S1 E32 - From Mess to Millions: Building a Business with Real Impact

In this unfiltered episode of Total Disruption, hosts Michael Aberci and Jake Klandenni dive deep into the raw, often unglamorous reality of achieving and maintaining success. They dismantle the illusion of picture-perfect success often portrayed in media, emphasizing that the journey is far from pretty. The conversation kicks off with the concept of "fake it till you make it" colliding with the harsh reality of "I’ve made it, but this isn't what I expected." They highlight how social media and movies often depict successful individuals in polished offices with sleek backgrounds, creating a false association between aesthetics and genuine fulfillment. However, the hosts stress that this image comes at a significant cost, often involving long hours, relentless grinding, and personal sacrifices. Jake shares a powerful coaching insight: "comparing your insights to somebody else's outsides." This highlights the danger of judging one's internal struggles against another's curated external image. They discuss the "monies in the mess" concept, acknowledging that true success often emerges from navigating chaotic and challenging situations. Michael recounts his own experience as a CEO in a seemingly ideal corporate environment, realizing that the external trappings of success did not equate to personal satisfaction. The conversation shifts to the crucial distinction between achieving and retaining success. Michael emphasizes that maintaining success is often more challenging than attaining it. He likens success to an EKG, with its inevitable ups and downs. True success, they argue, involves emotional, familial, spiritual, personal, and professional fulfillment. They underscore the importance of having control over one's life, rather than being driven solely by material possessions. Self-sabotage is identified as a major obstacle to retaining success. Jake attributes this to setting incorrect expectations and inconsistent activities. He recounts his experience of working long grueling hours and only showing the perfect snapshot of his life on social media. The hosts stress the importance of aligning one's goals with genuine desires and maintaining consistent effort. They use the analogy of real estate cycles to illustrate how inconsistent activity can lead to a decline in success, even in a cyclical market. To combat this, Michael introduces the "three-day review" technique, urging listeners to reflect on their actions every three days to ensure they are consistently working towards their goals. They emphasize that any action, no matter how small, is better than inaction. The conversation takes a turn towards the importance of visibility and authority, introducing Borgio Battleground, a platform designed to amplify entrepreneurs' stories and connect them with a wider audience. They share a compelling anecdote about a contestant who realized the untapped potential of her business after gaining exposure. The hosts stress that hiding one's talents and services is a disservice to both the entrepreneur and their potential clients. Michael shares the inspiring story of a successful entrepreneur from rural New Jersey who built a multi-million-dollar business and then used his wealth to give back to his community. This highlights the importance of having a vision beyond financial success, focusing on making a lasting impact. The hosts conclude by emphasizing the importance of having mentors and role models, but also understanding the messy reality behind their success. They urge listeners to ask about the journey, not just admire the destination. The core message: embrace the messy, focus on consistent action, and aim for impact beyond personal gain. Key Search Terms Integrated: Ugly truth of success Retaining success Self-sabotage Fulfillment Business growth Personal development Mess to millions Building a business Entrepreneur journey Business strategy Real success Entrepreneur reality Consistent activity Visibility Authority Impact