
← The Unstuck High Performer Podcast20 ago · 47 min
189. I Want More Success—But Not If It Costs Me What Matters Most
What happens when your business is growing faster than ever—but you're increasingly concerned about what that growth could cost you?
In this episode, I sit down with top-producing real estate leader Michael Thornton to explore how he's built a thriving business while protecting his marriage, time with his five children, health, and faith—and why his biggest challenge now isn't achieving more success, but making sure he doesn't lose himself in the process.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why Michael left a stable corporate career despite having three young children How he survived nearly running out of money during his first year in real estate Why the people around you sometimes need to believe in you when you can't The boundaries Michael uses to protect his family from the demands of real estate Why his first strategic hire was designed around being present for nights and weekends How he recognizes his personal warning signs of burnout How Michael thinks about growth without falling into the "grind at all costs" mentality Why growing 40% didn't make him any happier How he defines success so that business, marriage, family, and personal well-being grow together Michael's business is having its best year ever—but the question he's wrestling with isn't how to grow faster. It's how to make sure growth doesn't cost him the life he's building it all for. If you've ever wondered how to pursue more without sacrificing what matters most, listen to the full conversation.
Time Stamps:
5:30: Why he willingly walked away from a great salary with three kids at home 12:27: The unconventional hire that allowed Michael to grow without sacrificing his family 15:47: His business is having its best year ever—so why isn't he any happier? 20:10: The burnout warning sign that tells Michael it's time to stop pushing 27:43: Why relentless growth can cost you the very things you were working for 29:28: He bet on himself, burned through his savings, and was nearly forced to admit he'd failed 36:55: His business grew 40%—and triggered a completely different fear about success I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.
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