Just like the fallacy that success happens overnight, it also never happens in a vacuum.

For every Bill Gates there’s a Paul Allen. For every Steve Jobs, a Steve Wozniak. For every Trey Kauffman, there are a hundred people I could call on for help or advice.

Our views of success are so skewed because of the toxic attention economy (which, let’s be honest, I’m actively contributing to), it leaves those who are vulnerable open to beliefs that don’t align with reality.

Self-made is a dangerous misnomer. Even for the few who managed to jump into crypto at just the right time, or those who have played their investments smart in the stock market, they too had someone who paved the path before them and lit the way.

From a personal standpoint, my success is solely dedicated to those who were there to lend a helping hand and words of wisdom. And those gestures were not limited strictly to business.

Whether your aim is to launch a tech startup, to publish a book, or if it’s just to set you and your family up for a good life, having the right people in your corner is the best recipe for it.

But sometimes the most life-changing support isn’t flashy. It’s practical.

This is not a profound essay. If I didn’t have a mechanic I trusted, I’d have spent thousands more on my vehicles over the years, either due to a lack of scruples, or bad judgments on my part. In fact, I drove my Camry to its fiery grave in my 20s because I didn’t understand car maintenance.

I have retirement savings and a net worth because my financial planner acts in my best interest. I stress less about my business’ finances due to my accountant and bookkeeper managing them. And as inconsequential as it may sound, I trust my looks (at least my hair) to the same woman who’s been cutting it for close to a decade.

Having friends in the right places is invaluable to designing the life you want.