Justin Kan on why success alone won’t truly make you happy

In conversation Cameron, Justin Kan elaborates on recent tweets that had the Silicon Valley Twittersphere buzzing. The Twitch/Atrium founder bluntly lifts a veil on social media self-promotion by sharing how success has an ephemeral return on personal happiness.
Countering a common tendency among ambitious individuals to defer their personal happiness until they've achieved lofty goals, Justin explains that wellness is something to work towards in the present.
He attributes his mental health to both abiding by the tenants of his ‘feeling good’ program and working in his zone of genius. In Justin's own journey towards personal wellness, meditation, exercise, therapy and coaching have filled the emotional holes that material success couldn’t.
Kan also discusses coaching’s value in Silicon Valley, and the unique ways that Torch has made high quality coaching easy to onboard in high volumes.
Follow participants on Twitter
Justin Kan: / justinkan
Cameron Yarbrough: / yarbroughcam
Torch: / torchlabs
To request a demo, visit: torch.io/product/
Why Your Happiness Shouldn't Depend on Success: 1:14
How Justin Feels Good in the Present: 7:30
Why Coaching Matters in Silicon Valley: 9:51

[@murkywaters5502]

Lessons from Justin Kan to take away from this video: 1. It's good to have goals, but don't defer your happiness until you reach that goal. While it does take hard work to achieve great things, don't forget to be present in your life and the current moment. 2. One achievement won't bring long-lasting happiness. We're happier and more peaceful in our lives when we concern ourselves and take control with our internal world, rather than the "external world". Past achieving a level of monetary security, money is just a number. When most people reach large goals, we tend to want to set greater goals. In other words: it's never enough. 3. Don't do things for the approval of others. Seek your own approval. Focus on yourself and become the source of your own approval (doing things like meditation, practicing mindfulness, and appreciating how far you've come) 4. Work smarter. Put constraints to achieve a balance in your life and fulfillment, and DON'T compromise on them. (Exercise and meditation every day. Quitting destructive habits like drinking alcohol) 5. It's important to have someone who holds you accountable for your improvement. It's important like how a tennis coach can challenge you and help you understand in which areas you need to improve. 6. Management and leadership skills are important, yet under-developed skills at companies. Functional skills (skills that directly relate to the job such as programming) are still important. He also quickly mentioned at 10:42 the book High Output Management by Andy Grove. A related book recommend by others is The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz. Regarding accountability, the following is a 4 layer system of accountability (according to Demir and Carey Bentley of Lifehack Method): 1. A coach, mentor, or teacher who raises the bar for you 2. A team of people at or above your level, and whom you respect 3. A buddy who is not a friend or family member 4. Public accountability

[@Great_PatBingsoo]

This is the shit every young man needs to internalize. The hustle is great, but if you sacrifice your health, you will regret it. If you sacrifice the precious time with your close friends and family, you may regret it as well.

[@stachowi]

Consumerism will consume you...

[@theinfamous1232]

Facts dude im surprised he was this honest

[@meursault.1984]

I hope you know that this only applies to like 50% (or most possibly less) of the human population right? Majority of the human population. especially those in the 3rd world countries needs to hustle hard each day just to live. The problem with western culture and human society as a whole is that most of them are only concerned in the small box they "live" in...

[@hwago123]

Listen, he’s a great speaker and there is a lot of value in what he says, but so many of these guys that succeeded in the business world turn around and say money isn’t the answer. There is a lot of truth to that, but at the same time that money afforded them so many opportunities and the pursuit and achievement of their financial goals also adds a tremendous value psychologically. I strongly believe he would not be nearly as happy today had he never succeeded in the business world. Perhaps more valuable than acquiring the wealth from his success, is just the experience of SUCCEEDING.

[@CaptainPlanet007]

DAMN, you on point with this bruh.

[@harryy000]

financial independence is number 1 priority for true freedom.

[@bendover-bz4bc]

You see , we all are living in a liberal world and as we progresses people are going to be more sensitive . I would like to term them as "snowflake" . If justin had shown his happiness with his expensive lifestyle , people would have called him brat , arrogant , douchebag and what not. That's why he is playing it safe . Of course money matters when it comes to happiness but you have to keep peasants into this non ending loop so that they don't concentrate on your wealth. Just look at jeff bezos and bill gates. People are literally trying to kill them just because they are rich.

[@akiller28]

On fucking point. You just stated my mind.

[@inutotoro]

see this is a hard thing to grapple with right? first of all, i'm not sure if a lot of these entrepreneurs actually go ahead and say that money isn't the answer. I feel like most of them say hustle and grind, etc. To listen to justin's advice means that you're listening to someone that has built multiple businesses, and has struck massive gold with at least 1. By giving his perspective, he's either trying to gatekeep people from being successful (which I doubt) or he truly believes that success isn't the 100% cure to dissatisfaction. I'd like to think the latter.

[@hsingkao2024]

People are just afraid to be poor. Wealth makes people feel safer and less humiliation, but it doesn’t bring happiness to daily life.

[@Brobix]

You can tell the interviewer actually listen which is very impressive and does not interrupt the guest. Good interview.

[@Kenbomp]

Fight for 15 minutes for yourself and family. . It makes a world of difference. We usually compromise ourselves for our careers 24/7

[@cormacrealestate2267]

Exactly

[@CamKnoppMusic]

Justin Kan dropping that ancient wisdom

[@ishangoswami9462]

This is pure truth from the heart ❤️

[@cormacrealestate2267]

Exactly my bro ✌️❤️

[@lemarz8006]

Have to watch this almost daily.

[@hyukri]

Wealth is just safety. It removes core worries. It also gives temporary happiness that is actually quite limited if you are used to it....... That's it.

[@GrowWithWill]

Who else got fed this by the algorithm?

[@shaokhan4421]

Success + happiness (growth + positive emotions - examples: quitting coffee, alcohol, exercise, meditate, gratitude, friends and family, interests you enjoy, easing financial stress etc.) + freedom

[@cormacrealestate2267]

It's about your work life balance and keeping healthy while pursuing your passions ❤️✌️ Who's with me?

[@vimalcurio]

Noone

[@lemarz8006]

I’m with you brother ❤️❤️ just like in nature, it’s all about balance

[@Jan_Schulte]

@@lemarz8006

[@Jan_Schulte]

Best video I've seen in a while. Justin is extremely wise and I am sure that this interview provided lots of value for its viewers, including me. Thanks for uploading it !

[@phantomsedge5686]

Justin is a real one

[@Walk.InHisWays]

For some reason I can tell the host desires great material wealth. I really wish prosperity floods his perceived reality.

[@dzikriqalam5010]

The word "Imagining that you will be happy if you achieved it" really hits hard

[@SwissWatchGang]

Justin rocks!

[@modernfounder7012]

Great video, good to hear Justin's thought process in more detail, great interview

[@joylm9108]

Help the vulnerable and less fortunate. That will give you self contentment and happiness money can never buy.

[@gg45317]

Nothing will make you happy if you're not happy with yourself first.

[@virtuous8]

basically be happy every moment

[@alexsanderayere8549]

What he is saying is true, but say that to someone who is in poverty, say that to someone who is struggling financially. If you asked Justin before Amazon bought his company he would sing a different tune. But I agree once you hit a threshold where you don’t need to worry about money it won’t matter but a lot of people are not even there.

[@ILOVESTEAK10]

True but it's important to have a goal an idea that one can work on daily. That will provide peace and happiness through the process to success.

[@FloridaRaider]

outstanding

[@callayarbrough2591]

What a great video! Happiness truly does come from the inside, no matter who you are.

[@cormacrealestate2267]

Exactly ❤️✌️

[@vintageb8]

if you want to be happy, be happy now

[@kerimw14v]

THANK YOU

[@bitehunter122]

I am your 111th subscriber.

[@jimmywu4055]

Hustle is great, just make sure it's not an excuse to ignore other important aspects of your life

[@cormacrealestate2267]

*Fight for your family build good relationships* ✌️❤️

[@moneyworld5944]

where he reached is a lifelong dream for many

[@brayanartist6233]

He has got there fast, and first , but he shares how unfulfilling it is

[@juancpgo]

I don't care much about money, I just really want to be free of running towards it. I think we live in semi-slavery, and it's a very stupid thing, to be spending a lifetime running after money. So I just want to make a bunch and live in a low cost of living, so I can be constantly financially set for the next 5-10 years, so I can focus on what matters, which is understanding the world, pursuing the arts, and sharing rich experiences with family and friends until I die. I know that ultimate security is an illusion, but at the same time, if you don't know whether you'll have food and shelter tomorrow, it's just impossible to be happy. It's impossible to enjoy even the most glorious paradise in the company of the person you're in love with if there's someone with a gun pointed in your head. To me, making money is about killin that son of a b*tch with the gun, that's stealing all your time and mind from you. If I never accomplish this, I'll die trying, but I ain't setting for nothing less than this freedom.

[@TheReturn26]

Amen brother. Best of luck on your journey!

[@oama2009]

For the security that come with food and shelter, is it possible to simulate not having these ? A lot of religions and traditional texts talk about fasting (gaining power over food) and some even talk about going into the wilderness (power over shelter). What are your thoughts on that ?

[@irakotlik]

Sometimes we also want more money than we personally need because we want to solve a bigger social problem.

[@juancpgo]

yes, and that's the only way I believe social problems can be resolved: through individual action, as opposed to government action

[@irakotlik]

@@Maarten8867 none of us REALLY wants more money, do we ? ;))

[@theillestinmanila]

Did he stop and try to be happy on his initial grinds? Also, people may or may not succeed in their pursuits, or the timeframe in which their goals are achieved can vary greatly. Put off being happy for 5 years at 20 years old isn't too bad, but the later you wait the older you get.

[@andio310]

You have to obtain material wealth to understand it won't make you happy. Someone should create an app for that and make millions!

[@sesetio338]

YOU DO IT! IT'S YOUR IDEA!! :)

[@Sam-fp8zm]

hahaha :)

[@ggg-ox3hr]

My guy is deep in the depression hole, his eyes say it all

[@vintageb8]

doesnt look like it

[@blkoay]

I don't see it either. I see a smart humble guy with great wisdom. Depression? Nah!

[@usernamechecksout9901]

Nah he’s just Asian and getting older lol

[@alexjones9413]

I needed to hear this

[@p0werl0ve]

A good question would if Justin would donate his "above necessities" wealth for the greater good? He is in the position where he can impact the world. Since that "excessive" gold does not make him any happier why not do it? It does not have to be charity, it can be something that makes sense to him, in a way that makes sense to him

[@clarkgames1426]

Great video bro

[@anonymousrashiyama1432]

YOLO mindset!

[@aquickstory2196]

ego, pride, stories: the pursuit of validation, approval. the construction of the artificial life. money fame fortune=life

[@wabisabi7727]

why his voice sounds like from a robot in Transformers?

[@coolhead8686]

When I first saw that Lamborghini I wanted it immediately. After I got it for awhile, it is no different than a Toyota. So, material things are all about psychology.

[@AngelZLopez]

Agreed. It’s uncomfortable too

[@chicken756]

He gets it

[@thedon897]

Shit it’ll make me happy 😂😂

[@thedon897]

@Dude Juststop I don’t even think you have a daddy🤣🤣

[@dbsk06]

I needed this and think SV is toxic af

[@bjvu9460]

how does he knows what will make people happy? he can only talk for himself. happiness is an individual thing and not a group thing. what he should have said is that, success didnt make him happy, thats it! but, did he really think that happiness should be a constant feeling because if you dont understand unhappiness how would you know that you are happy? you can't be sad all the time just like you can't be happy all the time.

[@vimalcurio]

Stfu dude you thinking too much

[@ronf28]

Quality. Subbed!

[@johng3281]

success for me means u r happy..

[@Moviepreviewer92]

Nice

[@sciencetoday3629]

Justin Ken is super Manly , damm

[@earlyspark]

can't believe his hair was only this long 1 year ago???

[@TRXST.ISSUES]

Master yoda

[@georgewilson7706]

not really difficult- just have a more holistic definition of success.

[@romanerrandonea7791]

Hello, I am the CEO of elexion, a platform that reports on the problems of silicon valley to send them to entrepreneurs who wish to solve them. If you are a citizen of silicon valley, tell us about the problems you are facing?

[@drandystream891]

If you’re not happy, can you really say that you were successful?

[@alantheusthompson5594]

Viktor frankl pursue a greater purpose and happiness and success ensue.

[@LRG53]

@8:43

[@Greg_Chase]

*_*"I'm a serial entrepreneur, I've started a bunch of companies, most of them were horrible failures..."_** He said that at time 0:10. It's EASIER to become financially successful if you know this important fact - successful people are no different from the rest of the group EXCEPT they 'take it easy' on themselves when things don't work out. They do not curse themselves and say "you miserable failure! never do that again! keep a regular job and lead a regular life! you are a failure!" Successful people are like a kid trying to learn to ride a bike. Get on the bike, lose balance, fall down, skinned knees and elbows. Wait until tomorrow. Get on the bicycle and this time you get a little farther. Then lose your balance, crash the bike. "I know I can figure this out, because I see so many others riding a bike. So I'm going to keep trying." Thank goodness we have highly successful people like JK tell us "I have tried, I have failed, I kept trying, I succeeded." We need successful people in our culture. To get there, we need to tell everyone the truth about what the path to financial success looks like - some failures, and some success. Not one or the other all the time. People who have succeeded immensely STILL HAVE FAILURES TOO. Just ask Warren Buffet - he just sold all his airline holdings and lost BILLION$ of dollars. Warren got out of airlines due to covid19 shutting down normal air travel. KEEP TRYING TO FIND SUCCESS. It's not easy but eventually you'll have success. Try to learn from what did not pan out. . .

[@justsaiyansteve]

Gamestoinks make me happy.

[@coolhead8686]

I need just $1 million to start my own business.

[@ckang8688]

you wont know having more will make you truly happy. Lets strip away most of your money and lets talk then.

[@PhilMao]

i thought this was jimmy kimmel

[@TobySilalahi]

Same

[@PaBlo-tw6fd]

He sounds depressed, having my two children is my best success, middle finger to money and chasing things that mean nothing in the end.

[@livelife5890]

He's searching for Jesus, even if he doesn't realize it.

[@_omega420]

Metaphorically? Probably, yeah ?

[@oama2009]

who was jesus searching for ?

[@alphasuperior100]

How is he not happy with all that money.

[@yomama8833]

Or just be a stoic; simple, problem solved

[@omarmanning8868]

Political correct "happiness" is crap, why be rich and do 50-60 hours of work and do all the things a poor employee can do. Why not push the mold and do things regular people can't do.

[@whitebroccoli694]

Don’t defer happiness says the guy who sold his company for almost $1 billion and is now happy.

[@iam_kxylee]

You don’t the lesson😅😅

[@benixmaximus]

His facial features and facial expressions reminds me of Elon Musk

[@ddddDANmm]

There was so much BS being spewed out at the very end that the video actually decided, "that's enough, you're cut off". Hahaha. You can see Justin eye-rolling in his mind.

[@TheJoppa99]

"Money doesn't make you happy." -Rich man with $100.000.000.000.000.000

[@tricallyourmama]

Hard to be happy if you are broke. The stress of financial hardship is one of the worse. How about money when you retire? Work until you die bc you can’t afford it? Gotta grind then chill after the success. Takes a sacrifice to enjoy the freedom later