The massive mistake I made at 22 (ego check)

Ego almost killed my business.

I was 22, pulling $20K/month in revenue (not profit), and thought I was the next Elon Musk.

My mentors would give me advice. I'd nod, then do the opposite.

"I know better," I'd think. "They don't understand my vision."

Spoiler alert: I didn't know better.

While I was busy being "right," my competitors were busy getting results. My growth flatlined. My team started questioning my decisions. And deep down, I knew I was the problem.

The wake-up call came when I realized I was playing a character instead of building a company.

I was so caught up in looking successful that I forgot to actually be successful. I was fueling my ego…. I was trying to impress people I didn’t give a crap about.

Here's what I wish someone had told my 22-year-old self:

Stop performing. Start learning. Your ego wants applause. Your business needs progress.

One of my mentors told me: “You need to stop living a social media life and start living in the real world”

Vulnerability is your competitive advantage. The moment you admit you don't know everything is the moment you can learn everything.

Play your own game. While you're watching everyone else's highlight reel, they're actually working.

Seek mentors who have what you want. Not just the money, but the life! Are they married? Do they have kids? Do they have a successful business? Are they humble?

Look, I'm not saying kill your confidence. I'm saying kill your arrogance.

There's a difference between believing in yourself and believing you're untouchable.

The entrepreneurs who scale past $100K/month? They're the ones who got humble fast & removed their pride.

You’re more of a man if you can be vulnerable with your current situation & admit you need help. Because its a lot easier to put on a facade that you have everything figured out.

I'm rooting for you,
- Julian