Redefining Success: My Life-Altering Conversation with Alan Lazarus

Oh my goodness, friends! I just had one of those conversations that literally shifted something inside me. You know those rare moments when someone's story hits you right in the heart? That's exactly what happened when Alan Lazarus joined me on this week's episode of "Sheila's Take."

As I listened to Alan (founder of Next Level University), I was struck by his authentic presence. Here was someone who had climbed every ladder of traditional success, only to discover it was leaning against the wrong wall. His journey from trauma to transformation resonated so deeply with me, and I just KNEW I had to share it with all of you.

Alan's Powerful Journey

Alan's story began with unimaginable loss - losing his birth father in a car accident when he was just two years old. Growing up in Massachusetts, he experienced both privilege and profound disruption when his stepfather left when Alan was 14.

What struck me most was how transparent Alan was about becoming what he called a "social chameleon" - adapting to whatever environment would bring acceptance and achievement. Sound familiar to anyone else? 🙋‍♀️

By his mid-twenties, Alan had:
* Excelled academically
* Earned his master's degree
* Secured a high-paying corporate position
* Achieved financial independence

But here's where the story gets truly powerful...

The Turning Point That Changed Everything

At 26, Alan experienced what many would call their worst nightmare - a near-fatal car accident. As he shared this part of his story, I could feel the emotion. This moment forced him to ask: "If this was it, would I be proud of how I lived?"

The answer was a resounding NO.

I've had my own wake-up calls in life (though thankfully less dramatic), and I know many of you have too. There's something about facing our mortality that strips away the nonsense, isn't there?

The Three Pillars That Transformed My Thinking

What I love about Alan is that he's not just philosophical - he's practical! He broke down his approach to a truly successful life into three interconnected pillars that I've been thinking about non-stop since our conversation:

1. Health: The Foundation

• Physical Health: Alan reminded me that without energy and vitality, nothing else matters. I've been guilty of pushing my body to the limit for work, and this was a powerful reminder to prioritize sleep, nutrition, and movement.
• Mental Health: Success begins in the mind! Daily practices like journaling and meditation aren't luxuries - they're necessities.
• Spiritual Health: Finding meaning beyond the material - something I've been working on personally this year.

2. Wealth: Beyond Just Money

• Wealth isn't just about the figures in your bank account - it's about creating value and having the freedom to live on your terms.
• Alan's perspective on investing in yourself first was SO refreshing! Skills, knowledge, and personal growth compound over time.

3. Love: The Heart of Everything

• Intimate Relationships: Being fully present with your partner (something I'm working on when work gets crazy!)
• Family & Friends: Those connections that ground us and give life meaning
• Community: The power of belonging to something larger than yourself

Reordering My Priorities

The concept that hit me hardest was what Alan calls "syntax" - the order in which we prioritize life's elements. Before his transformation, Alan put achievement first, then relationships, then joy. After his wake-up call, he completely flipped the script.

I had to ask myself some hard questions during our conversation:

• Am I putting external validation before internal peace?
• Have I been postponing joy until I reach some arbitrary goal?
• What would change if I prioritized fulfillment first?

Finding My Star: The Exercise I Can't Wait For You To Try

One of the most actionable parts of our conversation was Alan's "Star Diagram" exercise.

1. Find your "center word" - the core of your purpose
2. Identify your three obsessions - what subjects could you talk about endlessly?
3. List your vehicles - how do you best express yourself?

The Hard Truth I Needed to Hear

You know I always keep it real with you, and Alan kept it VERY real with me. One quote that stopped me in my tracks:

 "Personal development is not about comfort or fun. Most people want to feel good, not get better."

Ouch! But also... YES. This perfectly articulated why so many of us struggle with change. We want the results without the discomfort of growth.

The Journaling Practice I've Started

Since recording this episode, I've adopted Alan's existential journaling practice, asking myself:

• Who am I, really?
• What do I truly want?
• Why do I want these things?
• When do I want to achieve them?
• Where do I want to be?
• How can I get there?

The clarity I've gained in just a week has been astonishing. I've realized some of my goals weren't even mine to begin with!

Turning Pain Into Purpose

What resonated most deeply with me was Alan's perspective on adversity. Every challenge he faced - from childhood loss to his accident - eventually became fuel for his purpose.

This reminds me of conversations I've had with so many about your own struggles. What if the hardest parts of our stories aren't barriers to our success, but actually the unique gift we bring to the world?

The People We Surround Ourselves With

Alan's advice to his younger self hit me hard: "Sail away immediately from people who are going nowhere."

This isn't about being judgmental - it's about being intentional. I've been reflecting a lot on my own circle since this conversation. Are the people I spend the most time with pulling me toward my highest self or keeping me comfortable?

Embracing the Long Game

In our instant-gratification world, Alan's reminder that real transformation takes time was both challenging and comforting. There are no overnight successes, just years of consistent, aligned action.

As someone who can get impatient (okay, VERY impatient), this was exactly what I needed to hear.

My Personal Invitation to You

This conversation changed me, friends. It made me reexamine what I'm chasing and why. If you're feeling stuck in achievement mode, questioning your path, or simply craving more meaning, I hope Alan's wisdom offers you the same clarity it gave me.

The full episode is available now wherever you get your podcasts. I'd absolutely LOVE to hear which parts resonated most with you - drop me a message or leave a comment!

Here's to redefining success, together.