You know what? I’ve never understood the appeal of locking yourself into just one thing—whether it’s a career, a hobby, or even a philosophy on life. There’s just too much out there to explore, too many opportunities waiting to be grabbed by the horns. Life, to me, isn’t about narrowing your focus to a pinhole; it’s about opening the aperture wide enough to let in all the light.
The Da Vinci Approach to Living
When I think about the ultimate Renaissance person, my mind immediately jumps to Leonardo da Vinci. As a kid, I was fascinated by his story, and that awe only grew when I visited the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Florence. Here’s a guy who didn’t just dabble—he excelled. Painter? Sure, but also an engineer, scientist, architect, and dreamer who imagined flying machines and early versions of armored vehicles.
The man even dabbled in geology and optics. He didn’t stop to ask, “Am I spreading myself too thin?” No, he just kept creating. That’s the kind of energy I’ve always aspired to channel: relentless curiosity, unshackled by the constraints of “staying in your lane.”
Branson’s Balloons and Boundaries
Fast forward a few centuries, and someone else comes to mind—Richard Branson. The guy’s living proof that curiosity and versatility can drive success. He’s not just the face of Virgin Group and its 400 companies; he’s also a thrill-seeker who crossed the Pacific in a high-altitude balloon and attempted to circle the globe the same way.
Oh, and get this: Branson’s school headmaster once told him he’d either end up in jail or become a millionaire. Well, the headmaster was half right—Branson became a billionaire. Dyslexia and ADHD didn’t stop him; if anything, they might have fueled his ingenuity.
The Steve Jobs Symphony
Then there’s Steve Jobs. Yes, he’s synonymous with Apple, but that’s not where the story ends. He transformed Pixar into an animation powerhouse, sat on Disney’s board, and even built NeXT, a company that helped shape modern computing. Jobs wasn’t content being a one-hit wonder. He built a career that was more like a symphony—a collection of movements, each contributing something unique and impactful.
My Own Patchwork Quilt
For me, it’s been a patchwork of experiences—each one adding a new layer to my life. I started in the hotel and restaurant industry before diving into law, real estate, and investing. Along the way, I’ve written books, co-founded companies, and delivered keynotes. But it’s not all business. Some of my favorite moments involve family adventures, friends, sports, and outdoor activities like hang gliding, skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving.
The common thread? Trying new things. Exploring. Failing sometimes but learning every single time. That’s where the magic happens. I shared a short video and my take on "failure" yesterday.
Redefining “Rich”
Now, let’s talk about what it means to be rich. Is it about money? Sure, that’s part of it. But richness is also about freedom—freedom to explore, to rest when you’re tired, and to chase what genuinely makes you happy. Maybe for you, it’s building a career you’re proud of. Maybe it’s creating unforgettable memories with loved ones. Or maybe, it’s both.
Whatever it is, give yourself permission to redefine success on your terms. And if you’re running on fumes, hit the pause button. Rest. Recharge. Because the greatest wealth you’ll ever have is your health—physical, mental, and emotional.
The Journey Is the Masterpiece
So here’s the deal: don’t box yourself in. Try things that scare you. Pursue projects that excite you, even if they seem unrelated. Let your life be as varied and vibrant as a da Vinci sketchbook.
And with that, I’m off for a paddle around the island in Dana Point. Make today your masterpiece, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
Mitch
PS- This article is from my weekly newsletter on LinkedIn. It's free and you can subscribe join us here https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/metaverse-web3-law-and-tech-6876269423129374720/
Let's also make sure to connect on Bluesky here https://bsky.app/profile/mitch.social
