On this episode of The Good Life Guys Show/Podcast, we interview ace UK-based blogger Young FI Guy on redefining success. YFG has an excellent and super-informative blog on which he writes about many diverse topics. As a “weird ex-accountant” (his own words) he tends to lean towards topics that are at least somewhat related to finance.

Since he started his blog a mere one year ago, YFG has become a big name on the UK FIRE (Financial Independence / Retire Early) scene. As a genuine fan, who has read his entire blog front to back, it was a real honour to have him on the show.

Who Is Young FI Guy?

Remarkably, Young FI Guy became financially independent (and retired!) at the young age of 26!

He had always been a keen saver. So when, in his mid-twenties, he grew frustrated with the office politics, boring administrative tasks, and corporate obligations that came with his job in the finance industry, he decided to quit and take some time as a man of leisure.

The plan was to take a finite period of time off work to do some bucket-list type things that had always tickled his fancy. But what he found, was that he was much happier not working his job.

And so, with the encouragement of his wife (and a pile of personal savings that made it possible), he decided to turn his temporary job hiatus into a permanent retirement.

Redefining Success Isn’t as Hard as it Seems

Success is an amorphous term. We all need to define what success means for us, in our own lives.

Society’s notions of what constitutes success are often vague, one-size-fits-all, hallow, and over-influenced by money-hungry marketers.

Young FI Guy is a fascinating character who defines success squarely in his own terms. A warm, thoughtful and highly intelligent man, he lives according to the dictates of his own mind and heart.

YFG has a wise head on young shoulders, and a lot to teach us all. The conversation we had was wonderfully interesting and, in numerous small ways, life-changing.

The following are the big and inspirational ideas that we discussed in the context of redefining success. After each idea, we have suggested a book that would make great further reading on the specific topic.

Be Clear About Your Personal Priorities

Being clear on your priorities is a crucial first step towards fashioning a life that is optimally enjoyable and meaningful to you.

The world cannot tell you how to live, or what to care about. If you blindly follow the herd or bow to peer pressure and ape what appear to be the priorities of the masses, you will likely lead a life of frustration and sadness. The real you will remain obscured. Your truth will go untold. Your soul will go unsatisfied.

Each of us needs to examine our minds, listen to our hearts, and unearth our true priorities.