"There’s a reason no one makes videos like me—because no one wants to live the life I live."
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is the biggest YouTuber in the world. His empire spans billions of views, multiple businesses, and a content machine that dominates the internet. His videos redefine entertainment, and his generosity has helped countless people.
Yet, in a brutally honest interview on The Diary of a CEO podcast, he revealed a truth few expected:
"If my mental health was a priority, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am."
Despite reaching the pinnacle of digital fame, MrBeast admits that he has been more unhappy than happy. This begs the question: is extreme success worth the cost?
The Relentless Drive That Built an Empire
Since childhood, MrBeast has been wired differently. He wasn’t just interested in YouTube—he was obsessed. At 11 years old, he decided he would either become a successful YouTuber or die trying.
While other kids were playing video games or socializing, he spent hours reverse-engineering the YouTube algorithm, studying trends, and perfecting content.
That single-minded obsession paid off. Today, at just 26 years old, MrBeast:
- Owns the largest YouTube channel in the world
- Runs multiple businesses, including Feastables (a nine-figure chocolate company)
- Has hundreds of employees across his empire
- Produces videos that cost millions of dollars each to make
But success didn’t come without an extreme price.
"Most people, if they had a few million dollars, would slow down. But that’s why no one else does what I do."
The Mental Toll of Extreme Obsession
For years, MrBeast’s life has been a cycle of non-stop work, travel, and creative pressure. He routinely works 16+ hour days, pushing himself to the limits. Even when he was hospitalized in South Africa with the flu, he was still thinking about how to keep working.
Beyond exhaustion, the mental toll of staying at the top is immense. He openly admits to having breakdowns every couple of weeks and regularly questions why he puts himself through such an intense lifestyle.
"There are times where I think, ‘Why am I doing this? This is so f*ing hard.’"**
The irony? The same obsession that made him successful also makes it impossible for him to stop.
Even though his businesses are worth billions, he keeps less than $1M in his bank account—reinvesting nearly everything into making his next project even bigger.
"Money is just fuel to grow a business. That’s all it is."
But when does it become too much?
Why Most People Wouldn’t Want His Life
For many, success is about freedom—working less, earning more, and enjoying life.
For MrBeast, success means working more.
Even when he’s sick, exhausted, or mentally drained, he keeps going. He rarely takes breaks, barely sleeps, and schedules every minute of his life.
He describes feeling like a "zoo animal"—constantly moving from one project to another, with little time for personal freedom.
"If you wake up and have energy, you’re already ahead of me. I live life on hard mode."
The sacrifices have been enormous. His personal relationships, his health, and even basic enjoyment of life have taken a backseat to his relentless pursuit of growth.
"Why would you live the life I live if you don’t have to?"
The Backlash of Doing Good
Beyond the pressures of work, MrBeast also faces a unique struggle: even when he does good, people find a way to criticize him.
Despite donating millions, building wells in Africa, curing blindness, and launching a chocolate company that eliminates child labor, he still gets accused of having selfish motives.
"The ironic part is, the more I help people, the more hate I get."
He’s received over 5,000 messages telling him to kill himself, and every good deed is met with skepticism.
"If you’re trying to be liked, I don’t recommend helping people. You’ll get less hate buying a mansion than curing blindness."
Is It Worth It? MrBeast’s Own Reflection
When asked if he’s happy, MrBeast gave a raw and honest answer:
“Probably more unhappy than happy.”
He knows his path isn’t for everyone. He’s aware of the mental and physical cost, but he still pushes forward.
Why? Because he believes success is about pushing limits, breaking barriers, and proving the impossible can be done.
"This is the price you have to pay. When is enough enough? Honestly, never."
The Takeaway: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn
For entrepreneurs, MrBeast’s story is both inspiring and cautionary.
1. Obsession Can Be a Superpower—But At What Cost?
- True success often requires an extreme level of dedication—but where do you draw the line?
- Ask yourself: Are you sacrificing things that truly matter?
2. Mental Health & Burnout Are Real
- Even the most successful people struggle with burnout and mental health challenges.
- Prioritize rest, balance, and sustainability in your journey.
3. You Will Face Criticism—No Matter What You Do
- If even MrBeast gets backlash for doing good, expect criticism in your own journey.
- The best response? Keep moving forward and focus on your mission.
4. Define What “Enough” Means to You
- MrBeast’s pursuit of success is never-ending, but that doesn’t have to be your path.
- Decide what success means for you—and don’t lose yourself in the chase.
Final Thoughts: The Double-Edged Sword of Success
MrBeast has built an empire through relentless obsession, sacrifice, and an unstoppable drive. But as his story reveals, extreme success comes at a price.
His journey serves as a lesson for every entrepreneur: Are you chasing success for the right reasons?
For MrBeast, the answer is clear—he will never stop.
But for the rest of us, the real question is: Should we?
