Success isn’t always what it seems. While society often celebrates wealth, status, and hard work, the real path to fulfillment lies much deeper—in emotional health, self-awareness, and meaningful connection.
This is the truth that Jarek Tadla, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Investor, and Mental Health Advocate—came to realize after years of professional achievement that masked a growing inner emptiness. Beneath the surface, he battled feelings of inadequacy, emotional disconnection, and burnout that nearly cost him everything.
In a powerful episode of “A Healthy Point of View” podcast, Sam Tejada, CEO and Founder of Liquivida®, sits down with Jarek for a raw, inspiring conversation about healing, transformation, and the pursuit of what Jarek calls “inner wealth.” Their exchange unpacks the emotional toll of high achievement, the journey to reclaiming well-being, and how Jarek’s message—and his book Not Enoughness: The Gift and the Curse—is helping others find the strength to feel whole again.
From Dishwasher to Millionaire: How Emotional Intelligence Saved Jarek Tadla’s Life | Ep. 45
The Power of Emotional Intelligence
Jarek’s story begins not in a gym or business boardroom but in the deeper, more intimate corners of his emotional world. Although highly successful in his career, Jarek struggled with something far more difficult to measure: emotional intelligence.
“Growing up, I focused heavily on intellectual achievement,” he shares. “But I didn’t realize until later that emotional intelligence is just as important as a high IQ.” Despite being high-performing professionally, Jarek found himself battling depression, emotional instability, and even suicidal thoughts.
His turning point came when he realized that no amount of financial success could fill the void that his emotional struggles created. His emotional and physical health were not just “add-ons” to life; they were the foundation for everything else.
“I didn’t know how to manage my emotions, and that was what ultimately brought me to my knees,” Jarek reflects.
What followed was a profound transformation. Jarek learned that managing one’s emotions, understanding one’s feelings, and building emotional resilience is the key to thriving—not just surviving.
Creating a Balanced Life: The Four Pillars of True Wealth
Jarek’s concept of wealth is rooted in the idea that well-being is a holistic experience, one that requires more than just career success or physical health. He breaks down the four pillars of inner wealth that contribute to a truly fulfilling life:
- Faith (Being)
- Relationships (Bond)
- Business (Growth)
- Body (Well-being)
When these pillars are balanced, life flourishes. When one pillar is neglected—whether it’s our physical health, emotional well-being, or relationships—the whole structure can collapse. No amount of material success can replace the need for balance and emotional fulfillment.
“It’s easy to chase after the next financial goal or professional achievement,” Jarek notes. “But those things become meaningless if we’re not well emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”
The true secret to wealth is achieving harmony across all these areas. True wealth comes when you’re whole—mind, body, and soul.
Knowledge is Power, But Only When Applied
We live in a world filled with endless information—self-help books, podcasts, fitness apps, and seminars all promise to unlock the secrets to success. But Jarek reminds us that knowledge without action is useless. “Knowing something is different from living it,” he states. “We can read all the books we want, but until we take that knowledge and make it part of our daily practice, it doesn’t make a difference.”
Jarek’s approach to health is about consistency and implementation. He practices what he preaches by tracking his physical health through wearable tech like glucose monitors and fitness trackers. But his commitment goes beyond just physical health; it extends to mental health as well. Emotional well-being, for Jarek, is a continuous practice—one that demands mindfulness, dedication, and awareness.
“It’s not about quick fixes or temporary solutions. It’s about making health a lifestyle, a lifelong commitment,” he explains.
The Invisible Battle: Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
One of the most powerful aspects of Jarek’s story is his willingness to speak openly about his mental health challenges. Jarek’s transparency about his battle with depression and suicidal thoughts is both raw and important, especially in a culture that often shies away from discussing mental health struggles.
“I was at the lowest point of my life,” Jarek confesses. “I realized that it wasn’t just about my career or finances. I needed to heal emotionally. That’s when I really began to focus on my mental health.”
Jarek’s vulnerability is not just a personal revelation—it’s an invitation for others to break the silence around mental health. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help, talking to someone, and not allowing these feelings to fester in isolation.
“Talking about it can save lives,” Jarek says. “There are people who care, and you don’t have to go through this alone.”
Jarek’s Book: Not Enoughness: The Gift and the Curse
Amid his personal journey of growth and transformation, Jarek Tadla wrote his powerful book, “Not Enoughness: The Gift and the Curse”, where he explores the deeply ingrained feeling of not being enough, a sentiment that many people, including high-achievers, struggle with in silence.
In his book, Jarek reveals how the pervasive feeling of “not enoughness” can be both a gift and a curse. On the one hand, it can drive individuals to achieve more and push themselves harder. On the other, it can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a cycle of never feeling content despite outward successes.
Jarek’s honest and insightful reflections in Not Enoughness help readers understand how this internal battle can be a hidden obstacle in their path to success and fulfillment. The book discusses how our sense of inadequacy often originates from childhood or early life experiences, and how societal pressures and cultural expectations perpetuate the idea that we need to do more, be more, and have more to feel truly fulfilled.
However, Jarek also presents a path to freedom from this toxic mindset. He encourages readers to reframe their thinking, to embrace their imperfections, and to find peace with who they are rather than constantly striving for more. Through personal anecdotes, practical tools, and reflective exercises, Not Enoughness serves as both a self-help guide and a heartfelt exploration of human nature, offering readers emotional healing and the freedom to feel enough just as they are.
“I want people to stop looking outside themselves for validation,” Jarek shares about his book. “You are enough, and the key to living a full life is knowing that.”
Teaching the Next Generation: The Gift of Emotional Intelligence
As Jarek reflects on his journey, he also turns his attention to the future—particularly to his children. He sees emotional intelligence not as a luxury, but as a vital skill that should be taught from an early age.
“We spend so much time focusing on grades and academic success, but we don’t teach kids how to manage their emotions or deal with stress,” he observes. “I want to make sure my children grow up with the tools to navigate their emotional worlds.”
This insight is a reminder that emotional resilience is a skill that can and should be taught. Jarek believes that if we invest in nurturing emotional intelligence in children, we can break the cycle of emotional struggles that many people face later in life.
Living a Legacy of Inner Wealth
True wealth is not something you accumulate, but something you nurture. It’s not about the house you live in or the car you drive. It’s about having the physical energy, emotional strength, and healthy relationships that make life meaningful.
“You can have all the money in the world, but if you don’t have your health or your relationships, it means nothing,” Jarek concludes.
For him, the greatest legacy he can leave is not just financial security but the emotional tools that will empower his children to lead balanced, fulfilling lives. This isn’t just about improving himself—it’s about impacting generations to come.