Are you living in a Gilded Cage? Here's how to create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks from the outside.
“I think you actually have to have all your dreams come true, to realize they’re the wrong dreams. - Matthew Perry
Hey Superstar,
A story caught my attention recently, one that’s both tragic and revealing—a story about a man named Brandon Miller, a 43-year-old successful and seemingly wealthy real estate mogul. Brandon died by suicide in the Hamptons this past Fourth of July weekend. As heartbreaking as his story is, it shines a light on something we all need to acknowledge.
Brandon appeared to have it all—a beautiful family, a lavish lifestyle, and a successful career. He and his wife, Candice Miller, were regulars in the upscale Hamptons social scene, and from the outside, they seemed like the epitome of the perfect life. But behind this glossy exterior, Brandon was drowning in debt, reportedly $17 million, as they tried to maintain appearances in a world that constantly demands more.
The truth emerged slowly: behind the glamorous fa?ade was a man deeply struggling to keep up with expectations, to maintain the illusion of wealth and success while facing mounting debts, legal battles, and a sense of despair. He was living beyond his means, driven by the pressure to appear successful, to "keep up with the Joneses." Tragically, this pressure ultimately became too much to bear.
Why am I sharing this story with you today? First, because I shared it in the new season of the podcast, Coached and this story is the one that got the most mail of any episode, ever. It is a powerful story, period. (PS: while you're at it, check out episode 2: "I'm Empty and Aching, and I Don't Know Why)
And second, because it’s a stark, cautionary tale about the dangers of living a life that looks perfect on the outside but feels hollow within. It’s a reminder that the relentless pursuit of more—more wealth, more recognition, more status—can sometimes trap us in a 'gilded cage.'
How often have you found yourself chasing after the next big thing, believing that once you achieve it, you’ll finally feel happy or complete? Only to discover that the excitement fades, and you’re left feeling just as unfulfilled as before?
This is the trap that many high achievers fall into, and it’s the very reason I wrote GILDED. In my book, I delve deep into the challenges of ambition, perfectionism, and the constant pursuit of more. I explore why so many of us find ourselves stuck in this endless cycle and, more importantly, how we can break free from it.
Brandon’s story serves as a powerful reminder that true fulfillment doesn’t come from external possessions, accolades, or maintaining a certain image. It comes from understanding who we are beyond the labels, the titles, and the expectations that society places upon us.
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So, I ask you: Are you living in a gilded cage? Incidentally, that phrase is how I came up with the book’s title and cover image.
If this resonates / sends some chills up your spine…
Does everything look perfect on the outside while, on the inside, you feel something is missing? If you’ve ever felt that way, I want you to know that you’re not alone. More importantly, there’s a way out.
GILDED offers a roadmap to help you uncover the real you, the one who exists beyond the pursuit of "more." It’s a guide to living a life that’s authentically yours, filled with joy, purpose, and true fulfillment.
If you’re ready to start breaking free, I invite you to join me on this journey.
Pre-order GILDED today, and let’s embark on this path together—toward a life where you don’t just look successful but feel truly fulfilled.
To your freedom and authentic happiness,