3 things successful leaders spend money on that make life feel extremely good (photos included)
The quiet investments that enrich life beyond work.
Some of the best money I’ve ever spent had nothing to do with status, upgrades, or “rewarding myself for working hard.”
It had everything to do with feeling more alive.
The crazy thing is, it’s usually not louder, busier or more impressive.
Just… alive.
And I’ve noticed something over the years, traveling, speaking, building businesses, sitting with leaders from all walks of life.
The leaders who actually enjoy their lives don’t just invest in growth.
They invest in experience, perspective, and presence.
Here are three things I’ve seen (and lived) that quietly make life better, richer, and more meaningful.
1. A meal that becomes an experience
There is something deeply grounding, joyful, and almost cry-worthy about a meal done right.
Not rushed, not inhaled between meetings. But experienced.
I’m talking about the kind of meal that pulls you into another culture, another time, another way of seeing the world.
I still think about a bear stew I had in Tallinn, Estonia at the Olde Hansa House. A dish once enjoyed by kings and rich merchants in medieval times. Wild. Earthy. Deep. It wasn’t just food. It was history in a bowl.
And then there was a tiny restaurant in Uji, Japan, where my wife and I sat through what felt like a 13-course journey. Small plates. Fascinating flavours. Thoughtful pacing. Every bite felt intentional. Like art you could taste.
And here’s the thing.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant.
Some of the most joy I’ve felt has come from discovering a proper smash burger joint. You know the kind. Squishy fries. Sauce oozing from the burger. Pickles doing their thing. Sitting down, no rush, just enjoying it fully.
These moments matter.
They slow you down, wake up your senses and remind you that life isn’t just about output.
Try this:
This week, intentionally seek out one meal that feels like an experience. New culture. New spot. New flavour. Sit. Taste. Be present. Don’t multitask it.
Great leaders find magical moments in everything they do.
2. A signature scent that changes how you feel instantly
There’s something wildly underrated about scent.
It bypasses logic.
It skips the spreadsheet.
It goes straight to your nervous system.
A good scent doesn’t just smell nice.
It transports you.
I’ll never forget walking through the old markets in Dubai. Gold canisters everywhere. Shelves stacked with oils and perfumes that felt ancient and luxurious at the same time. Ouds. Saffron. Leather. Florals. Resins. Fruits. Scents so rich they almost felt edible.
For a moment, I felt like Aladdin running through the souk.
That’s how powerful scent is.
I stopped into a small perfume shop and did something I’d never done before. I created my own fragrance. I chose the oils myself, handed them to the master perfumer, and watched him do his magic. No rush or upsell. Just craft.
That scent is called Daniel in Dubai.
And here’s the beautiful part.
Every single time I smell it now, I’m back there.
The desert heat.
The spices.
The silks.
The tea.
The sense of wonder.
That little bottle does more for my mood, my presence, and my confidence than most things money can buy.
Some days it makes me feel expensive and bold.
Other days subtle and grounded.
But it always makes me feel awake.
This isn’t about vanity.
It’s about intentional emotion.
Try this:
Invest in a scent that feels like you. Not trendy. Not generic. Something that tells a story. Wear it on days you need confidence, calm, or clarity. Let it anchor you.
Great leaders understand this.
How you feel shapes how you lead.
P.s. If you live in or outside the Greater Toronto Area, there’s a little perfumery in Kitchener Waterloo called SHIVI Perfumery, and they host perfume making workshops or you can simply walk in and build your own scent with the master perfumer. The experience is so delightful and you’ll walk out feeling on cloud nine!
3. Spending money on someone else’s joy
This one might be my favourite.
The other day, I randomly called my parents and asked, “Do you want to go on a road trip to the nation’s capital?”
No itinerary, schedule or big plans. Just coffee for the long drive. Conversations.
Two nights in a beautiful hotel. Good food. Elegant design. Time. Space.
They accepted.
When we got to Ottawa, we ate, grabbed some fruits and walked through a museum and just wandered. We stood in front of art pieces and wondered what the artist was thinking. No rush. No agenda.
And here’s what hit me.
There is no better use of money than watching someone you love exhale.
Seeing someone rest, feel seen or seeing someone enjoy something they wouldn’t have planned for themselves.
That joy sticks with you longer than any purchase.
It reframes success and deepens relationships.
It reminds you that leadership isn’t just about building things. It’s about enriching lives.
This isn’t charity.
It’s investment.
In someone’s rest, or curiosity or someone’s dream.
Try this:
Spend money on someone else’s experience this month. A trip. A meal. A class. A moment. Something that gives them space and joy.
You’ll feel it too.
Probably more than you expect.
Why this matters
These things don’t show up on balance sheets.
But they change how you move through the world.
They make life richer.
They make leadership lighter and they make success feel human again.
And honestly?
That’s the kind of wealth worth building.
What is one thing you would add to this list? Let me know below and thank you for reading.
Stay Genuine.
Love,
Daniel
You described much of what I love amazing food, aromatherapy, my nose perculated at the scents of Dubai from your description. All of this sounds must so delightful. Awesome!