Ever had one of those moments where life hits you with perfect clarity?
Mine came when I was hiring a nanny to raise my daughter while I was killing myself running my business in Spain.
But let me back up a bit…
So, today I turned 51.
Someone asked me about retirement plans, and I had to laugh.
Why?
Because I’m writing this from a luxury villa in Bali, running multiple businesses, fitter than I’ve ever been, and actually present for my family.
Retirement? From what exactly?
But it wasn’t always like this.
Picture this: 2005, Spain.
My wife and I are sleeping on an office couch, clearing away our “bed” before clients arrive.
Former Special Forces officer turned entrepreneur, I was working 15-hour days for 1000 euros a month.
Classic immigrant dream, right? 😅
I brought my military mindset with me – 9 AM staff meetings, rigid structure, fighting the Spanish “mañana” culture like it was an enemy combatant.
(Spoiler alert: The culture won. It always does.)
The money eventually came, but at what cost?
– My health was a mess
– My personality became all business, all the time
– And those hectoliters of Spanish wine weren’t helping
Then in 2007, my daughter was born.
You know what’s crazy?
My Special Forces training taught me that when things get tough, you push harder. Work more. Fight harder.
But for the first time in my life, that answer felt wrong.
That’s when I made The Decision:
“The business needs to support our lifestyle, not consume it.”
Simple words. Nuclear impact.
This led to:
– Getting fired as CEO from my own company (yes, really)
– Buying out three shareholders
– Taking on massive debt
– And completely restructuring everything
Terrifying? Absolutely.
Worth it? Beyond words. Best decision ever.
Since 2011, we’ve:
– Traveled the world as a family (my daughter is homeschooled)
– Built several successful businesses
– Achieved better health than my military days
– Created lifetime memories
– And yes, made more money than ever
The irony? It all happened while working less.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Your business should be a tool for living, not your reason for living.
Today, I only do what I’m passionate about.
Everything else? Delegated or automated.
So here’s my birthday reflection for you:
That retirement question everyone asks? It’s the wrong question.
The real question is: Why wait 16 years to start living?
What’s the one decision you need to make today?
You are now the youngest you will ever be.
Living life fully from Bali,
Robin
Your Total Wealth Coach
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