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45 and Reflections: Work, Growth, Wisdom

45 and Reflections: Work, Growth, Wisdom

Life is a learning journey and at 45 I have learned a lot about success, balance and personal growth.

The Early Years of Entrepreneurship

I started my journey in late middle school where I began building virtual brands and selling computer hardware. PC2000, my custom PC brand was my first entrepreneurial venture. The internet in 1997 opened up new opportunities with ticaretmerkezi.com, a corporate directory website that became a money maker.

The Workaholic

Throughout my 20s and 30s work was my constant companion. Weekends, holidays, even beach vacations – I was always working. My bulk email software, a simple tool in 1998, became a complex business ecosystem.

The Shift

Entering my 40s was a big shift. I started prioritizing:

  • Mental and physical health
  • Experiences over material possessions
  • Meaningful relationships
  • Personal growth and self awareness

Living Lean

My businesses became leaner. I started building lean businesses monthly, focused on efficiency and purpose. My social circle became more intentional, I kept only the relationships that truly mattered.

The Most Important Things

Now I value:

  • My wife and children
  • Every moment of life
  • Personal experiences
  • Mental and physical strength

The Biggest Lesson

I learned that importance creates imbalance. Releasing the grip on goals, materials and experiences makes for a more balanced life journey. Dreams are important but not at the cost of life’s overall balance. At 45 I feel hopeful. The best is yet to come and I’m ready for it with wisdom, intention and joy.

My Random Thoughts

You Only Find Your Real Power When You Have No Choice

You Only Find Your Real Power When You Have No Choice

We often think fear is what protects us—but more often, it quietly blocks our growth. Real change doesn’t come from thinking hard about goals; it comes from shifting what you consistently intend and do. Life works like a delayed mirror, reflecting back the actions and energy you’ve already put out. When you're out of options or have nothing to lose, fear vanishes, and a deeper strength takes over. That’s when the needle moves. If you want your life’s reflection to change, you don’t fix the mirror—you change what you show it, day by day.

5/5/2025
Embracing Inversion: How Charlie Munger’s Wisdom Transformed My Approach to Goal-Setting

Embracing Inversion: How Charlie Munger’s Wisdom Transformed My Approach to Goal-Setting

As the year draws to a close, it’s a tradition for many of us, myself included, to reflect on our aspirations and set goals for the new year. We often set ambitious targets like losing 20 kilos, becoming wealthy, or earning an extra $100,000.

12/29/2023
Letters to My Future Self: Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Gifts

Letters to My Future Self: Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Gifts

I’m writing this letter to you because I know how much you depend on me. My thoughts, actions, beliefs, and decisions today will shape your world tomorrow. It’s a big responsibility, and I’m doing my best to make choices that you’ll be thankful for.

2/13/2024