James Altucher: In Order To Be Successful You Must Do This | Lewis Howes

Financial Ruin

James Altucher recounts his harrowing experience of financial ruin, losing millions in the stock market due to poor investment decisions. He describes the emotional toll of witnessing the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent financial collapse that left him broke. Despite the devastation, he emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and acquiring new skills as a pathway to recovery.

I had made millions selling a company a few years earlier and now I was, like just about at zero because I had borrowed and the market had fallen 1015 percent.

--- James Altucher

James highlights how learning new skills, such as website development, helped him rebuild his life and finances 1 2.

   

Emotional Health

James discusses the critical role of emotional health in overcoming life's adversities. He shares how he redefined his self-worth beyond financial success, focusing on physical, emotional, and creative well-being. This holistic approach enabled him to build a balanced life and avoid the pitfalls of attaching self-worth to money alone.

Emotional health is very important because if you're arguing with a spouse or a girlfriend or even kids or whatever, or business partners, you're not going to be creative to do the things you're meant to do in life.

--- James Altucher

James also emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in writing and how it has helped him build trust and freedom 3 4.

   

Overcoming Fear

James shares his most fearful moments, including the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent financial collapse. He describes the intense fear and shame he felt during these times and how he managed to bounce back. James also discusses his struggle with anxiety and dependency on medication, highlighting the long journey of weaning off and finding healthier coping mechanisms.

I thought I was just going to fake it until I was just praying to die every day. So that was definitely the moment I was most afraid throughout the next few years, I never stopped being afraid from that moment until many years later.

--- James Altucher

His story underscores the importance of resilience and the ongoing battle against fear and anxiety 5 6.