Have you ever found yourself questioning what you’ve got left to prove? After over a decade of writing for Financial Samurai, I find myself pondering this, especially when fatigue sets in. Yet, despite feeling like there’s nothing left to prove, I can’t help but stay active—it keeps me motivated to push harder.
Reflecting on my high school days, I realize I could have excelled in tennis if I’d trained harder, particularly on my backhand. But I didn’t, largely because I was content with my life as it was—being a team captain and having a girlfriend felt like enough at the time. Later, I chose to spend time with my girlfriend over traveling for tennis tournaments, which meant missing out on potential college recruitments.
Fast forward to today, at 37, I’ve rekindled my love for tennis, working tirelessly on my topspin backhand. However, age and a torn meniscus are reminders that my body isn’t what it once was. This realization makes me wish I had that same drive earlier because I know my days playing competitive singles are numbered.
Life has thrown its share of challenges at me. An incident at 20 involving racial slurs directed at me and my girlfriend by some university football players left a lasting impression. Instead of succumbing to anger, it fueled our determination to excel academically and strive for financial independence.
At 32, when I decided to start a personal finance site, a junior colleague mocked the idea, which did sting a bit. Yet, whenever I face challenges online, I remember that moment and push through, knowing he’s now stuck in a job he dislikes.
Despite having a high income in finance, saving 50%-75% of it annually was never “easy.” It required discipline, especially when faced with constant temptations and societal pressures. I saved diligently, even during my days earning minimum wage, driven by the need to afford repairs for my car.
I enjoy proving doubters wrong—it fuels my motivation. Since starting Financial Samurai in 2012, I’ve not only continued writing but also expanded into personal finance consulting. By 2014, my business profits had already surpassed my last year’s salary from my day job, not counting the severance.
The world of personal online media is evolving. People no longer want generic news from detached reporters; they crave genuine stories and advice from those with real experience. Storytelling and authority are becoming key in this domain.
As I ponder the future, I find myself worrying a bit about the lack of challenges. What happened to the critics who disagreed with my views on equal pay for women or who believed that financial success was out of reach for most? Their silence makes me wonder what’s left to prove.
However, I remain committed to maintaining the personal finance focus on Financial Samurai, although I’ll continue to explore new ways to give back, like through the Yakezie Scholarship. Despite some challenges, I’m determined to find effective ways to contribute more meaningfully.
So, what about you? What do you have left to prove, and who are those filling your mind with doubt yet also motivating you to push forward?
