics or people in charge, it was about regular people who had had enough. They gathered in the streets, unarmed, simply asking to be free and a better life. But instead of being heard, they were met with violence and soldiers opened fire on the crowds.
Many innocent lives were lost but the people didn’t back down.
They were ready to die for freedom and a different future.
And then something incredible happened, their courage lit something so strong that it couldn’t be stopped. What started in Timișoara spread across the whole country. You could feel a new kind of energy, a turn of the page, were hope and bravery were finally stronger than fear.
On December 22, 1989, after days of protests and people refusing to give up, the dictatorship collapsed. Ceaușescu, the man who had ruled for 24 years was gone, the unthinkable happened and everything changed. Romania finally took its first breath of freedom in decades. In January 1990, everything felt different. Hope was everywhere. The chains of fear had broken, and the voices that had been silenced for so long were finally being heard.
Every time I think about it, I feel proud that it all began in the city I call home.
It's also a very strong reminder that freedom is not given, you must always be ready to fight for it.
For me, to this date, Timișoara will always remain a symbol of hope, social change, a place that will always connect me to the S emblem from Superman - which also stands for hope. It’s a strong reminder that even in the darkest times, change can start with just one voice and a moment of courage.
3. European Heritage
With the fall of communism, a new era of freedom began, one where borders no longer felt like walls, but more like gateways to new connections. Traveling around Europe got way easier, and that meant I could finally visit my family in Hungary and Germany a lot more often.
My grandparents were the kind of people who built things with their own hands. Part of them were Germans, and part were proud Hungarians, each bringing their own traditions, strength, and pride into everything they did. If they were around today, we would probably call them workaholics, but for them, hard work was simply a way of life.
I spent a lot of time in Hungary and Germany as a kid. Those visits helped me appreciate various cultures and traditions, whether it was the warm homemade food, the strong family values, hard work, or the unique ways they celebrated life, all impacted me to think differently about my dreams and the future.
Thinking Beyond Borders
My grandfather and my father came from a background in heavy construction engineering, and they both dedicated their lives to building major infrastructure projects across Europe.
Whether it was building highways, designing bridges, or crafting public transport systems, their efforts brought cities to life and made it easier for people to reach one another. They loved what they did, you could see the passion in their eyes and there was no room for errors.
"This is important, it must work perfectly for the next 25 years!" my grandfather would always say.
Every visit to my family abroad felt like an adventure. I remember just standing there like an assistant, feeling small next to the machines. I was thinking how amazing it was that people could create such big projects, while also quietly dreaming that one day, I would also be part of something bigger than me. Something that would work perfectly for the next 100 years!
4. Magic of Childhood
I was the kind of child who couldn’t sit still ... always running, climbing, and pushing every unspoken rule just to see what would happen. If something was off-limits, I saw it as an invitation, a new opportunity to explore. My parents, with endless patience and profound love, were the ones who kept me from turning every reckless idea into a full-blown disaster.
My mom had a unique way of guiding me, while also gently pushing me beyond my comfort zone. She wanted me to grow, to see things differently, and to understand that the world isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. She also talked to me honestly about drinking and smoking, as her father was an alcoholic. I didn’t understand everything, but I saw her cry many times when she talked about her past … so I listened to everything she said, as I would have done anything to make her happy.
A defining moment in my childhood was the day I got my first computer, a 386 PC, I was only 6 years old. I never felt so much joy in my life, it was pure magic!
It had a small, heavy 13-inch monitor, it was clunky, outdated, and kind of ugly by today’s standards, but I loved it. There was something about it that pulled me in completely, like a magnetic force I couldn’t explain. I was guarding it like Sméagol with his precious, mesmerized by the glowing screen.
What started as a love for games, slowly turned into continuous curiosity for how everything worked. I couldn’t stop wondering, how was all of this made? What did software and hardware even mean? That computer ... became the catalyst for a lifelong passion for IT and technology, setting the foundation for everything I do today.
I started diving into every magazine I could find about how computers worked, how everything was created, how games were made, what software and hardware actually meant. Little by little, I began upgrading my old machine, just so I could install bigger and more complex programs and play more modern games.
Yeah, I was kind of a nerd, playing everything there was to play. Here are a few of the games that challenges my creativity and changed the way I think: Heroes of Might and Magic, Red Alert, Settlers 3, Carmageddon, Diablo, Anno 1602, Black & White, Mario, Counter-Strike, Warcraft, Mu, Need for Speed, Quake, Fifa, Unreal Tournament, Doom, Mortal Kombat, Knights and Merchants, Starcraft, Age of Empires ... and honestly, so many more.
To this day, as a father myself, I finally understand the patience, effort, and quiet sacrifices it takes parents to guide a child with clarity and care. I think back to many moments ... how my parents found the right words when I felt lost and the warmth that made the world feel safe.
I think we all just want someone to say: ‘I see you, I get you, and I love you anyway.’
There was something magical about being a child.
I loved the simplicity, the wonder, and the way everything felt like an adventure.
Though my parents are no longer with me, their lessons live on in the way I raise my own child, in the choices I make, and in the strength they passed down to me. They still light my path, and there are no words than can describe the gratitude I feel towards them.
5. Eduard Totok - Becoming a Young Entrepreneur at 18
When I was 18 years old, right before starting at the Polytechnic University, I took my first bold step into entrepreneurship. Inspired by my father’s passion for the audio industry and guided by Mazen, a highly successful entrepreneur from Bucharest, I gained invaluable insights into business and strategy.
Fueled by Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, daily doses of Earl Nightingale’s wisdom, and The Secret’s law of attraction, I felt an unstoppable drive to make an impact. My vision was clear: to leave a mark in the IT and audio industries.
With that fire, I started selling computer hardware components, car speakers, and home audio systems, while offering services like installing operating systems and assembling custom PCs. I also picked up basic woodworking skills from one of my friends, which allowed me to build custom audio systems for cars and homes. It was a great moment for custom builds and customers valued quality sound, they were also willing to pay a fair amount of money for it.
Turning Vision Into Action
The journey began with one of my best friends. We borrowed a loan from his father, without telling my parents (what was I thinking? don't ask...) and we became proud owners of our first business venture.
When they eventually found out, they were shocked, but to my surprise, chose to support us wholeheartedly. Armed with their encouragement, we traveled to Bucharest, Budapest, and Vienna to source components at competitive prices.
Our venture, named X-Stage, quickly gained traction! We launched our first website after I taught myself basic coding in HTML. We also took on the massive challenge of renovating a space from scratch with just €3,000 (total budget was only €20,000). With help from friends, we renovated everything ourselves, and more importantly, learned how to make every euro count.
The End of an Era
X-Stage thrived for a few years, and we even managed to repay the initial loan. But with the ongoing university, growing responsibilities, and an increasing number of projects pulling me in different directions, I began to lose focus. After three years, my business partner and I decided to go our separate ways, and X-Stage became part of the past, ending with a successful sale.
There is a clear difference between being employed and being an entrepreneur. Employment often offers stability, structure, and more personal time. Entrepreneurship can offer the same and at a much higher levels, but it comes with some important conditions: if you don’t learn what it truly requires, it delivers the opposite: instability, constant pressure, and less time for yourself.
Looking back, it was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We learned so much together, especially about customer needs, managing logistics, the true value of money, and the meaning of real friendship. It wasn’t just a business; it was a crash course in resilience, problem-solving, and the countless lessons that only hands-on experience can teach.
Key Lessons
It was well worth it: I learned discipline, sacrifice, and the value of time.
Progress begins with the first step and a willingness to learn through experience.
Some relationships aren’t lifelong, but they are life-changing.
Perseverance became my superpower, and resilience, my greatest teacher.
Passion alone is not enough, strategy and patience turn momentum into real, lasting success.
Closing a deal is not "the end", it’s a new beginning. Selling your first business is not retirement, it's an incredible launchpad into your next, bigger chapter.
6. My Parents and the Clothing Shop
My mother was the kind of woman you didn’t mess with. She faced the kind of hardships most of us can hardly imagine ... growing up in the communist era with an alcoholic father and a childhood full of depression and anxiety. Despite all the pain, she made a vow: her children would never endure what she had. Her resilience became a cornerstone of her life and the lessons she taught me.
A Dream of New Beginnings
My parents dreamed of leaving Europe behind to start fresh in Toronto, Canada. With higher expectations for the future and better international connections at the time, they saw an opportunity for a new beginning. They learned English, passed all the exams, sold their belongings and prepared the house to be put on the marked. But as the final moment approached ... fear crept in.
Starting over at 45, leaving everything familiar behind, was ... overwhelming, so they changed their minds. That decision left a lasting impression on me, as reminder of how fear can hold us back from life-changing opportunities.
Temsi: A Small Business Family Success Story
Determined to build something of their own, my parents invested all their savings into a cake shop. The decision came after two years of back-and-forth ideas and suggestions, a period filled with planning, hopes, and costly initiatives.
Entrepreneurship requires more than just effort; it demands resilience, strategy, the right skills and the right partners. In the end, the cake shop never had its grand opening, and the plans shifted ... but the dream remained and every week, like clockwork, Mom kept baking her cakes, becoming a family tradition that never ended.
After the challenges with the cake shop, we started a second-hand clothing store together. It was my mother’s dream of a family business. We called it Temsi, and it became one of the most beloved second-hand shops in Timișoara. And yes, standing proudly at the entrance was our 15-year-old cat named Kitty, the silent guardian of Temsi :)
In a twist of fate, many of our clothes came from Canada, as well as Germany and the UK. We traveled the world together, searching for the best quality while exploring new cities, mountains and forests. Every road trip became an adventure, filled with crazy stories, and a sense of freedom that brought us closer than ever. My parents were finally happy and felt a deep sense of fulfillment.
Temsi took off, and in just a few years, we had three shops. It opened the door for me to focus on studying management at the West University of Timișoara, while also branching out into new hobbies and bigger projects. But more than anything, it brought us closer as a family. My parents were my teammates, my best friends and the ones who showed me how to face life’s ups and downs with a smile.
A Lasting Legacy
Losing my mom changed everything. The lessons she and my dad taught me still guide me every single day. Without her, Temsi no longer felt the same, and we knew it was time to let go. We passed it on to a wonderful young family, just like we once were when it all began, giving it a new chapter and a future filled with the same passion that started it.
The name evolved into project Temsilab, another incredible venture that we’ll explore a bit later in my story. The Clothing Shop was another beautiful start to my entrepreneurial journey and it reflects my parents’ patience, hard work, love, and unshakable spirit. It is a wonderful reminder of how everything began and lasted over 20 years.
7. Changing the World: Project Destiny 75
At 25 years old, I had a realization—one of those moments where everything clicks into place. I saw a loophole in how we use the internet. We all live in our own bubbles, shaped by algorithms, personal interests, and the content we consume. But in this hyper-connected world, there was no single platform that truly connected all industries, all countries, and all the most important facts in a way that painted a full picture of reality.
I kept asking myself: Where do we store the essence of our journeys?
I looked around and found only fragments—some on social media, some buried in old CVs, others lost in forgotten memories. There was no place that told the full story about ourselves, no platform that reminded us of who we are, where we come from, and everything we’ve built over time.
I missed a place where I could share my life journey, my experiences across the industries I love, and most importantly, a place where anyone could see a real, comprehensive, global perspective beyond their own bubble.
And then, it hit me: I imagined a platform that wasn’t just another social network or database, but a self-sustaining, society-driven hub, a place where knowledge, experience, and achievements from all over the world could be filtered, structured, and accessible to everyone. A digital ecosystem that fosters innovation, breaks down barriers, and connects people to the bigger picture.
It was more than just an idea. It was a vision. A vision of a world where information isn’t scattered, where no one forgets their own story, and where we all have access to the insights that shape our future.
The vision encompassed 75 industries, integrating features like 3D interactive environments, blogs, websites, an active forum, and educational courses. It was a bold and ambitious dream that required technologies beyond what existed at the time. We had to innovate and build much of it from scratch.
Partnerships and The Journey Begins
We successfully forged partnerships with investors and developers across Europe and embarked on this journey with immense enthusiasm. For nearly two years, we poured our hearts into this project.
The challenges were monumental, including financial hurdles, as we burned through funding at a rate of €18,000 per month. Despite this, we managed to create a working prototype, garner invitations to public speaking events, and even made it to national TV news. It was a whirlwind of road trips and flights around the world, rapid team expansion, and incredible personal growth.
The Challenges of Scale
Even after two years of work, the platform remained far from complete. As I gained a deeper understanding of the project's scale and technological requirements, it became clear that continuing without re-evaluation was unsustainable. Together with the team, we made the difficult decision to pause the initiative, recover financially, and wait for faster and more efficient technologies to emerge.
This experience taught us invaluable lessons about the differences between operating on a national or global scale versus smaller business ventures. Unlike smaller projects, this colossal endeavor required no marketing, it went public faster than we could have ever imagined. One of the most profound lessons was recognizing the importance of aligning ambitions with their scale.
A Symbol of Hope: Project Destiny75
Project Destiny75 stands as one of the most ambitious and transformative visions I have ever pursued. It represents a beacon of hope and innovation, a testament to what is possible when bold ideas meet relentless determination.
By seamlessly connecting industries on a global scale, this initiative has the potential to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, collaboration, and progress, far beyond what we can envision today. Though the journey is paused, my optimism remains that this dream will one day become a reality, shaping the future in ways that redefine our collective potential.
Key Lessons
Scale of Ambitions: Tailor strategies to address both immediate goals and long-term vision.
Timing: In a fast-paced world, launching at the right moment can make or break a project.
Resource Management: Balancing financial, technological, and human resources.
Adaptability: Flexibility in the face of challenges allows for recalibration and forward momentum.
Teamwork: Success relies on the collective strength, collaboration, and determination of the team.
Failure is part of the process: every setback is just information for your next, smarter move.
Risk is the price for opportunity: for something extraordinary, you have to step into uncertainty.
Communication and Public Engagement: A bold vision can naturally capture public attention, but clear communication is vital to managing expectations and maintaining support.
8. Sacrifice: CCH Shop Netherlands
In 2018, I embarked on a bold journey alongside two partners, driven also by my mothers dream to bring a piece of home to the hearts of Romanians and Hungarians in the Netherlands. This dream became a reality with a cake shop, and fueled by our combines efforts that honored the sweet traditions of both cultures, offering kürtőskalács, classic pastries, and beloved desserts like cupcakes, éclairs, savarines, and amandines.
In a market with vast untapped potential, we recognized an opportunity and turned it into a thriving reality. Leveraging my IT background and digital marketing expertise, we built a strong online presence that connected us with our audience in a meaningful way. In less than three years, our bakery became a symbol of community, the largest in the Netherlands serving Romanians and Hungarians, blending tradition with innovation.
The Challenges of Growth - COVID-19 times
Success never comes without challenges, and as an entrepreneur, you’ll face obstacles that push you beyond what you thought you could handle, way beyond your limits. My partners, feeling the weight of the pressure, decided to step away just before things got even more difficult, and soon after, the pandemic brought challenges I never saw coming. Imagine having scarcity of essentials like flour and oil, that turned even the simplest operations into daily battles.
But I refused to let my mother’s dream fade away. Entrepreneurship is about resilience, about standing strong when everything around you feels like it’s crumbling, and understanding that true success is built in the moments where most would choose to walk away.
Prices skyrocketed—flour that once cost €0.25 per kilogram surged to €1.50 per kilogram, a catastrophic increase for our operations. In many instances, basic supplies were completely unavailable on the local market.
Faced with these challenges, we turned to creative solutions. We began importing raw materials directly from Romania and Moldova, coordinating monthly shipments of large quantities of flour and oil to keep our business running. This logistical feat ensured that we could meet demand despite the supply chain disruptions.
In addition, we optimized our workflows and implemented a groundbreaking delivery system, allowing us to reach customers across the Netherlands, even during the strictest lockdowns.
These efforts not only ensured the bakery's stability but also enabled us to bring hope and joy to countless families during a time when it was needed the most. Our client network grew to include Polish, Serbian, and German markets.
It was an incredible milestone, marking a period of rapid expansion as we opened three additional locations in Arnhem, Maarssen, and Uithoorn. Our growth reached new heights, securing contracts with the largest hotel chains in the country. What started as a single shop handling around 15 orders per day, quickly evolved into a network of four locations, partnerships with 7 major hotels, and a daily volume of approximately 250 orders.
Sweet Memories and Unforgettable Efforts
During the holiday season, our desserts brought joy to thousands of homes, with our dedicated team working tirelessly to fulfill every order and create memorable experiences. However, this period was also marked by a deep personal loss ... the passing of my mother. And just like that, my heart broke into pieces.
She was the inspiration and soul behind the dream, and without her presence, the story of the bakery lost its spark. It was then that I realized true success is not just about numbers and achievements but also about the emotional bonds that give meaning to every step.
Closing a Bittersweet Chapter
After five years of exponential growth, overcoming challenges, and creating unforgettable memories, I decided to close this chapter of my life. The bakery was more than a business, it was a life lesson. It taught me that passion must be paired with perseverance, that innovation often arises in moments of crisis, and that an entrepreneur’s strength lies in the courage to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
One of the most incredible parts of this journey was that my mom, who had always dreamed of owning a bakery, got to see it come to life before she passed away. Her dream became real, and she was beyond proud to watch it grow, knowing that something she once imagined had turned into a thriving reality. With a bit of faith, dreams come true, always.
Her presence was the spark that inspired me to join the initial partnership, her unwavering belief in our vision giving me the strength to push forward, even when things became difficult. However, after her passing ... something shifted within me. Everything changed. Even my name changed. People would call me Edi Totok, now I suddenly became Eduard Totok to everyone.
The passion that once drove me began to fade away, and the business no longer carried the same magic it once held. While the decision to move on was undoubtedly difficult, the legacy of this experience remains a tribute to her dream, a testament to the resilience of our team, and a reminder of how tradition can unite and uplift people, even in the face of the greatest challenges.
Key Lessons
Balance Vision: align needs with long-term growth helped us scale quickly in an untapped market.
Endurance: material scarcity, COVID and personal loss tested our limits.
Innovation: soaring costs and supply shortages turned obstacles into growth opportunities.
Teamwork: the strength and collaboration of our team were essential to overcome all challenges.
Embrace Change: Every business venture has its unique beginning, journey, and it's end.
Trust is earned in actions, not in promises: Pay attention to what people do, not just what they say.
Some people love the idea of success, but hate the work that comes with it.
Innovation in Logistics: importing tons of raw materials and creating a national delivery system ensured we met demand despite disruptions.
9. Accepting Failure and Learn
You know that feeling when life hits the reset button and you just know things will never be the same? Like in a game, when you realize you need a new strategy to level up. That moment came for me after the loss of my mom - something broke in me.
Her departure marked the end of a deeply cherished chapter in my life, one defined by love, partnership, and shared dreams. Together, we created a world of purpose and extraordinary memories that shaped who I was. Without her ... everything changed and my life will never be the same.
The Depth of Loss
I felt ... pain, a lot of pain in my heart. It felt like the ground beneath me disappeared. For nine months, I was stuck in a haze of grief, lost in memories of the past, the weight of the present, and the uncertainty of the future. It was a tough and lonely road.
In those months of introspection, I uncovered a difficult truth: For years, I devoted myself to supporting family and friends, helping them chase their dreams while mine, quietly disappeared. At first it felt noble, making everyone happy, but over time ... I began to see the costs. And when my mother was gone, that purpose vanished, leaving behind nothing but an overwhelming sense of emptiness.
A New Chapter in Maastricht
After almost one year grieving, I decided to move to Maastricht, a beautiful city in the Netherlands, and began rebuilding my life by restarting everything from scratch.
I started by going back to basics and find myself again:
Had one small bed, a tv on a chair and my laptop in the entire apartment.
Took the time to understand myself, face my fears, and let them go.
Remade my sleeping routine.
Created a sharper daily routine.
Enabled a new sports routine.
Created a new, personal development routine specific for my dreams and goals.
And most important, I let go of outdated beliefs and embraced a new mindset.
Slowly, I started to rediscover the person I was, not through the lens of others’ expectations, but through my own dreams and aspirations.
One of the hardest parts of this journey was accepting that I would never see my mother again. The truth was overwhelming. But with time, I came to see that the love we shared and the experiences we had were gifts that will always remain with you. They also became the foundation for my journey of self-discovery.
Key Lessons
Supporting others is meaningful, but not at the cost of losing your own dreams and identity.
Self-Care: prioritizing your own well-being and growth is not selfish; it’s a foundation for fulfillment.
Living Authentically: a life driven by your own aspirations brings lasting purpose and resilience.
Boundaries: setting clear limits allows you to give to others without depleting yourself.
Raising your standards: it pushes you to embrace new ways, perspectives, and challenges.
Judgment is Inevitable: people will judge, and perspectives will differ. Stay true to your path.
Achieve more than you ever imagined: if you stay consistent and commit to long-term performance.
True Friendship and Love Are Unconditional: those who genuinely care for you will never judge or diminish your journey, no matter how it diverges from their own. Learn to say goodbye.
10. Changing Yourself
For a year, my father and I became each other's anchors. We lifted each other every day, shared stories, and talked about everything under the sun. The bond between us grew stronger than ever. Through shared experiences, we not only became closer but also grew stronger together.
Our conversations often turned to the future—what’s next for humanity? We identified three transformative industries: AI, Real Estate, and Digital Marketing. We started investing in properties with a fresh, future-focused mindset. Energy efficiency and automation became a priority as solar panels, home batteries, and heat pumps became must-haves, not just to save money but to build something sustainable for the long run.
Diving into AI technologies and digital marketing showed us how effortlessly technology can reshape businesses. Using the latest advancements, I saw firsthand how efficiency and innovation can take a company to the next level, shaping the way I saw the future of business.
A Changing World
Traveling across Europe with my father was unique. From advanced tools, drones and machines revolutionizing construction to cutting-edge developments in technology and architecture, we witnessed how the world has shifted in the past decades. When you work 24/7, it’s easy to lose track of everything happening around you. Stepping away was a refreshing experience and a much-needed reset.
Through it all, we felt my mom’s absence every step of the way. Her memory was a constant reminder to live with purpose and keep pushing to be better. Losing her changed how we saw life and it made us realize how fragile time really is.
This year with my father was the richest and most transformative time I’ve ever experienced, not just because of what we achieved, but because of the moments we shared. Every conversation, project, and journey was an opportunity to connect on a deeper level and build something meaningful together. We both love cars, endless driving, and have a passion for traveling, which made every moment even more special.
Together, we built a foundation for the future, rooted in innovation, sustainability, and the power of human connection. Through it all, I learned that even in the face of loss and change, there’s incredible potential to be discovered, especially when you’re not facing it alone.
Key Lessons
Profound loss teaches profound lessons.
The world is changing, innovation is everywhere if you’re willing to look.
Embracing technology is no longer optional, it’s the cornerstone of business evolution.
Smart investments today lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.
The path of growth requires courage, patience, and a willingness to embrace change.
Transformation isn’t an event, it’s a journey.
Cherish the moments you have with loved ones, they are not infinite and there will come a time when everything ends.
11. Loss and Pain
Two years after my mom passed away, my dad called me, super excited. His yearly health checkup had just come in, and everything was perfect. He was healthy, strong, and feeling great. We both cheered over the phone, and I felt this deep wave of gratitude for him, for his health, and for the fact that we still had a lot of time together.
It didn’t take long before his voice changed. The excitement faded, and I could hear something else, a deep sadness. He missed her. He missed the life they had built together.
You know when we are young ... life feels endless, like there’s always more time and more opportunity. But when you lose someone you’ve loved for a lifetime, everything feels different. I saw it in my father’s eyes, not just sadness, more like an emptiness I could not understand.
Two weeks after that call, I began a journey back to Romania to spend more time together. During the 15-hour drive, we talked almost non-stop, we laughed and even sang songs! But the second I arrived, something changed. The excitement was gone. My dad didn’t feel well.
At first, it was just a weird feeling—nothing serious, just a bit off. But then, things got worse and I was calling an ambulance. Even the health tests he took just two weeks earlier hadn’t caught it. Stage 4 leukemia. It had been growing silently, unnoticed and it was too late to do anything.
He felt lonely without mom. You could hear it in the way he talked. Every now and then, he'd say, "I come home, and there's nobody here. The house is empty. It’s a weird feeling."
I lost my dad right after we celebrated New Years Eve, just a few days after I arrived.
In that moment, without him, the emptiness was overwhelming.
Losing one parent changes you; losing both, transforms you in ways words cannot fully capture. The house that once echoed with laughter becomes a shell of memories. The people who knew your first steps and your earliest words, are no longer there to remind you of who you’ve been. It’s a profoundly powerful wake-up call ... followed by indescribable pain.
If your parents are still with you, make the most of every moment you have together.
Give more care and dedicate a little extra time, because once they are gone, they are forever gone, and the world will never feel or look the same, this I assure you.
Even though their life was filled with childhood struggles and a tough environment, they chose to live with love and generosity, leaving a mark on everyone they met. Their story wasn’t defined by hardship, but by the kindness they gave despite it. They are my foundation and my biggest inspiration.
Key Lessons
Time with family and friends is precious: Once they’re gone, their absence is forever.
Loss transforms you: You are never the same after losing both parents.
Grief reveals true colors: Some will stand by you, others will disappear.
Choose kindness over bitterness: Honor their legacy with love, not resentment.
Memories become your anchors: Carry their lessons forward, always.
After loss, you realize home was never a place, it was the people you can’t replace.
Losing both parents doesn’t break you, it simply forces you to grow in ways you never imagined.
12. Reflection, Evolution and Rebirth
Their absence left a huge emptiness, but it also forced me to reflect, remember my past, think about the future and find strength I never knew I had.
I changed ... a lot.
In contrast, the loss of friends was different. There comes a moment when you truly understand that only a parent will ever care for you unconditionally. Everyone else has their own struggles, their own priorities, and you realize you’re not as special as you once thought, just a passing friend. In the end, we’re all just trying to find our way.
Responsibility and Hard Work
I’ve always believed in the power of vision. Every year, I created a vision board and put in the work to turn those dreams into reality. Whether for myself or others, I was driven to make things happen.
Over time, I achieved everything I once saw as signs of a good life: having a home, fancy cars, freedom, financial stability, and good health. It took a lot of effort and sacrifices to keep growing and evolving, and it's really hard and painful sometimes. I also learned that success isn’t about reaching milestones, but more about who you become in the process.
The experience, the loss, the wins, the sacrifice, it's all part of the process and ultimately shapes you as a human being. Do you choose to become bitter, vengeful and frustrated? Or do you learn to take responsibility and get stronger, wiser and more supportive towards others?
The Journey Matters More Than the Destination
Through reflection, I realized that most "truths" aren’t set in stone, they’re shaped by our own experiences, like what we learn, the people we love, the challenges we face, and the world around us. Everyone has their own aha moment, that point where things finally click, and real growth becomes possible.
I realized that my impact doesn’t come from forcing change around me, but by walking my own path with purpose. It’s not my job to decide when someone is ready for their own breakthrough. What I can do is focus on my own growth, continue to pursue my dreams, and lead by example.
What amazed me most was how this mindset reshaped my social circle. Some connections naturally faded, our paths simply no longer aligned. But in their place, new and meaningful relationships emerged. It’s almost poetic, like a rhythm set by the universe, constantly bringing the right people into our lives at the right time, matching the level of growth we’re ready for.
If you stop and think about it, life is pretty unique and f*****k incredible.
Key Lessons
Loss reshapes perspective: Pain forces deep reflection and fuels resilience.
Responsibility: Blaming others keeps you stuck; ownership moves you forward.
Vision needs action: Discipline, effort, and persistence bring dreams to life.
You can’t force someone’s awakening: Growth happens when a person is truly ready.
Your circle evolves with you: As you grow, old connections fade, and new, aligned ones emerge.
Health unlocks endless possibilities: A strong mind and body expand what you can achieve in life.
The spiritual path is incredible: It connects us to something far greater than the visible world.
Freedom is a limitless mind: Let go of barriers, and the world expands beyond imagination.
13. Personal Development: Health, Investments, Family
There are moments in life that completely shift your perspective. For me, turning 33 was one of those moments. It felt like stepping into a whole new reality, one with bigger opportunities, harder challenges, and a deeper sense of who I was becoming.
I had always heard the saying:
"As long as your parents are alive, you're still a child."
It sounded interesting, but I never really got it...until now.
Everything changed. There is beauty in darkness, it makes us appreciate the light. Just as night surrenders to a sunrise, I saw the world with different eyes. We can go anywhere, buy anything, and build whatever our minds dare to conceive, the only true limit is what we believe is possible.
The Quest for Understanding
Can we imagine having this lifestyle 100 years ago? Between two world wars?
The difference we experience in just 100 years of progress is incredible. I started to ask big questions, the kind that don’t just shape one person’s journey, but could change the future of humanity itself.
What is true happiness? Are we happier now than people were a century ago?
Where is technology leading us? Is it still a force for good, or have we lost control of its direction?
How long can we truly live? Turns out today, our lifespan can be extended beyond 120 years.
Why do war and misunderstandings persist? Can balance and peace ever truly exist?
What can I do to become the best version of myself?
I read endlessly, absorbed information from every source I could find.
My daily habits continuously evolved and I embraced a more healthier lifestyle, started every morning with vegetables, daily walks, and consistent exercise. The result? A sense of freedom unlike anything I had ever known.
But my transformation wasn’t just physical.
I also embarked on a spiritual journey, seeking to understand life beyond its material dimensions. What truly happened to my parents? What happens after we die? The more I explored, the wider my horizon became. I saw more, understood more, and most importantly, I felt truly awake for the first time in my life.
Building Wealth, Building Legacy
With clarity came an even greater push to move forward. I continued expanding my real estate investments across Romania and Europe, recognizing the unparalleled potential in long-term assets. And I didn’t stop there, I got into financing startups and green energy, and looking at how they’re growing in the stock market and finding smart, future-focused ways to invest in sustainable growth.
Strength, patience, and vision became my driving forces. And then, in the middle of all this change, I met Claudia—the love of my life.
Love, LinkedIn, and Castles
People say love finds you when you least expect it. Well, our story proves it can also find you when you're working. We met on LinkedIn — the professional network that most see as a career-driven space, but for us, it became the bridge to something much greater.
Our shared passion for bringing value to the world sparked conversations that never seemed to end. It was an instant connection, the kind that just felt right.
Together, we traveled across Europe. From Romania’s mountains and castles to the adrenaline of Formula 1 in Belgium, the grand châteaux of France and Germany, visiting various concerts and admiring the deep history of Austria. Every journey brought us closer, opened our eyes to new experiences, shaping both our personal and professional growth.
A Life of Growth and Purpose
With Claudia by my side, life expanded like never before. Together, we built a foundation centered on growth, personal development, long-term investments, and a commitment to making the world better. In just a few months, we got engaged, marking the beginning of a new phase where each chapter brought more insights, greater challenges, and incredible new lessons.
I’ve come to understand that life follows its own rhythm, revealing lessons in its own time. The most meaningful transformations often happen when we let go of who we once were, free ourselves from the weight of the past, and allow growth to shape us into who we were always meant to be.
Key Lessons
Your Perspective Shapes Reality: The world is abundant, you choose to see the possibilities.
Health is Wealth: A strong body fuels a sharp mind, and a sharp mind unlocks limitless potential.
Love Aligns with Growth: True connections form when you prioritize value over validation.
Spiritual Exploration Awakens You: Life reveals it's depths to those who seek them.
You’re in balance when your mind, heart, and actions move together, not against each other.
Don’t lower your standards to fit the room. Change the room to match your standards.
Long-Term Thinking: In investments, personal growth, and relationships, patience is the key to lasting success.
14. Real Estate: Long-Term Thinking
What started as a deeper dive into real estate investments evolved into a bold and visionary partnership. Claudia, already deeply immersed in real estate through her family’s investments, also shared a passion for interior design, it was a great combo with strong foundations.
On the other hand, I was captivated by the art of construction, the finishing touches, energy efficiency, and the pursuit of lasting quality. We complemented each other like it was meant to be. So, we decided to join forces, forming a larger team, pushing boundaries, and crafting daring, long-term creative projects together.
Merging Art, Innovation, and New Technology
Our shared expertise in real estate quickly became a journey of reimagining spaces. We invested more and more time and skills into designing, renovating, and elevating property value with modern, essential improvements.
Home automation, high-quality finishes, and long-term sustainability became our trademarks. The fact that both of us come from the tech world gave us a unique edge. We saw not just homes but smart, intuitive, and highly efficient living spaces with immense potential for the future. And the people loved it, so we loved it even more!
A Journey Through Cultures and Architecture
With dozens of properties across Europe, our focus grew on The Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. Each country, each city, and even each neighborhood revealed its own architectural personality, a rich cultural tapestry that dictated exterior design choices and spatial organization.
For example in The Netherlands, we quickly realized that space is a luxury, and every inch must be maximized. We saw apartments where entire beds disappeared into walls, dining tables folded into shelves, and staircases doubled as drawers. This changed how we approached design in larger properties. We learned that smart, space-saving solutions aren’t just for small homes, but can elevate functionality and aesthetics anywhere.
Growth, Adaptation, and Passion
We slowly realized that we were crafting a lifestyle. We explored, learned by doing, and got to know the real estate industry in a way that was fresh, exciting, and seriously rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing an empty space transform into someone’s dream home.
It became clear that this wasn’t just a career or an investment strategy; it was a lifelong journey ... and it was just beginning. What started as a venture, slowly turned into an enduring legacy, one built with family, friends, partnerships, aspiring entrepreneurs and a love for transforming spaces into something remarkable.
Key Lessons:
Collaboration Creates Magic: Complementary skills amplify success and economic growth.
Cultural Insights Matter: Adapting to local architecture is essential.
Quality Over Everything: the foundation of everything worth keeping, growing, and scaling long-term.
Passion Turns Work into Art: Love what you do, and it becomes an incredible journey.
Technology brings speed, accuracy, and smarter decision-making, all essential ingredients for modern real estate success and new business opportunities.
15. Digital Marketing: Project Temsilab
As our real estate projects took off, I started feeling a familiar pull, I missed the recent years when I was deep into coding, gaming, and developing new ideas in the tech world.
The thrill of problem-solving, the joy of building something from scratch, and the boundless creativity of digital projects kept calling. In the real estate business, we found ourselves needing to document progress, showcase properties, and tell compelling stories.
We started filming, editing, and creating digital content ourselves. And it also felt natural to take things a step further and help other businesses post their stories, connect with the right people, and grow beyond what they thought was possible. And just like that, Project Temsilab was born, a digital marketing agency that didn’t just sharpen our skills, but helped countless brands turn their visions into reality.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Fueling Positive Change
As our agency grew, we encountered businesses driven not just by profit and economy, but by purpose. Imagine organizations committed to recycling, cleaner air, green energy, and sustainability. Working alongside visionaries who were actively shaping a better world was an honor and a revelation.
We met extraordinary individuals, pioneers of change who poured their hearts into making a difference. Their passion was contagious! Suddenly, success was no longer just about scaling businesses, it was about amplifying movements that truly mattered and on a bigger picture and just like that, everything began to be crystal clear.
Beyond Success: A Life of Service
There comes a point when you’ve achieved the dreams you once chased, every goal you set has been met, and yet, instead of an ending, you find yourself standing at the threshold of something even greater.
Imagine a calling to share your knowledge, to teach what you have learned and to turn experience into a legacy that will continue to make a difference long after I'm gone. But first, imagine being at the service of others for a lifetime.
It was time to give back, to empower others, break perceived limits, and unveil the endless possibilities that lie within every dream. And so our next chapter begins: The Venture Athletes Initiative. A movement designed to serve society, mentor dreamers, and push the boundaries of what’s truly possible if you believe in yourself.
Key Lessons
Reinvention fuels fulfillment: Growth comes from constant evolution, not standing still.
Impact outweighs profit: The most meaningful success is measured by the change we create.
Purpose unlocks opportunities: Aligning with a mission opens doors you never imagined existed.
The future doesn’t arrive by chance, it’s built, piece by piece, through what you do every single day.
Limits exist only in the mind: Break the barriers you set, and the world opens up.
16. The Venture Athletes Initiative
It began with a serious conversation about the future, about technology, lifespan, our children, and the world in 10, 20, even 30 years from now. As we built this new business, we kept returning to a few questions: How can we best support progress? How do we enable future innovations and sustainable growth?
We took everything we had built - our expertise in technology, real estate, IT and business ventures, and made a conscious decision: Invest everything for a better future. We would enable people's dreams and support the education system. We would build energy-efficient, smart homes and create opportunities for those with the vision and courage to pursue them. This is how Venture Athletes was born.
The Business Athletes
The name Venture Athletes is a reflection of who we are. We learn, train, evolve, and stay in shape, not only in the gym, but in the industries we represent. Our relationship and the years of experience keeps us sharp, consistently pushing boundaries and refining our skills through continuous investment in growth.
Once you pass 35 years of age, after spending 15+ years alongside some of the most incredible minds in your industry, something amazing happens - you partner up, build bigger projects, and provide even broader and better services.
That is why we chose to give back. That is why we created our courses and mentorship sessions, not as products, but as bridges.
We want to see more people reach that turning point where life feels lighter, where the hard lessons have shaped resilience, where wisdom clears the fog, and where opportunities no longer feel like distant dreams but more like doors that open effortlessly, simply because you're ready to walk through them.
The Priceless Feeling of Making Dreams Come True
Do you remember the pure joy of childhood? Playing outside, dreaming of something you truly wanted? And then, someone who cared about you made that dream a reality. Do you remember how that felt? It was priceless.
Now here’s a hard truth: 95% of people never fulfill their dreams.
Yes, 95%. That’s an unimaginable loss of potential, of innovation and of joy. I saw this firsthand with my parents. They spent their lives regretting the dreams they never pursued. But maybe that’s why they supported me so fiercely, to ensure I wouldn’t follow the same path.
True success comes from taking responsibility, investing in personal growth, learning from setbacks, and pushing forward even when challenges are everywhere and overwhelming. Like many entrepreneurs, I ended up learning these lessons much later than I should have.
Decades of Supporting Successful Entrepreneurs
For nearly two decades, we had the privilege of supporting hundreds of young dreamers and entrepreneurs in bringing their visions to life. Watching them turn dreams into reality is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
We enabled investors to grow portfolios exceeding €87M by the end of 2025, while mentoring hundreds of individuals on their path to a more fulfilling and abundant life.
Each story of perseverance and success has reinforced our belief in the importance of having the right support system. Everything is possible when people start to believe in themselves. Everything.
With a great team and wisdom refined through experience, our ability to support, and inspire is more impactful than ever. Dear reader, you are not alone. We are all dreamers and visionaries, but the ones who also dare to chase their dreams, are indeed the ones who change the world.
Key Lessons from this Business Venture:
Success is a long game: and it’s built over years through discipline, learning, and reinvention.
Opportunity favors the ready: Where preparation meets the right people, transformation begins.
95% of people never fulfill their dreams: Be part of the 5% who do.
Keep moving forward: You don’t have to move fast, you just have to keep moving.
Great leaders don’t just climb, they build ladders so others can rise higher too.
Behind every great success story is a mentor who believed in them before the world did.
17. Legacy and Favorite Books
Everyone wants to leave a mark on the world. Some create books, businesses, or groundbreaking innovations. Others pass down wisdom, shape memories, or spark change through a single act of kindness. Some rewrite history, while others transform lives in ways that may seem small but are just as powerful. Everyone leaves something behind.
There is an indescribable beauty in knowing that, somewhere, in ways seen or unseen, you have left a mark. A whisper of kindness, a moment of courage, a spark of inspiration. Never doubt your worth - your presence and actions shape the world in ways you may not yet see.
Speaking of the future, his name is Atlas
Remember when we talked about dreams, a better future, and responsibility? That all became even more real the moment I looked into my son's eyes for the first time. It's a strange and wonderful feeling at the same time, to see a new generation come to life and ... to become a father.
Then he grabbed my hand with his little fingers and didn't let go. I was speechless.
Can you imagine that one day, his generation will rule the world? Can you imagine that world?
When I was born, the world wide web (www) didn't exist.
We were just 5 billion people on the planet and DVD's didn't exist either.
Very different world back then.
I see them pushing past what we ever thought was possible, solving global challenges, exploring new solar systems and galaxies, maybe even finding life on other planets. I also hope conflicts between nations will be nothing more than a forgotten nightmare of the past. One thing I know for sure, it will be a very different world from what we can probably imagine today.
Carrying On a Tradition of Kindness
My mom had a family tradition. Every three months, we would visit hospitals to support children and elderly people who had no one. They were alone, forgotten by the world, and she always wanted to make sure they weren’t.
We brought them clothes, freshly baked cakes from mom, books, and, most importantly, a little bit of hope. Every time we got back home, she was in tears … witnessing so much pain was hard for her, and in some way, I think it reminded her of her own past.
Today, we continue this tradition in my mother’s memory, making sure her kindness lives on. Through Venture Athletes, we also support organizations that truly make the world better, by planting trees, protecting nature, helping children, building hospitals, and caring for those who need it most.
To keep this mission alive, we donate part of our earnings from our courses to these associations and also offer free courses to ensure that everyone, no matter their background, has a chance to learn, grow, and fulfill their dreams. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring light to someone who needs it the most, trust me, I saw it many times happen.
My Top 15 Must-Read Books
These books have been a guiding force through challenges, shaping my mindset, igniting my ambition, and offering invaluable insights into business, creativity, personal development, and lifelong success. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking growth, inspiration, and transformation.
The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale – Unlocking the mindset of success and achievement.
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins – Master your mind and push beyond limits.
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen – The foundation of mindset and self-mastery.
Inner Engineering by Sadhguru – A yogi’s guide to inner joy and balance.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu – Timeless strategies for success and leadership.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – A classic on wealth-building principles.
Atomic Habits by James Clear – Proven methods to build better habits.
The Warren Buffett Way – Investment wisdom from the world’s greatest investor.
Steve Jobs: A Biography – The visionary mindset behind Apple’s success.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – Mastering influence and strategy.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – Rethinking wealth and financial freedom.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – Wisdom on wealth, happiness, and decision-making.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – A journey to presence and mindfulness.
Cosmos by Carl Sagan – A profound exploration of the universe and our place in it.
Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by David Sinclair – The groundbreaking science of longevity and how to slow aging.
18. Questions I Hear Most
What daily habits or routines do you believe are non-negotiable?
Prioritize quality sleep, exercise at least three times a week, and fuel your mind with reading or new perspectives. Maintain a healthy diet, eliminate harmful habits (smoking, drugs, excessive alcohol), and take a 30-minute walk outdoors daily ... your body and mind will thank you.
How much money did you lose over the years?
Entrepreneurship is a strategic balance of risk and reward, where losses are not failures but investments in wisdom and growth. I "lost" over €650,000 to unlock the path to over €10,000,000. Experience comes with a price, always.
When was the last time you felt lost, and how did you find your way back?
The last time I felt truly lost was when my father passed away, both my parents were gone. The deeper the connection, the greater the pain. I found my way back by accepting that loss is part of the journey and feeling grateful for the time we had together. Life isn’t perfect, we all have something and lack something else, nobody has everything. Being grateful for what you have was one of my life's biggest challenges and lessons.
What are your passions and hobbies?
I'm passionate about the universe and studying the stars, the magic of the IT industry, and sharing the journey of entrepreneurship with others. I love great movies, real estate, and everything in technology that makes us better and more efficient. Car racing and sports fuels my adrenaline, and nothing brings me more joy than walks with my wife and our son.
Have you ever achieved a goal that didn’t bring the happiness you expected?
One of my biggest moments was getting into Polytechnic University with a scholarship. It should have felt like a huge win, but instead, it felt empty. It wasn’t my dream; it was my parents'. They wanted me to be an engineer, just like my dad. It made sense to them because it was family tradition and the "safe" choice. But it soon became clear that "safe" didn't mean anything to me.
What do you believe is the purpose of wealth beyond luxury?
Money is just one piece of the puzzle. Real wealth is waking up healthy, having a purpose that fuels you, a mind at peace, and a soul that keeps evolving. It’s about appreciating every moment, feeling grateful, embracing challenges with courage, and staying open to new experiences.
Imagine reaching the final day of our life ... about what would you think? do you ever think of it? so much we didn't do, so much we could have done. I would love to think I have done everything I could, and feel grateful for the incredible journey we had in our time.
Do you read a lot of books?
I've built a habit of reading 2-4 books per month, believing that continuous learning and new perspectives are essential for growth. Without mentors and the invaluable knowledge from books, I’m 100% I wouldn’t have come this far.
19. Find Your Purpose
If there are three things I’ve learned that truly matter, they are purpose, action, and responsibility.
Life won’t always play fair.
People will not believe in you.
Others may try to bring you down out of their own insecurities.
The world will challenge you, and at times, you will fall, it will hurt and you will cry (I did ... many times).
But you can learn from every setback and I promise, in time, you will get stronger.
On your journey, you may also lose 90% of your old friends ... learn to let go. The other 10% who remain will be those who genuinely value and appreciate you for who you are. And as you continue to grow, you’ll also meet new friends who align with your new path.
And the most amazing part, is that once you learn to take full responsibility for your actions, something important changes: nobody can hurt you anymore. You stop depending on others for validation, and you realize what I did: that your life is yours alone. Nobody else can live it for you, dream it for you, shape it for you, or decide what it should be.
That power has always been yours.
If you ever need a spark of inspiration, Claudia Totok, my wife, has also laid it all out: her biggest lessons, toughest challenges, and moments that changed her life. Her experience reminds us that perfection is an illusion: life’s complexities and challenges are not punishments, but the necessary trials that prepare you to grow into the person you were born to become.
With all my love and deepest gratitude, I wish you good health and an incredible journey ahead. Please don’t wait for the perfect time, the best time to start anything is right now. You’ve got this, and I believe in you!
P.S. There will be days when life feels overwhelming, but if you ever need an old friend to lift you up or push you forward, I’m just one click away.
Comments