14 Pieces of Advice I Would Give My 25-Year-Old Self — With Lessons from My Own Life
I'm just back from my yearly enduro bike adventure in Morocco. Every year, I take time to escape into the desert, away from the technology madness, the notifications, and the endless demands of the world. There’s something about being surrounded by sand, risking a little bit of your life, and riding through the raw beauty of nothingness that brings immense clarity. It’s where I tend to reflect—deeply—on life.
In moments like these, far removed from comfort and routine, I often find myself thinking: What would I tell my younger self? What have I learned—not just through success, but also through mistakes and detours—that would’ve changed the game earlier?
This article is my answer. It’s not theory. It’s personal. It’s shaped by decades of business, money, mistakes, freedom, family, and trying to live well. These are the 14 pieces of advice I wish someone had given me when I was 20, or 25—or at the very latest, 30.
1. Start Investing in Real Estate Immediately — and Understand the Power of Leverage
The beauty of real estate isn’t just in ownership—it’s in compounding. The sooner you start, the more time you give your assets to grow. And here’s the kicker: when you borrow money, it’s the tenant, not you, who repays the loan. I only truly embraced this model in my late 30s, but if I had started earlier, using better legal wrappers, I could’ve built double the portfolio with half the stress. Real estate is how you put aside the money you earn and let others pay for it. It's the foundation of financial independence.
2. Build a Personal Brand — So You Don’t Depend on Any Company
We now live in a world where your brand is a company. Today, I run multiple businesses and consulting gigs under my name, without relying on a corporate/employer umbrella. When people know and trust you, everything else becomes easier: sales, hiring, partnerships, growth. You become your own business, independent and powerful. I’ve monetized mine through influencer deals, speaking gigs, and advisory roles.
3. Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt — It’s a Superpower
I’ve wasted too many hours and too much energy doing things that had no return—mentally, emotionally, or financially. Saying no isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Today, I say no fast, and I never regret it. If something doesn't have meaning, impact, or return, it’s a no. Saying no is how you protect your time and energy for things that truly matter.
4. Learn to Delegate and Multiply Yourself — That’s How You Scale
Forget about doing it all yourself. If you want to scale, you must delegate—even if it means letting go of perfection. I’ve learned to build teams, use freelancers, and put processes in place so I can run a 50-person business instead of being stuck in a one-man show. That’s how you expand without burning out. Delegation is the path to freedom—even if quality control takes a hit initially, it’s worth mastering.
5. Prioritize Health Like Your Wealth Depends On It — Because It Does
At 50, I lift weights, avoid sugar, monitor testosterone, and protect my energy like it’s money in the bank. But I started too late. A healthy body is your power source—it’s what allows you to be creative, present, and sharp. Start in your 30s, and it pays off for decades. You can’t enjoy freedom if you don’t feel good in your body.
6. Adopt an International Mindset — Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Operating internationally has opened doors I didn’t know existed. Having companies across multiple countries was only possible once I embraced multicultural business environments. Expand your borders early. Think globally, live freely. Traveling and working in different cultures gives you an edge others don’t have.
7. Own Your IP — Don’t Just Build for Others
Early in my consulting career, I created things that made millions for others. Now, I focus on building my IP—whether it’s AI solutions, content, or systems. Own your genius and make sure it pays you long after the job ends. Don’t let your brilliance be someone else’s asset.
8. Choose Business Partners Like You Choose a Spouse
One bad partnership can drain years of your life. Now, I only partner with people who energize me, share my ethics, and want the same outcomes. You don’t need many partners—just the right ones. Long-term vision and mutual trust matter more than skills.
9. Define “Enough” Early — So You Can Focus on Meaning
Without a clear definition of enough, you’ll keep chasing things that don’t matter. Defining enough early on allows you to free up your time, not just to enjoy life, but to grow yourself beyond your business. It gives you the bandwidth to explore the things that are absolutely critical to your personal evolution. That clarity gave me the freedom to focus on what matters: creating, learning, mentoring, traveling.
10. Build a Circle of “Truth-Tellers,” Not Just Cheerleaders
Your growth depends on honest feedback. Today, I surround myself with smart, direct people who push me forward. I used to mistake agreement for loyalty—but it’s challenge, not comfort, that creates progress. Learn to love negative feedback. Embrace the comments that hurt your ego—because that’s where the real growth begins. If it stings, it’s probably true. And if it’s true, it’s valuable.
11. Make Asymmetric Bets — The Upside Is Worth It
Some of my best investments weren’t expensive—they were smart. Take Bitcoin: a few hundred euros could’ve returned life-changing money. The risk was minimal, the upside was massive. Learn to spot those. They’re rare but powerful. Don’t always aim to be right—aim to be right once in a big way.
12. Capture Everything — Then Reuse It
Every podcast, video, post, and article is an asset. I now recycle content into consulting pitches, training, and brand material. I wish I had started this practice 20 years ago. It’s the ultimate rinse and repeat strategy. What you create once can be repackaged forever. Capture your knowledge, document your journey, and build from it.
13. Teach Your Kids About Freedom and Wealth Early
Paul and Jeanne know about real estate, investing, and how to question the system. I didn’t learn this as a kid. Your house should be the ultimate school, where your kids learn how to win in real life. Teach them what school doesn’t: how to think independently, how money works, and how to create freedom. Legacy starts at home.
14. Enjoy the Game, Not Just the Goals
Whether I’m riding a motorbike in Morocco, diving in Porquerolles, or podcasting with friends, it’s the journey that makes it worth it. In French, we say "le but, c’est le chemin." Stop postponing fun. Life is the game—learn to enjoy playing. You’re not here just to win. You’re here to live.
Read this once a year. It’s not just advice—it’s a blueprint for a life lived on your terms.