Podcasts > The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett > MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

By Steven Bartlett

In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Jimmy (aka MrBeast) opens up about his unrelenting work ethic and extreme focus in building his YouTube channel and business empire. He discusses the personal costs of his nonstop schedule, including its toll on his well-being and relationships. The podcast explores Jimmy's drive to use his platform and wealth for ethical change, such as combating child labor in West Africa through his chocolate company, Feastables.

Jimmy also shares his ambitious, larger-than-life productions like Beast Games that push creative boundaries, as well as the mental health challenges he faces from his unwavering commitment to success. The episode offers a candid look at Jimmy's singular obsession with his goals and the sacrifices he's made to achieve his billion-dollar success.

MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

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MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

1-Page Summary

Jimmy's Obsession With Success and Unwavering Drive

From childhood, Jimmy, AKA Mr. Beast, was singularly focused on becoming a successful YouTuber and entrepreneur, despite friction with his skeptical mother over his extreme commitment. Even after early financial wins, he would reinvest every penny, determined to build his YouTube channel and later businesses. He believes his superpower is an obsessive ability to hyperfocus on a singular goal through hardship and sacrifice.

Building a Business Empire Demands Intense Focus

Jimmy considers his extreme dedication, coachability, and emphasis on employee ownership as keys to his success. He describes himself as "way too all in" and "obsessed" with growing his businesses. Jimmy's relentless work ethic sustained him through nearly a decade of grinding before achieving success.

Personal Costs of Jimmy's Relentless Drive

Jimmy recognizes the toll his nonstop schedule takes on his well-being. He often feels unhappy and disoriented, questioning if the impact on his health from illness, lack of sleep, and creative burnout is worth it. Caffeine powers him through debilitating flare-ups of Crohn's disease during shoots.

His fiancée uniquely understands his all-consuming lifestyle, spending time together whenever possible between his constant work and travel. Though Jimmy hopes to have children eventually, he acknowledges now is not the right time.

Mr. Beast's Commitment to Ethical Change

Discovering rampant child labor in West Africa's cocoa industry prompted Jimmy to found Feastables, aiming to be the largest ethically sourced chocolate company to inspire industry reform. Dismissals from major brands drove him to prove ethical sourcing is viable.

While his philanthropic efforts draw criticism, Jimmy stays focused on using his platform and wealth to improve lives over personal gain. He finds making a positive impact more fulfilling than chasing wealth alone.

Jimmy's Ambitious, Boundary-Pushing Productions

Projects like Beast Games showcase Jimmy's penchant for maximalism - the largest sets, prize pools and production scale in reality show history. Despite immense costs, he embraces risks to push content creation boundaries through experiments like this.

Mental Health Sacrifices in The Pursuit of Success

Jimmy suggests his success may have been hindered had he prioritized mental health over extreme work demands. Yet his resilient mindset focuses on the positives amidst intense challenges like managing Crohn's disease.

For Jimmy, success now means solving complex issues and driving positive change through ethical businesses aligned with his values, like using Feastables to combat child labor. Overcoming difficulties to do good brings him fulfillment beyond content creation.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Jimmy's hyperfocus and reinvestment strategy have been successful for him, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach; other entrepreneurs might succeed with more balanced lifestyles and diversified investments.
  • Extreme dedication can lead to burnout and health issues; it's important to recognize the value of work-life balance.
  • Employee ownership is beneficial, but it's not the only key to business success; other factors like market conditions, innovation, and customer service also play critical roles.
  • The narrative of being "obsessed" with work can perpetuate unhealthy work cultures that glorify overworking at the expense of personal health and relationships.
  • The toll on well-being from a nonstop schedule is a serious concern; long-term success should also account for personal happiness and health.
  • While caffeine might help manage symptoms temporarily, relying on it can have negative health consequences and doesn't address the underlying issues of chronic illnesses like Crohn's disease.
  • Founding an ethically sourced chocolate company is commendable, but it's important to ensure that the entire supply chain and business practices are ethical, not just the sourcing of ingredients.
  • Using a platform for philanthropy is positive, but it's also important to ensure that such efforts are effective, sustainable, and not inadvertently causing harm or dependency.
  • Ambitious productions like Beast Games are impressive, but they can also lead to excessive consumption and environmental impact, which should be considered and mitigated.
  • Prioritizing mental health is crucial, and suggesting that success may come at its expense could discourage others from seeking help or maintaining their mental well-being.
  • Solving complex issues through business is noble, but it's also important to collaborate with experts and communities affected by those issues to ensure that solutions are appropriate and effective.

Actionables

  • You can set a clear, ambitious goal and track your progress with a dedicated goal-setting app or journal. Start by defining what success looks like for you, whether it's starting a business, learning a new skill, or improving your health. Use the app or journal to break down your goal into smaller, actionable steps, set deadlines, and regularly review your progress to stay focused and motivated.
  • Develop a habit of reinvesting in your growth by allocating a percentage of your income or time to personal development. This could mean taking online courses, attending workshops, or purchasing books related to your goal. The key is to consistently use your resources to enhance your skills and knowledge, which will compound over time and contribute to your success.
  • Create a personal impact project that aligns with your values and interests. This could be as simple as volunteering for a cause you care about, starting a community garden, or launching a blog to raise awareness about an issue. By focusing on making a positive impact, you'll find fulfillment and purpose beyond personal gain, which can sustain your motivation and resilience in the face of challenges.

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MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

Jimmy's Relentless Drive, Ambition, and Work Ethic

Jimmy's Obsession With Success and Building Businesses

From an Early Age, Jimmy Aspired to Be a Successful YouTuber and Entrepreneur, Despite Family Friction

Jimmy, better known as Mr. Beast, revealed that since childhood, he was determined to pursue a career as a YouTuber and entrepreneur. His mother, frustrated with his focus on YouTube, preferred he concentrate on his studies. Despite the family friction, especially when Jimmy invested all of his earnings back into his YouTube channel rather than save, he remained committed to his vision. This determination extended to the point of obsession, as Jimmy would declare, "I'm gonna be a YouTuber. I'm gonna die trying." Even after earning substantial amounts like $100,000 in a month, he would reinvest it all, much to his mother's chagrin. However, his mother's perspective shifted when she saw his risks pay off, which expanded the trust in their relationship. Additionally, Jimmy's desire to make money on YouTube was fueled by his family's financial struggles and his wish to take care of his mother.

Mr. Beast’s passion for entrepreneurship grew along with his YouTube career. He shares that what started as a side project, his chocolate company Feastables, evolved into an endeavor that provided him with the same excitement as making videos. His deep involvement in the chocolate industry showed a new level of commitment that he had not initially anticipated.

Jimmy's Resilience In Achieving Goals

Jimmy Sees Enduring Hardship and Sacrifice As a Competitive Advantage

Jimmy's focus and work ethic have been crucial to his success, and he prides himself on traits that others might find extreme or intimidating. He describes himself as "way too all in" and "obsessed" with growing his business, as well as being stubborn and competitive. His resilience shines through the stories of long consultations to analyze video performance, sometimes lasting over 18 hours, which he pursued with doggedness and consistency. He would not let the struggle defeat him, and instead saw enduring hardship and sacrifice as his unique advantage. Jimmy believes that this resilience, his 'superpower' of being a ...

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Jimmy's Relentless Drive, Ambition, and Work Ethic

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Actionables

  • You can set a "vision board" in your workspace with images and phrases that represent your goals to keep your focus sharp and remind you of your long-term aspirations. For example, if you're aiming to start a small business, include pictures of potential products, inspiring entrepreneur quotes, and milestones you want to achieve.
  • Start a "reinvestment fund" by setting aside a percentage of any personal income to fund your passion projects or self-improvement. This could be as simple as using 10% of your monthly earnings to buy books, courses, or materials that help you develop skills relevant to your interests.
  • ...

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MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

Jimmy's Lifestyle Success: Personal Costs and Challenges

Jimmy, also known as MrBeast, faces significant personal costs and challenges due to his dedication to his work. His nonstop schedule impacts his well-being, relationships, and personal life.

Jimmy's Lifestyle Toll on Well-Being

Jimmy Is Often Unhappy due to Work Demands

Jimmy admits that his life is plagued by unhappiness, largely due to the incessant demands of his work and frequent travel. He finds it disorienting not knowing what time zone he's in or where he'll be shortly. Jimmy has experienced times of questioning whether he is handling his success properly and has faced mental breakdowns and emotional lows after intense work periods.

Jimmy's Nonstop Schedule Harms His Health, Sleep, and Personal Life

Jimmy has faced bouts of illness, including spending four days in a hospital in South Africa due to the flu. His chronic condition, Crohn's disease, adds to his health challenges, and he acknowledges that his work schedule has prevented him from researching more effective treatments, with surgery being a potential solution. His work on demanding projects, such as a desert island video shoot that went awry, leaves him questioning whether the toll on his health is worth it. He also struggles with creative burnout and mentions the inevitability of quitting due to relentless content creation demands. Caffeine and sheer will keep him going through potential disease flares during filming. His punishing schedule compromises his workout routine, leading him to recognize he needs to prioritize his life differently.

Challenges Of Balancing Relationships and Life

Fiancée Truly Understands Jimmy's All-consuming Work Style

Jimmy acknowledges the rarity of finding a partner compatible with his exhaustive lifestyle. His fiancée provides unwavering support, understanding the importance of his work. They spend quality time together during nights, on planes, car rides, or ...

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Jimmy's Lifestyle Success: Personal Costs and Challenges

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Actionables

  • You can assess your work-life balance by tracking your time for a week. Use a simple spreadsheet or a time-tracking app to log how you spend your hours each day, categorizing activities into work, sleep, personal life, and health. After a week, review the data to identify areas where work may be encroaching on personal time or health routines, and adjust accordingly.
  • Create a "health first" alarm on your phone to remind you to prioritize wellness activities daily. Set multiple alarms throughout the day with labels like "Time for a healthy snack," "Stretching break," or "Mindfulness moment" to ensure that, despite a busy schedule, you're taking steps to maintain your health.
  • Schedule regular "future planning" sessions ...

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MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

Jimmy's Focus on Ethical Practices and Impact

Jimmy, known for his philanthropic actions and YouTube fame, demonstrates a deep commitment to ethical practices in his business ventures and leverages his influence to promote positive change.

Jimmy's Dedication To Combating Child Labor and Unethical Practices In the Chocolate Industry

Upon discovering the pervasive problem of child labor in West African cocoa farms, Jimmy became dedicated to creating an ethical, sustainable chocolate company, Feastables. He reveals that 46% of labor in West Africa on cocoa farms is child labor. This shocking realization came when he considered shifting Feastables' supply chain to West Africa and conducted research, confirming the prevalence of child labor there.

Despite reaching out to major chocolate companies regarding the child labor issue and being dismissed with the excuse that it's always been that way, Jimmy refused to accept the status quo. Instead, his frustration with their lack of concern fueled his resolve, as illustrated in a documentary clip where a large supplier admitted to the impossibility of avoiding child labor.

Jimmy's Goal: Inspire Chocolate Companies to Improve Sourcing Through Feastables' Success

Mr. Beast has positioned Feastables as the largest ethically sourced chocolate company in America and emphasizes that child labor is not utilized and that farmers are paid a living income. He initially used cacao from Peru, where ethical sourcing was straightforward, but learning about unethical practices elsewhere, he refrained from sourcing from West Africa.

By not only focusing on ethical practices but also trying to educate consumers about the realities of child labor in the industry, Jimmy hopes to effect significant change. Feastables includes messaging on its packaging like "every bite helps get kids out of child labor" to spread awareness. Jimmy envisions Feastables setting a new ethical standard in the chocolate industry, similar to how Tesla impacted the automotive industry with its focus on sustainable and high-quality products.

Jimmy's Aim to Use His Platform and Resources For Good

Jimmy navigates criticism and backlash with the conviction that as long as he operates morally and ethically, he remains focused on his mission to do good—choosing to address valid problems and ignore unfounded rumors. He is determined to continue his philanthropic work despite observers who misinterpret his motives. He contrasts the reception of his work with others who flaunt wealth, underscoring his commitment to using his resources for positive impact.

Driven to H ...

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Jimmy's Focus on Ethical Practices and Impact

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Clarifications

  • The chocolate industry faces ethical challenges like child labor, especially in regions like West Africa where cocoa is predominantly sourced. Child labor is a significant issue in cocoa production, with many children working in hazardous conditions on cocoa farms. Ethical sourcing aims to ensure that cocoa is produced without exploiting labor, promoting fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers. Companies like Feastables prioritize ethical practices to combat these challenges and promote positive change in the industry.
  • Jimmy, known as Mr. Beast, is a popular YouTuber who is recognized for his philanthropic actions, where he often gives away large sums of money to individuals in need or for charitable causes. His philanthropic work extends beyond his YouTube channel, as he has also focused on ethical business practices, particularly in the chocolate industry with his company Feastables. Through his actions and business decisions, Jimmy aims to make a positive impact by promoting ethical practices and raising awareness about issues like child labor in the industry.
  • Jimmy, also known as Mr. Beas ...

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MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

Jimmy's High-Value Productions

Steven Bartlett and Mr Beast discuss the extensive ambition and investments that characterize Mr Beast's high-value productions like Beast Games.

Scale and Complexity of Projects Like Beast Games

Mr Beast's projects, especially Beast Games, stand out due to their massive scale and the complexity involved in their creation.

Beast Games Showcased Biggest Sets, Most World Records, Largest Cash Prizes in Reality Competition History

Mr Beast reveals that Beast Games had the most extensive sets, world records, cash prizes, winners, contestants, and cameras in the history of reality competition shows. The first episode alone involved over $15 million spent constructing a set with a thousand 10-foot-tall towers, complete with hardwiring and custom software. The set for the second episode—a fully functioning city—cost $14 million to build.

Producing Beast Games Required Major Investments In Time, Money, and Infrastructure for High-Quality, Unscripted Footage

Creating Beast Games involved a remarkable investment of time, money, and infrastructure. The huge number of cameras required record-breaking amounts of cable and extensive storage and control rooms. Adobe needed to customize software to manage the multicam feeds, and over 150 people worked on editing the "unfathomable" quantity of footage. Despite having massive expenses without immediate returns, Mr Beast considers the project's success based on its potential to break records with its evergreen content attracting a high number of daily viewers.

Jimmy's Commitment To Pushing Content Creation Boundaries

Mr Beast’s willingness to engage in risky investments and to innovate content experiences is paving the way for new forms of digital media.

Jimmy Embraces Risk to Invest In Innovative Con ...

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Jimmy's High-Value Productions

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Beast Games, a production by Mr Beast, featured massive sets with a thousand 10-foot-tall towers and a fully functioning city. The show boasted the largest cash prizes, winners, contestants, and cameras in reality competition history. The production required significant investments in time, money, and infrastructure to capture high-quality, unscripted footage. Despite the substantial expenses, Mr Beast aimed to break records and attract a large daily viewership with the show's innovative content.
  • Creating Beast Games required significant financial investments in constructing elaborate sets, acquiring equipment like cameras and cables, and customizing software for editing and managing footage. Mr Beast took on substantial financial risks, with tens of millions of dollars spent on the project without immediate returns, showcasing his commitment to pushing boundaries in digital content creation. Despite the high costs and uncertainties, Mr Beast's focus was on the potential long-term success and record-breaking content that could attract ...

Counterarguments

  • The focus on scale and complexity might overshadow the importance of content depth and storytelling quality.
  • Large cash prizes and record-breaking sets could contribute to an unsustainable escalation of production costs in the industry.
  • The heavy investment in infrastructure and technology for unscripted footage may not necessarily translate to better viewer engagement or content quality.
  • While innovation is crucial, there is a risk that prioritizing high-value productions could create barriers to entry for new creators with limited resources.
  • Embracing risk and the potential for failure is important, but there should al ...

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MrBeast: If You Want To Be Liked, Don't Help People! I Lost Tens Of Millions On Beast Games... But I'm Worth $1 Billion!

Jimmy's Views on Mental Health, Happiness, and Success

Jimmy, also known as Mr. Beast, shares his thoughts on the intersection of mental health, happiness, and his journey to success. Below are insights into how he has cultivated his mindset, faced challenges, and defined success.

Jimmy's Relationship With Mental Health and Happiness

Jimmy Admits Prioritizing Mental Health Could've Hindered His Success

Jimmy acknowledges the impact of his intense work ethic on his mental health, suggesting that he might not have attained his current level of success had he prioritized mental well-being over his career aspirations. Despite the hardships he faced, such as having Crohn's disease and receiving negative feedback, he chose to focus on his work. Although he does not regret this decision, he implies that continuous work without breaks has been a key factor in his achievements, hinting at the sacrifice of personal well-being for the sake of continued success.

Jimmy's Resilient Mindset Focuses On Positives in His Intense Lifestyle

Mr. Beast talks about living a highly productive life, which he describes as "life on hard mode" due to his constant juggling of health challenges like Crohn's disease and the extreme treatment it necessitates. Amidst this, he still manages to focus on solving difficult problems and making a positive impact. He discusses navigating the negativity and maintaining his belief in helping others as a source of fulfillment.

Jimmy's Evolving Definition of Success and Fulfillment

Success For Jimmy: Solving Complex Problems and Making a Positive Impact

For Jimmy, success has evolved beyond content creation to solving complex problems and making a significant impact. His goals include contributing to ending child labor with his chocolate business and expanding his influence on YouTube. He finds the challenge of ethical sourcing and ethical business as fulfilling as creating videos, showing a clear alignment between his personal values and his ...

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Jimmy's Views on Mental Health, Happiness, and Success

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Jimmy acknowledges the impact of his intense work ethic on his mental health, it's important to consider that long-term success is often more sustainable when mental health is given priority.
  • Suggesting that prioritizing mental well-being might hinder success could send a potentially harmful message that neglecting mental health is a necessary sacrifice for achievement.
  • The idea that continuous work without breaks is key to success may not apply universally and can contribute to burnout and decreased productivity in the long run for many individuals.
  • Describing his lifestyle as "life on hard mode" due to health challenges might overlook the fact that everyone's challenges are unique, and what is hard for one person may not be for another.
  • Focusing on solving difficult problems and making a positive impact is commendable, but it's also important to recognize the role of collaboration and acknowledging that no one person can solve complex issues alone.
  • While aiming to contribute to ending child labor with his chocolate business is a noble goal, it's crucial to ensure that such initiativ ...

Actionables

  • You can assess your work-life balance by tracking your daily activities and mood for a week to identify patterns that may affect your mental health. Use a simple journal or a spreadsheet to log the hours spent on work, leisure, and rest, alongside a mood rating from 1 to 10. This will help you visualize the impact of work intensity on your well-being and make informed adjustments.
  • Start a small side project that aligns with a cause you care about to integrate your values into your daily life. For example, if you're passionate about environmental conservation, you could start a community garden, commit to a zero-waste week, or create a blog sharing tips on sustainable living. This allows you to make a positive impact while also finding fulfillment beyond your primary career.
  • Implement ethical considerations into your purchasing decisions by researchin ...

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