A random Tuesday in December

This morning, as I sat in the kitchen watching It’s a Wonderful Life, I found myself reflecting on my own life, the people around me, and the impact I try to have through my words and actions. I even ended up having this conversation with Ashley, which really put some things into perspective.

We are all, in many ways, products of our upbringing and environment. But ambition? Ambition is a funny thing. Why do some of us push harder than others, even when we grow up in the same house?

For me, I know those tendencies from my upbringing are still in me somewhere. I fight them every day. That’s why aligning with your own values, surrounding yourself with the right people, and chasing your dreams is everything.

Here’s what I’ve realized: we’re the type of people who can’t sit still. We want it all—freedom, self-worth, fulfillment. For years, I spent so much energy trying to encourage, push, and pull people to change. The truth? It’s easier—and far more rewarding—to align with people who already have that spark rather than wishing or hoping someone will ignite it in themselves.

The moment you build a real team, you 10x everything. That energy is probably what people sense from me. And I’ll admit, it sometimes comes across the wrong way—like I’m looking down on them. That’s not the case at all. I see potential in people, but I’ve learned that potential can either inspire or intimidate. It’s all about how someone interprets it.

This dynamic plays out everywhere—husband/wife relationships, friendships, business partnerships. You see it when someone shares an idea, and their partner or friend says, “Nah.” It kills the spark before it has a chance to grow. It’s something I’ve noticed my whole life, and maybe it’s because I grew up differently. My parents didn’t just tell me I could do anything—they showed me. They lived it.

And that’s what sticks with me: the belief that everything is possible, even when it seems delusional to others. It’s in my DNA, shaped by my family’s story of resilience and success after relocating to this country. That’s where my ambition comes from.

Life is about decisions. Self-awareness is what keeps depression, regret, and anxiety at bay. It’s about knowing who you are, aligning with the right people, and recognizing the power of your impact—both in words and actions.

If you’ve ever felt like someone believed in you more than you believed in yourself, maybe that’s a nudge to lean in. To step up. Because when you find the right team, the right people, life transforms. And when you realize what’s possible—truly possible—that’s where the magic happens.

A random Tuesday in December