If I could turn back the clock and have a serious chat with my 21-year-old self, this is what I would say.
Because after 25 years of chasing financial freedom, building a million dollar business, and teaching thousands of students about QiMen Manifestation and success…
…I’ve realised that it wasn’t just the strategies that mattered.
It was the truths - some harsh, some beautiful - that shaped who I became.
So here they are.
18 Brutal Truths About Wealth & Success I Wish I Knew At 21.
Truth #1: Being Confident Goes A Long Way
I used to be an introvert with low self-esteem.
Seriously… if you had met me back then, I would be the guy standing in the corner at networking events (That’s if I even had the guts to show up).
But when I discovered my talents through my BaZi Destiny Chart… everything changed.
In Period 9’s fast-moving world, showcasing your ideas with confidence is non-negotiable.
When you’re confident, people notice. They listen. They trust you.
That’s why in my Inner Circle Coaching, I love coaching parents on helping their kids build self-confidence through BaZi & QiMen Destiny Reading. It transforms lives.
Truth #2: Consistency & Discipline Is Key To Success
At 21, I was impatient. Going after get-rich-quick schemes.
I thought success would come overnight.
Instead, over a decade, I lost all my money through shortcuts, chasing shiny objects syndrome and wasted irreplaceable time.
The reality? Success is built through small consistent actions - whether it’s investing in the stock market or building your business.
Show up daily, and let time compound your efforts.
Truth #3: Small Baby Step Actions Trump Knowledge
You can be the smartest person in the room… but if you don’t take action, you’ll get nowhere.
Today, in a world full of distractions, the key is to focus on small actions - 10 to 20-minute focused blocks of time.
Results come from doing,
not just knowing.
Truth #4: You Are Not A Failure Until You Give Up In Your Life
I love what Albert Einstein said:
"I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."
Make mistakes, reflect, learn and grow.
The only true failure is giving up.
Moving forward is the only path to success.
Truth #5: Financial Literacy Is Crucial – Learn How Money Works
I wasn’t born into a rich family.
Neither did I grow up rich, nor did I learn about money in school.
Everything I knew about money, I learned from generous mentors who showed me the ropes.
And here’s the thing: you must master investing today.
It’s no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity.
Understand how money works, and you can build wealth in any economy.
Truth #6: I Would Master QiMen Forecasting Early
Learning QiMen Manifestation changed my life.
But mastering QiMen Forecasting took it to another level.
Today, with QiMen Intelligence, I can plot a QiMen Hour Chart in seconds to help me make million-dollar decisions.
It’s my toolset to guide critical decisions when investing in million-dollar properties, handling life-or-death health challenges - even stage 4 cancer consultations.
In Period 9, QiMen Intelligence is a millionaire’s secret weapon.
Truth #7: You Don’t Need Approval To Live Your Own Life
In Asian culture, seeking family approval feels natural.
In my 20s, I constantly sought approval - from my parents, friends, even strangers.
And it held me back. I felt powerless waiting for others’ thumbs-up and I was miserable.
True power comes when you live life on your own terms.
No one else needs to validate your dreams.
The day I vowed to live on my own terms, I felt free and powerful.
Truth #8: Take 100% Responsibility For Your Life
I used to think I was a positive person.
But deep down, I was blaming everyone - my boss, my parents, the economy because facing my own mistakes was scary…
The moment I stopped blaming and started owning every outcome, my life transformed.
Taking full responsibility for your life is the gateway to empowerment.
Truth #9: Wealth Is A Mindset & Personal Belief
No one becomes rich by accident.
Self-made millionaires are obsessed with creating wealth - it’s part of their lifestyle and belief system.
And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be rich. It’s simply a way to amplify your impact.
Embrace it.
Truth #10: Activating Your QiMen Inner Peace
One of my favourite QiMen Activations is Inner Peace.
When I discovered this formation in my QiMen Destiny Chart, and started activating it, I felt a tremendous change within me.
I have more confidence and higher self-worth which gives me the ability to be authentic and embrace imperfection.
With Inner Peace, it allows me to sleep peacefully every night.
It’s more than a spiritual tool - it’s a fuel to real-world success.
Truth #11: Clarity In Goals Is Crucial
For years, I lacked clarity. I didn’t know what I truly wanted.
Without crystal-clear goals, your mind can’t focus.
Once I became crystal clear on what I wanted, manifesting those goals became easier.
Clarity is a skill you can develop. And it turbocharges manifestation.
Truth #12: Empty Vessel Makes The Loudest Noise
In my 20s, I was easily impressed by charismatic talkers.
But over time, I learned - substance matters more than style.
I wasted time, energy, and money on glitter without gold.
Now, if someone gossips about others, that’s a red flag. I now distance myself from such people.
Protect your energy.
Truth #13: Who You Listen To Will Make Or Break Your Life
Choose your mentors and inner circle wisely.
Choose advisors who fan your flames, not extinguish them.
I’ve seen businesses destroyed by negative partners.
I watched a friend lose 75% of his revenue because he trusted a partner who constantly poured cold water on his dreams.
Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and challenge you to grow.
Truth #14: True Abundance Comes From Appreciating What You Already Have
For years, I focused on what I lacked.
And guess what? Life gave me more scarcity.
What you focus on multiplies.
When I obsessed over what wasn’t in my life, I manifested more obstacles.
When I started appreciating the small things in life, even the extra dollar in my pocket, the clean sheets on my bed, and my morning coffee, abundance began flowing in.
Gratitude attracts abundance.
Truth #15: Always Stay In A FengShui House
My current FengShui house 10X’d my life in terms of my wealth and success in just 5 years.
The flow of energy matters. The environment you live in affects your success and happiness.
If you’re going to invest millions in a home, choose one with high vibrational energy that enhances your family’s harmony and prosperity.
Truth #16: Love Yourself Always
Self-love isn’t being selfish.
This took me years to learn.
I used to be a perfectionist - constantly criticising myself and bashing myself relentlessly.
If you love someone, you wouldn’t speak harshly to a loved one, would you? So, why would you do it to yourself?
Love yourself first and positive energy and abundance will follow.
It’s the foundation for attracting wealth and success.
Truth #17: Always Be Kind & Love Your Enemies
Let’s be honest - haters will show up.
I’ve had my fair share of people gossiping, backstabbing, and wishing me failure.
But I choose compassion over anger and forgiveness over resentment.
Here’s my mindset:
"Thank you for letting me live rent-free in your mind."
Kindness and compassion elevate your vibration and shield you from energy vampires.
Truth #18: Tap Into QiMen Manifestation Alignment Energy To Grow Your Life
QiMen Manifestation transformed my life.
By aligning with universal energy, I went from struggling to thriving.
Thousands of students have experienced this shift and have seen breakthroughs in my weekend QiMen Manifestation Masterclass.
If you’re done playing small… and tired of the hustle loop with no results, don’t just watch – ACT.
Then it’s time to align. Allow me to show you how QiMen Alignment can help you grow in your life.
Join my next QiMen Manifestation Masterclass.
Not because you need another course.
But because you need QiMen Intelligence, a proven personalised system that aligns your energy with your actions - for real results.
I’ll see you there.
Final Thoughts
There you have it - 18 Brutal Truths About Wealth & Success I Wish I Knew At 21.
If even ONE of these truths sparks an aha moment for you today… My mission is accomplished.
Because success is never about luck or talent alone.
It’s about mindset, energy alignment, and the courage to take responsibility for your life.
Here’s to your next breakthrough.
And if you’re ready for it… I’ll see you in the QiMen Manifestation Masterclass.
About the Author
Roy Phay is an investor, entrepreneur, and the creator of QiMen IntelligenceTM, a system that helps high-performers time their boldest decisions with energetic precision.
Known as the QiMen Alignment Expert, Roy helps leaders align life and business strategy with the windows where results are most likely to land.
Join me on this journey in my QiMen Manifestation Masterclass, and let's create meaningful success together!
