Success feels different than you think

From hustle to reflection: How one day shifted my view on success

13 November 2025 - Michiel Verstraten

“Success isn’t always a destination, sometimes it’s pausing to truly feel where you are.”

Everyone wants success.
But once you have it, it feels different than you thought.

Yesterday, we were with 25 entrepreneurs at the XXL-day by “Ik ben de Baas” (I am the Boss).
We started with a presentation from Sander Aarts, former Special Forces.
His story? Intense. Missions, loss, a farewell letter to his children.
Goosebumps. Truly.

After that, we got to work ourselves.
Acting silly. Working out. Meditating. Lunch. Breathing.
And yes an ice bath 🥶

Yves van Veen, Wim Hof Instructor, showed us what breathing can do for your mental and physical health.
Incredible what your body can handle when you silence your mind.

And then there was Frans, Frans is de Baas, who sent us on a walk to work on our goals.
Along the way, I spoke to entrepreneurs who are all building something unique.
And that’s when I realized something.

I’m now 7 years in.
Successful? Sure. A bit.
But it feels… different than I expected.

I don’t reflect on it enough.
Always rushing.
Always pushing forward.

It’s time to find more fun in what I do.
To enjoy the moment more.
Not just hustle for the future.

And that’s what I’m going to do.
More joy in my work.
More time with my family 🧸
Big shift.

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