Ever wondered what it feels like to become a millionaire? Kevin O'Leary, aka “Mr. Wonderful” from Shark Tank, has an answer that might surprise you: He doesn't remember – and he doesn't care.
For many, hitting the millionaire milestone feels like the ultimate dream. But O'Leary says it's not about the money. "People ask me all the time, ‘What did it feel like to become a millionaire?' My answer? I don't remember," Kevin shared. "That's not why I did it. It's not about chasing money."
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It's About Solving Problems and Gaining Freedom
So, if it's not about the money, what is it about? According to Kevin, the real reward is personal freedom. "Solve big problems and the money will come," he explains. But it's freedom – being able to do what you love on your terms – that makes it all worthwhile.
Kevin believes that when you're passionate about solving problems, financial success naturally follows. But he also points out that the journey doesn't end when the bank account hits seven figures. In fact, for him, the work only got more exciting. "I woke up rich one day, but I didn't care. I work harder now than I ever did before."
Retiring Early: A Dream or a Dull Reality?
Still, what he said earlier this year tells a somewhat different story. In his mid-30s, he sold his first company, Softkey, for $4.2 billion and decided to retire and live the dream. He spent three years traveling to stunning beaches and exploring the world, but instead of happiness, he found boredom.
"I thought, ‘Hey, I'm 36, I can retire now.' And that's exactly what I did. But after three years, I realized it was really boring," Kevin admitted.
He discovered that work isn't just about money – it's about having a purpose. "Work gives you social interaction, keeps you thinking and makes life more interesting," Kevin says. That realization brought him back into the game, this time as an investor.
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Why the F.I.R.E. Movement Misses the Mark
Kevin's experience puts him at odds with the popular F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. While F.I.R.E. encourages people to save aggressively and retire young, Kevin says early retirement often results in a lack of fulfillment.
"This whole idea of Financial Independence, Retire Early doesn't work," he explains. People think, “I'm going to retire early and life will be perfect,” but they're wrong. Staying engaged is how you stay sharp and healthy, according to O'Leary.
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