This article is a written adaptation of the content you can find on our YouTube channel, LIFE180.

My wife recently read an article about Jeff Bezos’ 2010 commencement speech, where he shared advice on how to live a happy life and avoid regrets. As she read it, she couldn’t help but think of me. She sent me a sweet note saying, "You need to write an article on this, it totally reminds me of you."

Now, full transparency, I haven’t read the article in its entirety yet. I got to the part where Bezos lists the 12 things you need to do to live a life without regrets. I’m going to read through them and offer my own interpretation of each point. Should be fun, let’s dive in.

Bezos begins by saying, “The perfect choice doesn’t exist.” The truth is, we all make decisions that we later regret, it’s called failure. And while failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it teaches us valuable lessons, our goal as we get older should be to minimize the failures that lead to regret. In the end, we are defined by our choices.

Towards the end of his speech, Bezos encouraged us to "build yourself a great story." To do that, he offered 12 thought-provoking questions for us to consider deeply. Here they are.

1 - How Will You Use Your Gifts?

The first question is an interesting one: How are you going to use your gifts in life? It’s a question that everyone should take time to reflect on. I firmly believe that we’ve all been blessed with unique talents and gifts, a responsibility entrusted to us by God. Our task is to use these gifts during our time on Earth (not to sound cliché) but to make a positive impact and leave the world better than we found it.

I truly believe it’s our responsibility to use our gifts in meaningful ways. So, how are you going to use yours? Reflecting on my own life, I can say that I wasn’t always using my gifts for the greater good. In my 20s, for example, I was a professional poker player. It was an exciting chapter, my wife and I had a lot of fun, traveled extensively, enjoyed incredible experiences, and made good money. But when I think about whether I was contributing anything significant to the world during that time, the answer is a resounding no.

Now, I’ve taken my gifts (my aptitude for numbers, my ability to connect with people, and my knack for simplifying complex ideas) and channeled them into something meaningful. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I can help life insurance agents become more effective, empower individuals to better understand their personal finances, and demystify complicated financial concepts.

Sadly, personal finance is often made unnecessarily complex, and that’s why one of the founding taglines of LIFE180 was “Simplifying Financial Confusion.” I truly believe this is where my strengths shine.

I encourage everyone to take the time to identify their unique gifts and explore how they can use those talents to create a positive impact in the world. The truth is, every single person has something valuable to offer, and I challenge you to reflect on what that might look like in your life.

2 - What Choices Will You Make?

Let’s face it, life is full of choices, and at pivotal moments, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. I vividly remember my own fork in the road during my time in the indexed universal life (IUL) insurance space.

Back then, I fully embraced the concept, wholeheartedly believing in the value and benefits of IUL. I sold a significant amount of premium, coached countless agents, and built a thriving organization. But over time, I came to a stark realization: it wasn’t what I thought it was.

At that fork in the road, I was faced with a difficult choice. Should I continue down the same path, even though I no longer believed in what I was doing? Staying the course would have certainly been easier, avoiding the hard conversations and challenges that come with a change in belief and direction. But deep down, I knew I had to make a decision that aligned with my values, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.

Ultimately, I had to decide: would I stay on the easier, more immediately profitable path, or would I pursue what I truly believed in? One of the core principles I've always held in my life is staying true to my beliefs, no matter the external pressures or narratives surrounding me. Sometimes, that unwavering commitment has come at a personal cost, but I’ve learned that compromising your values is a slippery slope. Following your heart and staying aligned with your passions isn’t just important, it’s essential for living a life of integrity.

3 - Will Inertia Be Your Guide or Will You Follow Your Passions?

I’m not entirely sure what he means by “inertia” in this context. Does it refer to quick results, or does it mean following your passions? That’s how I interpret it, deciding between seeking fast results or staying true to what drives you.

But honestly, I don’t see why it has to be one or the other. Maybe I’m an optimist, but I genuinely believe you can pursue your passions while also striving for meaningful results. It’s about aligning your efforts with what matters most to you and finding success in that.

For me, one of the things that truly drives me is being results-oriented while staying deeply connected to my passions. One of my core passions is making a meaningful difference, whether in the world, my community, or in the lives of the people I interact with daily.

From that perspective, it might seem odd that I’m so enthusiastic about life insurance as an asset. It’s admittedly not the most glamorous topic, but what sets me apart is my genuine excitement for what life insurance can do for people. It’s not about the product itself, it’s about the life-changing impact it can have, and that’s what truly motivates me.

I believe true fulfillment doesn’t come from seeking it for its own sake. Instead, it comes from serving others and finding ways to make a positive impact. Our contribution to the world is where we find true satisfaction, and that’s something I truly believe.

I believe if you measure your passion by that standard (serving others and making a positive impact) then seeking both inertia and quick results becomes possible. After all, money follows value. I’ve structured my life around this principle: I will be compensated according to the value I provide to the world. I encourage everyone to adopt this mindset because when you do, you push yourself to grow into the person you need to be to achieve your goals.

4 - Will You Follow Dogma or Will You Stay True to Yourself?

Number four is: Will you follow dogma, or will you be original? I think being true to yourself and embracing originality is crucial. For example, Russell Brunson, a marketing expert I admire, coined the term "funnel hackers."

The concept behind funnel hacking is learning from the success of others by emulating their strategies, but with your unique spin and approach. It’s about taking proven methods and making them your own, allowing you to stand out and create something original.

There are proven frameworks for success that we should follow, but staying true to yourself is key. I won’t dwell on this one for too long because it’s a foundational idea that everyone needs to embrace. I’m not saying you need to be completely original, because let’s face it, no one is truly original anymore. We’re all influenced by something, in one way or another.

Maybe it's a former business leader, a book, the Bible, or your church and community. We’ve all been influenced by different things in our lives. So, while I don’t believe anything is purely original, my advice is to stay true to yourself.

5 - Will You Choose a Life of Ease or A Life of Service & Adventure?

So number five is will you choose a life of ease or a life of service and adventure. I don't know about you, but for me, I'm choosing a life of service and adventure every single time. I know I preach financial security and stability.

I firmly believe that the best risks are those grounded in what we know and understand, and that the greatest investment we can make is in ourselves. Nothing worth achieving comes easily. If you want exceptional results, you have to be willing to live in a way that most people aren’t, taking risks and embracing opportunities that others might not see or understand.

For over a decade, many in my family didn’t fully understand what I did for a living. Some thought I worked in finance, others saw me as a marketing person, and some just labeled me a “raging entrepreneur” with a mix of random ventures. To me, though, it all makes sense. Everything I do connects to a larger vision of building something meaningful and impactful, something that hasn’t been done before.

That, to me, is the essence of both service and adventure. It’s about creating something that has a ripple effect, positively impacting others while also embracing the incredible journey that comes with it. For example, my wife and I are currently exploring opportunities in the Dominican Republic, opportunities most people never come across. The risks we’ve taken, the relationships we’ve built, and the bold choices we’ve made have allowed us to consider projects like this.

It hasn’t always been easy or straightforward, but this bold, adventurous path is one we’ve fully committed to as a family. And while I can’t promise that choosing this route will be easy, I can confidently say it’s worth it. Even in the face of challenges, the journey remains deeply fulfilling, bringing purpose and excitement to every step.

6 - Will You Live By Your Convictions or Wilt Under Criticism?

This one really hits home. For anyone familiar with my journey, it’s clear that I’m someone who stands firmly by my convictions, no matter the circumstances. Convictions aren’t always set in stone, they can change with new knowledge and experiences.

For example, when I first entered the Indexed Universal Life (IUL) space, I was deeply committed to it and sold a significant amount of it. However, as I gained more education, I realized there were aspects I didn’t fully understand. That shift in perspective led me to pivot and ultimately fueled my passion for creating content about IUL. My goal is to educate others on the diverse ways to leverage life insurance, as I believe it’s a powerful tool.

That conviction, though, hasn’t come without its challenges. Being vocal in this space has brought a fair share of criticism and pushback, but staying true to what I believe (even when it’s tough) has been worth it.

Standing firm in my convictions is a cornerstone of how I live my life. My wife would attest to this, it’s not always easy, and it’s not always the most practical path, but it’s how I navigate the world. If I believe in something, I find it difficult to compromise on it, even when the easier road might seem more appealing.

That said, I also recognize the importance of growth and learning. If I’m proven wrong, I’m more than willing to admit it and adjust my perspective. To me, staying true to what you believe while being open to learning is a balance worth striving for.

7 - Will You Admit When You Are Wrong or Will You Bluff it Out?

Number seven asks, Will you bluff it out when you're wrong or will you apologize? For me, this ties directly into the value of integrity. While I’m deeply convicted in my beliefs and what I do, I’m also the first to admit when I’m wrong, if proven so.

That’s part of why I created the IUL Challenge. It’s a platform inviting open dialogue, where anyone who can prove me wrong is welcomed to do so. If that happens, I’m more than willing to acknowledge it publicly, give credit where it’s due, and use it as an opportunity to foster a deeper, healthier conversation within the industry. Growth comes from challenging ideas, and I believe that’s crucial for progress.

While I’m deeply passionate about the topics I address (sometimes in ways that might come across as intense) I also strive to remain compassionate and open. My wife often reminds me of this balance in my life. If I’m made aware of a mistake I’ve made, I’m willing to admit it and apologize, even if it’s not always easy.

In fact, I’ve probably had to do that more often than I’d like to admit, but I see it as a necessary part of personal growth and staying true to my values. Recognizing mistakes and owning them is just as important as standing firm in my convictions.

8 - Will You Guard Your Heart Against Rejection or Will You Act When You Fall In Love?

This question hits close to home for me. While I usually focus on business, this topic brings me back to personal experiences, especially with my wife. We've shared parts of our story in episodes of Business with Benefits, a podcast we created together. If you’re curious, you can find those conversations on the LIFE180 channel, where we dive into the challenges we’ve faced.

Our journey hasn’t been easy. Over a decade ago, we went through some incredibly tough times, including a separation. It was messy and painful, but those experiences shaped us. They taught us the importance of vulnerability, acting with intention, and choosing love even when it’s hard.

Rebuilding a relationship after going through challenges that could break most couples is no small feat. For me, the promise I made on the altar, “till death do us part,” was not just words, it was a commitment, one I felt deeply obligated to honor. Staying true to that promise wasn’t easy, but it taught me something invaluable: to truly experience life to its fullest, you must open yourself up, even at the risk of being hurt.

During that difficult time, many of my friends and even some family members advised me against forgiveness. They told me she wasn’t worth it, that moving on would be easier. But I knew that to rebuild, I had to choose vulnerability over bitterness, love over resentment, and hope over fear.

Looking back now, I can say with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t trade any of those challenges for anything. The path I chose, though difficult, has shaped my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time. Today, I’m blessed beyond measure, with a strong marriage, three incredible kids, and countless other gifts that I don’t believe I would have received had I made a different decision.

To me, these blessings are directly tied to the act of honoring a commitment, even when it felt impossible. It’s a reminder that staying true to our promises, no matter how hard, can open doors to a life richer and fuller than we ever thought possible.

For me, honoring a commitment means keeping an open heart, practicing forgiveness, and choosing love, even when it’s the harder path. This approach applies not just to personal relationships but to how I face life’s challenges and opportunities. Choosing love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

It’s crucial to open yourself up, not just in personal relationships with your spouse, family, and friends but also in professional connections with business partners. Vulnerability is a double-edged sword, it allows for deep, meaningful relationships but also comes with the risk of getting hurt. The key is finding balance: being open enough to connect with others and build trust without being naive or exposing yourself to unnecessary risks. If you stay too guarded, you may miss out on the relationships that could empower you to achieve truly significant things in life.

9 - Will You Play it Safe or Will You Swashbuckle?

This question invites reflection on your approach to decision-making. Will you stick to a cautious, steady path, or embrace a more daring, adventurous strategy? The term "swashbuckling," while not commonly used, suggests the latter, an audacious and fearless attitude. Even without fully grasping its exact meaning, the contrast with "playing it safe" makes it clear that the question challenges you to consider how bold you're willing to be in pursuing your goals.

Everyone has a different personality, and that greatly influences how they approach risk and decision-making. Personally, I’m someone who doesn’t have “playing it safe” in my DNA. When I believe in something, I naturally adopt a “go for it” attitude. For me, it’s about trusting my instincts and fully committing to what I believe is the right path, even if it involves taking a leap of faith.

While I may not fully understand the exact definition of “swashbuckling,” I know one thing for sure, I’m not the type to play it safe. Based on my personality and approach to life, I’m inclined to embrace bold, daring choices. So, if swashbuckling means taking calculated risks and pursuing what I believe in with conviction, then I’m all in for a little swashbuckling.

10 - When It's Tough Will You Quit or Be Relentless?

When times get tough, the question arises: will you give up, or will you be relentless? For me, the answer is clear, I am relentless by nature. If you were to ask the people closest to me to describe who I am, I’m confident they would use that exact word: relentless. It’s a defining trait of my personality and something that drives me to push forward, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

One of my favorite quotes is by Calvin Coolidge, and I actually have it in my signature. It goes like this:

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of uneducated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

This quote encapsulates how I approach life. It’s a reminder that no matter how gifted or educated you are, it’s persistence and determination that truly make the difference. This is the principle I try to live by every day.

Of course, nobody’s perfect, and I definitely have my weak spots. But if there's one thing I can say for sure, it’s that I don’t just try, I’m naturally relentless. I can’t help it. It’s part of who I am. Sometimes, I think my wife might feel the brunt of this, because it can be frustrating. Even when I probably should give up, when the odds seem stacked against me or it’s clear that something isn’t working, I don’t. I keep pushing forward. It’s not always easy, but it’s how I’m wired. And ultimately, I believe it’s persistence that gets you where you want to go.

Looking back, I can admit that my relentless nature has had some negative consequences at times. But honestly, the positives have far outweighed the negatives. I wouldn’t change any of it. Being relentless (when you’re truly passionate and believe in something) pays off. It’s like the “two feet from gold” story: so many people give up just when success is right around the corner.

The truth is, we often overestimate what we can achieve in a year but underestimate what we can accomplish in a decade. That’s why I believe people aren’t relentless enough. Keep going. If you believe in it, don’t stop. Your persistence will get you there.

So many people give up too easily, too early. But if you just commit and give it your all, with the understanding that it’s going to be harder than you think, that mindset will give you the emotional fortitude to stay relentless.

If you can push through those tough moments, you’ll develop the persistence needed to achieve the success you’re aiming for. Set your expectations high, and prepare for the grind, it’s the key to achieving what you want in life. Keep going, even when it gets tough.

11 - So will you be a cynic or will you be a builder?

I think you have to be a builder, but you also have to know what you're building. Personally, I consider myself a builder. Some people watching this might even label me a cynic, especially because of the way I criticize Indexed Universal Life (IUL). My wife and I discuss this challenge often. I'm deep into IUL conversations right now because it's where much of my energy is focused. But it’s important to stay true to your values when you're building something.

For me, it’s about creating something that genuinely benefits others, not just going along with what’s popular or easy. I want to build with purpose and integrity, even if it means taking a stand.

As I reflect on that, I realize there’s a lot of wasted energy that sometimes goes into those challenging conversations. But I’ve always been the kind of person who stands up for others, especially those who are being bullied or taken advantage of.

Back in high school, I was the one who protected the kids who couldn’t defend themselves. I’ve carried that mindset into my work and personal life. Even when it’s tough or draining, I feel a responsibility to speak up, defend those who might not have a voice, and do what's right, whether it’s in a business context or in life. It’s just part of who I am.

With the IUL conversation, it might come off as cynical at times, but what I’m really trying to do is build a culture of education and empowerment. It’s not about being critical for the sake of being critical.

I genuinely want people to be informed and make decisions based on knowledge. I’ve had agents who were once strong proponents of Indexed Universal Life come to the same self-realization that I did after they gained the right education.

That’s what excites me, the opportunity to guide people toward that moment of understanding, where they see things clearly and make decisions that are in their best interest. It’s about creating a space where people can learn, grow, and ultimately, make better choices for themselves and their clients.

Even if you’re not there yet, and the journey hasn’t clicked for you because the market’s been good and IULs haven’t yet shown their potential risks, that’s okay. I’m not here to force anyone into a specific realization. What I’m doing is creating a platform for education. I believe in healthy criticism, it’s a vital part of any constructive conversation, and it helps foster growth.

The goal isn’t to simply convince others of my perspective, but to build a space where people can think critically, ask questions, and develop their own informed conclusions. Education, open dialogue, and healthy critique are key to advancing not just the industry, but also personal growth and decision-making.

Some people might label it as cynical, but I don’t see it that way. To me, it’s all about education. Cynicism implies that there’s no possibility of a positive outcome, and that’s not my mindset. Yes, I have this reputation of being a critic of IULs on YouTube, but that's not the full picture.

What I’m doing is challenging people to think critically, to ask questions, and to seek out the truth. I want to provide insights that help people make better, more informed decisions, not just accept something without understanding the potential consequences. It’s about empowering others to be educated, not about pushing an agenda or fostering negativity.

Focus on being a builder and always approach things with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to disrupt the status quo if it means improving things. Having those crucial, honest conversations is where you’ll really add value and make a difference in people’s lives. And that’s what matters most.

12 - Will you be clever at the expense of others or will you be kind?

At its core, success (especially in the life insurance industry) starts with being a good human. As someone deeply involved in coaching life insurance agents and guiding them toward success, I’ve learned that the foundation of this profession is rooted in connection. To truly excel, you need to connect with people on a genuine level, identify their challenges, and provide solutions that add real value to their lives.

This isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about understanding what we do in a way that serves others and enhances their lives. While I can’t speak for everyone, I like to believe that most people enter this industry with the goal of helping others. That sense of purpose is what transforms a career into a calling.

One of the most important lessons I can share is this: don’t try to be overly clever, especially at the expense of others. In the life insurance industry, I’ve seen far too many instances where agents prioritize tricks or shortcuts, designing policies improperly to serve their own interests rather than those of their clients. While some may label this behavior as “clever,” I see it differently, it’s a disservice to the people we’re meant to help.

Instead, focus on integrity and kindness. Be a good human, plain and simple. If your goal is to genuinely help and serve others, you’ll not only create a positive impact but also build a career rooted in trust and respect. In the end, choosing kindness and doing right by others will always lead to lasting success.

And so, there you have it, those 12 thought-provoking questions. I found them incredibly interesting, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts. How do these questions resonate with you? Would you approach them differently or interpret them in another way? If you think I misinterpreted anything or have feedback, I’m all ears.

If you’d like to explore these concepts further or gain clarity on how they apply to your life and goals, I invite you to take the next step. Use the following link to schedule a Clarity Call with our team at LIFE180 and let us help guide you toward achieving your objectives.

Clarity Call

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And that's it, have a blessed, inspirational day.