In this episode: Defining “enough,” FIRE mindset shifts, intentional career design, sabbaticals as low-risk experiments, and taking action to find clarity. Episode Summary Susie Ade—mental health and wellbeing program manager at Google and a certified career coach—shares how discovering financial independence changed not just how they spend, but how they make decisions about work, time, and meaning. Susie and Adam explore what it looks like to define “enough” from the inside out: using daily joy, energy, and alignment (not comparison or consumerism) as the measuring stick. They also dig into Susie’s unconventional path at Google and a three-month sabbatical working at a winery in Australia—an intentional reset that helped clarify what Susie wanted next. A recurring theme: clarity rarely comes from overthinking; it comes from running thoughtful experiments and building a “bias toward action” within safe boundaries. Guest Bio Susie Ade is a certified career coach (CPCC) and mental health and wellbeing program manager at Google. Over nearly a decade at Google, Susie has held roles across sales, YouTube’s Intelligence Desk, and people development. Susie coaches employees internally and works with private clients who want more fulfillment, clarity, and alignment in their careers. Resources & Books Mentioned Mr. Money Mustache blogYour Money or Your Life — Vicki Robin & Joe DominguezThe Simple Path to Wealth — JL CollinsDesigning Your Life — Bill Burnett & Dave EvansStrengthsFinder 2.0 — Tom RathChooseFI podcastHeadspace (meditation app)The Tim Ferriss Show #542: Chris Dixon & Naval Ravikant on Web3Mindful FIRE ep 14 with Morgan Bria: mindfulfire.org/14Guest Contact Information Website: susieade.comLinkedIn: Susie AdeKey Takeaways Define “enough” by looking at a real day. Notice what reliably brings joy and meaning (walks, cooking, connection) and let that inform your targets—not someone else’s highlight reel.FIRE reframes spending as “life energy.” When money becomes time and energy, it’s easier to break patterns of consumerism and impulsive buying.Sabbaticals can be powerful, practical experiments. Plant the seed early (think ~6 months), plan a clean handoff, and go in with intention rather than escaping.Build a bias toward action. You can’t think your way to clarity; test the next small step, learn, and iterate within safe boundaries.PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next. In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking). Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat 🔥 WHO I’m creating this for This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and: You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks) In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll: Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).Turn yo...
