In a world where success is often measured by numbers and external achievements, Matthew Sanjari, a business coach and strategic consultant, challenges the norm by asking a powerful question: What does success look like without using numbers? In this candid and thought-provoking interview, Matthew shares his journey from a life-altering accident to rediscovering purpose and building a fulfilling career. Through his story, he provides practical insights into overcoming challenges, redefining success, and achieving sustainable growth.
A Life Shaken by Pain: Finding Purpose in Adversity
In 2012, Matthew’s life was upended when a devastating car accident involving two massive Clydesdale horses left him inches from death. While he survived with minor physical injuries, the emotional and mental toll unraveled over time. "The accident actually revealed that I was not prepared for change, that I was not prepared to handle pain," Matthew shares.
Stripped of his career and grappling with depression, Matthew spent nearly a year lying on his parents' basement floor, unsure of what his next move would be. But through this profound pain, he found clarity and purpose, transforming his adversity into an opportunity to grow and help others. "Twelve years ago, I thought my life was over because of my pain. Now, my pain has given me a career and is helping my clients," he reflects.
Defining Success: It's More Than Numbers
One of the pivotal lessons Matthew learned during his journey was redefining success. For years, he equated success with financial stability and external achievements. But as he began rebuilding his life, he realized the importance of aligning success with his values and goals.
“I thought success was, as long as there's more money in the bank than there is coming out, then business is good,” Matthew explains. However, he began asking himself a critical question: What does success look like for me without using numbers?
This introspection led him to redefine success as freedom of time and choice—being able to spend quality time with loved ones and pursue passions without being tethered to work. By understanding what truly mattered to him, Matthew was able to establish boundaries and prioritize tasks that aligned with his vision.
The 80/20 Rule: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Matthew also discovered the power of the 80/20 rule, a principle that states 20% of efforts yield 80% of results. This realization forced him to scrutinize how he was spending his time, energy, and resources.
“I started to list off all of the things that I was doing, every single task, and realized really quickly that there were a lot of things I was doing that I didn’t have to do,” he recalls.
By documenting his daily activities, he identified tasks that could be automated, delegated, or eliminated entirely.
This simple yet transformative framework enabled Matthew to reclaim his time and focus on what truly drove results in his business and personal life. The lesson? You don’t have to do everything to achieve success; you just have to focus on the right things.
Growth Begins with Clarity
As a business coach, Matthew encourages his clients to confront their fears and get clear on what truly matters. He often asks them a simple yet profound question: If you were removed from your business for 30 days, what would you come back to?
This exercise forces business owners to examine the areas where their systems, finances, or teams might crumble without their presence. "When we get clarity, that's the basis for which we get growth," Matthew emphasizes.
Through this process, Matthew helps his clients build systems that are sustainable and scalable. His Four P’s Framework—Purpose, Predictability, Productivity, and Profitability—guides entrepreneurs in creating businesses that thrive without constant hands-on management. As he explains, "Profitability isn’t something you work on; it’s an outcome."
Pain as a Teacher: Lessons for Life and Business
Matthew’s story underscores a universal truth: Pain, though uncomfortable, can be a powerful teacher. By embracing discomfort and using it as a catalyst for change, he discovered new ways to grow personally and professionally.
His advice for anyone feeling stuck or paralyzed by fear? Focus on finding your “why.” "You can make a million dollars and still feel unfulfilled," he warns. Instead, build a life and business that align with your core values, even if it means tearing up the plan and starting fresh.
Key Takeaways
Redefine Success: Move beyond financial metrics and define success based on your values and goals.
Embrace the 80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of activities that drive 80% of your results.
Build Systems for Sustainability: Ask yourself tough questions to identify weaknesses and create systems that allow your business to thrive without you.
Find Your Why: Align your actions with your core purpose to create a life and business that fulfill you.
Take the Next Step
If Matthew’s story resonated with you, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself: What does success look like for me? Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, Matthew is ready to help you rediscover your purpose and create a sustainable path forward.
Visit ConsultingByPrime.com to schedule a free consultation, or connect with Matthew on LinkedIn to start your journey toward clarity and growth.
Your path to purpose and profit might just begin today.
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