Lastly, and possibly most importantly, I've learned that optimizing for financial success is highly overrated. Though it's true that money can solve a lot of the problems in your life, it can also get to your head and make you forget about all the other things that matter to you. At first, when I was growing Webmetrix, I wanted to work with any client that wanted to pay me, regardless of who they were. I auctioned out my time to those above a threshold — and honestly didn't enjoy some of the projects I took on.
That left me with a sense of emptiness. Doing what you hate isn't at all sustainable, and also was the prime reason I burned out. Working long hours is standard as an entrepreneur but coupling that with doing a bunch of stuff you don't enjoy makes those hours extra miserable.
The way to avoid that is simple, but far from easy. You might lose out on client work you don't enjoy, but the payoff from working with those you are genuinely invested in is incredible. Remember: Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, so optimize for a career you enjoy and actually want to do for the coming years.
Imran Tariq is a two-time #1 bestselling author whose advice has been shared on CNN, CNBC, Forbes, Inc, and USA Today. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars and is a serial entrepreneur who runs multiple 7-figure companies.