Perfect Rich — Part One: follow the money

Fresh off two talks with early 20-somethings.

I couldn’t help but feel anxious for them (blanket statement, I know). Most of the questions felt like they were searching for a cheat code. How do I do this? What if that happens? It was all very shortcut-y. And as I thought back on what I could’ve said that would actually help, I realized it might’ve NOT been obvious to the audience.

You see, the median age of the speakers was around 40. Get it? A 22–25-year-old asking how to get ahead, when the only real difference between them and the people on that panel is about 20 years of consistent work. That’s it. Well, that… and action. Actually doing stuff.

Some of my fellow panelists said the usual: “Follow your passion.”

I said: I did it for the money in my 20s. Period. Got a few laughs—it’s true. And when I really think about it, being motivated by money pushed me to take action. To take initiative. To take risks.

Now, I can admit—money has a way of messing with the wrong person. Chasing it can lead to the fast-money trap, the fake lifestyle, the eventual Bernie Madoff path. Or... it can be the reason you learn a lot. The hard way. The slow way. Maybe the only way.

So, my advice to the 20-year-old?

Chase money. Not forever— long enough to find what you're actually good at. Even if it’s not your passion.

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This is the start of a three-part series I’m calling Perfect Rich. It’s not about how to make money fast. It’s about what I’ve seen (lived) when it comes to ambition, money, and figuring out your place in the world—especially when you’re just getting started.