How Checking My Ego Saved My Career and Redefined Success

The Biggest Mistake I Ever Made Was Believing My Own Hype

For much of my career, I found myself chasing the kind of success that sparkled on the surface but ultimately left me vulnerable to a hard fall. From ages 25 to 32, I became intoxicated by my rising star. My results were unbeatable, my name frequently praised by peers and leadership alike. I won every contest and was #1 every month, quarter and year.

I thought I had it all figured out.

Looking back now, I see the trap I fell into: I believed my own hype.

A Star Burning Too Bright

It was a period of my life where the accolades came easily. I skated by on results, convinced that numbers were the only thing that mattered. My work ethic and natural abilities allowed me to run circles around my colleagues, but I was uncoachable, ungrounded, and, ultimately, unsustainable.

Nobody taught that kid how to play the game, how to build consensus, how to win the crowd, I often reflect now. At the time, I thought I didn’t need anyone to teach me. I was flying high on my own. Unfortunately, I became “friends” with people who worked for me. They convinced me we were family. It felt good to believe that — until the tides turned.

The Fall and the Lessons That Followed

The first cracks in my foundation came from unemployment—twice. These weren’t mere career hiccups; they were gut-wrenching, soul-searching periods of my life. My so-called “friends” disappeared when the accolades stopped. I was told I was a loser. I was alone. For the first time, I felt the full weight of my decisions, my ego, and my lack of preparedness for real adversity.

These moments forced me to confront the person I had become. With no mentor to guide me, I had to dig deep and claw my way back. I relied on grit and resilience to redefine what success meant to me. I realized the importance of humility, self-awareness, and, most importantly, the value of building genuine relationships rather than superficial alliances.

The Power of Humility and Mentorship

One of the greatest tragedies of those early years was the absence of mentorship. Nobody was there to give me a reality check or the kick in the rear I desperately needed. Now, as a leader and mentor myself, I see how vital it is to guide others before they reach a breaking point. I’ve made it my mission to invest in the people around me, to offer them the wisdom and accountability I lacked.

Humility didn’t come naturally. It was forged in the fire of those painful experiences. But it’s a lesson I carry with me every single day. As I rebuilt my career, I discovered the incredible strength in admitting what I don’t know and seeking help from others. That vulnerability became my superpower.

Living the Dream at 46

Fast forward to today. At 46, I’m finally living my dream. I wake up every morning with gratitude for the blessings in my life and the fruit of my labor. I get to do what I love: learning from others, serving, giving, and contributing while still achieving success. But now, that success feels richer because it’s built on authenticity, collaboration, and resilience.

Every win today is sweeter because it’s not just about me. It’s about the people I work with, the lives I touch, and the lessons I’ve learned. I’m a better leader, a better colleague, and a better human being because I never gave up.

The Takeaways

Stay grounded: Success is fleeting if you let it go to your head. True growth comes from humility. Be grateful: Every challenge is a stepping stone to becoming the person you’re meant to be. Invest in others: Be the mentor you wish you had. Resilience wins: No matter how low you fall, you can rise again with determination. Redefine success: It’s not just about results; it’s about the journey, the people, and the impact you make.

I thank God every day for the second chances, for the humbling experiences that shaped me, and for the opportunity to keep growing. My journey is a testament to the power of never giving up, of owning your mistakes, and of constantly striving to become the best version of yourself.

If you’re reading this and feel stuck, know this: It’s never too late to turn things around. The biggest mistake you can make is not learning from your past. Keep chasing your potential, but don’t lose sight of the people and lessons that will truly shape your legacy.

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