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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

Would Future Me Thank Me for This?

Would Future Me Thank Me for This?

Every action you take today shapes the person you become tomorrow. Before you say yes to anything, ask yourself one simple question: Would future me thank me for this? If the answer isn’t clear, stop. This habit keeps you aligned with your values, protects your time, and helps you live with more self-respect—even if it means letting others down.

6/3/2025
The Hidden Feature in Perplexity AI That’s Changed How I Write

The Hidden Feature in Perplexity AI That’s Changed How I Write

There’s a feature in Perplexity AI that not many people know about and it’s changed how I write my content. Whether I’m writing blog posts, product reviews or informational articles, this powerful tool allows me to add depth and accuracy like never before. In this post I’ll show you how it works and why you should try it.

10/9/2024
I Made Every Mistake James Clear Warned About

I Made Every Mistake James Clear Warned About

After reading a short piece by James Clear, I realized I’ve made every mistake he listed—some I’ve overcome, some I’m still wrestling with. In this post, I reflect on 25+ years of working, building, and learning the hard way. If you’ve ever tried to please everyone, chased goals that weren’t yours, or spread yourself too thin, this one’s for you.

5/26/2025