When Success Isn’t Enough: Kevin Palmieri’s Journey from Burnout to Belief

Chasing Success but Feeling Empty

I recently had the chance to sit down with Kevin Palmieri, founder and co-host of Next Level University, to talk about a part of success that doesn’t get enough attention – what happens when achieving your goals still leaves you feeling lost. Kevin’s story hit me hard because it reminded me how easy it is to confuse external achievements for internal peace.

Kevin earned six figures, lived the high life, and looked like he had it all figured out. But inside, he was struggling with self-doubt and burnout. The moment that changed everything for him was a quiet one – waking up in a hotel room with “ten TVs on in his head,” all blasting different voices telling him he was stuck and couldn’t leave the life he had built.

Borrowing Belief to Build Self-Worth

One of the most powerful parts of Kevin’s story is how he leaned on the belief of a mentor and friend when he didn’t believe in himself. For years, he "borrowed belief" – following the footsteps of someone he trusted and respected. That support helped him gain the courage to step out of his comfort zone and realize that he was capable of more than he thought.

Kevin’s experience is a great example of how growth is rarely linear or solo. Sometimes, you need a little external faith to start building your own. It’s a reminder that self-belief is a muscle you can develop with time and support.

The Fallacy of External Success

Kevin’s story also underscores how the traditional markers of success – money, status, achievements – don’t always heal the deeper struggles we carry. He shared a vivid memory of living on deli meat, bread, and chips when he first took a high-paying job, realizing that money didn’t solve the emptiness he felt inside.

Despite making six figures and checking all the boxes society tells us matter, Kevin felt disconnected from his own life. This contrast made me reflect on how many people are caught in similar cycles – chasing goals that don’t align with who they really want to be.

Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck

What struck me most is how Kevin chose to rebuild. He left the road warrior life behind, embraced vulnerability, and started a podcast to help others level up their lives authentically. Now, with over 2,000 episodes and listeners around the world, he’s creating something meaningful from his experience.

Kevin’s journey taught me that sometimes the most important life shifts come when we admit that what we have isn’t enough and choose to take a hard look inside. Growth isn’t about having it all figured out, but about learning to trust yourself through the messiness.

If you want to hear Kevin’s full story and lessons in his own words, check out the episode at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com.