Fulfillment Beyond Success: Introduction
Hello, it’s Tanner here. Today, I’m sharing personal insights from a transformative period in my life—a six-month sabbatical where I left my 85-strong team to manage my company. This experience provided unexpected lessons on leadership, happiness, and the profound discovery of a path to fulfillment beyond success.
“This experience provided unexpected lessons on leadership, happiness, and the profound discovery of a path to fulfillment beyond success.”
The Decision to Step Away
In January, driven by a desire for personal freedom and exploration, I decided to embark on a journey around the world. I put a full management team in place and took off, confident that my company would thrive in my absence. This decision, while seemingly liberating, taught me some unexpected lessons about leadership and happiness.
Reflections on Leadership and Self-Interest
During my travels, I found myself solely focused on my own experiences and desires, somewhat detached from the responsibilities and people that were part of my daily life. This introspection led me to realize that completely stepping away and focusing solely on myself had an unintended impact on my company and, surprisingly, on my own well-being.
Fulfillment Beyond Success: The Realization of Service Over Self
Through various experiences, including working with coaches and exploring different perspectives (like plant medicine, which I acknowledge isn’t for everyone), I had a significant realization. True happiness and fulfillment don’t stem from material possessions, accolades, or personal indulgences. Instead, they come from service – being there for others, contributing to something bigger than oneself.
Celebrating with Others Brings True Joy
Reflecting on my life, I realized that my happiest moments weren’t about the cars, clothes, or other symbols of success. They were about sharing victories with friends, celebrating milestones with my team, and being part of joyous family gatherings. These moments of collective happiness far outweighed any solitary achievements.
A Shift in Perspective: Others First
This journey taught me an invaluable lesson: when making decisions, consider how your actions benefit others. Surprisingly, when you genuinely focus on helping others, not only do you contribute positively to their lives, but good things also start happening for you. It’s a cycle of goodwill and fulfillment that perpetuates itself.
Fulfillment Beyond Success: Final Thoughts and Moving Forward
Building a $70 million company, leading a large team, and embarking on a personal journey of discovery – all these experiences have shaped my understanding of what truly matters. It’s not about the external markers of success, but about putting others first and finding joy in their happiness and success.
As I continue on this path, both personally and professionally, my message to you is simple: seek happiness not in material possessions but in the service of others. You might be surprised at how fulfilling this approach can be.
Have a great day, and remember to prioritize what truly matters. See you next time!
