Ten years ago this year, I launched my firm, One Wealth Management.
Ten years ago today, I made decisions that dramatically changed the course of my life, both business and personal.
It was ten years ago that I was sitting at Nobu in Malibu with my mother, sister, and pregnant girlfriend (now wife). In the middle of our dinner, I received a call from the doctor at the hospital saying that my father had passed away.
We were never close. He was ill for the last five-plus years of his life. We had him in a home that cared for people with mental issues and all sorts of other problems. That was the best and safest option for him, as before that, he’d spent a decade living on the streets.
Yes, my father was that guy on the corner asking for spare change and having conversations with imaginary people that weren’t there.
And then, he was gone.
As I reflect back on that time, it’s not the choice to start my firm or the decisions I made along the way that hold the most gravity. Instead, I can’t help but think about my father, where he lived, and how difficult it must have been for him.
Imagine knowing that your brain isn’t working correctly, hearing voices ALL the time. That feeling of being trapped in your own body – tortured by your own mind – but not able to do anything about it.
It reminds me just how lucky we are to wake up each day with clear faculties and our health. We’re empowered to make choices and free to pursue our health, both mental and physical.
Not everyone is so lucky.
So why me? I’ve asked myself that almost every day as I look around at the blessings in my life. What made me so lucky, even when my own father was not?
And how I was able to find this career at only 17 years old, a profession that’s allowed me to grow, connect, blossom, and provide for me and my family with so much.
How did that happen? All the relationships that I’ve been able to enjoy over the decade, the travel, the enriching experiences.
I’ve definitely been lucky with my health for the most part – there are ups and downs like everyone, but at least I have the choice to control it to some degree.
But for the most part, I’ve had the fortune to make what I deem are the best decisions for me and my life, good or bad outcomes.
As Tony Robbins says, “Choices – not conditions – define our life.” And I’ll add our story and our level of health and happiness.
We’re all beholden to the decisions we make every day, big or small: what we eat, what we drink., how much we exercise, and who we choose to associate with or even love. And most of us are also free to choose our mindset and attitude, the greatest determiner of a happy life of all.
Ten years. 3,650 days (or so) of challenges, struggles, high points, joy, success, empowering others to achieve their success, and helping others who aren’t so lucky.
Most importantly, I’ve most proud that long ago, I made the choice to spend it with the people around me in my life – my beautiful wife, my family, my supportive friends, business partners, and loyal clients.
Thank you for these ten years, and I couldn’t be more excited for the next ten with all of you.
-J.D.