Janek Mäggi: Estonia’s Only Passion Should Be Success at Any Cost, Not Miserable Existence!

I am entering the next year with the mindset that it will be the best year of my life. I am dissatisfied with anyone who tries to prevent me from achieving this, writes Janek Mäggi, founder of the PR company Powerhouse, in response to Äripäev’s opinion leader survey.

“I am convinced that working with people who strive to become masters (this year I became an Estonian team champion in 100-square checkers) is what makes you a master yourself,” writes public relations expert Janek Mäggi.

There’s no reason to think that 2025 could be any worse than this year. The reasons are simple: American research confirms that optimists live longer and better-quality lives than pessimists.

In business, success almost exclusively comes to those who aim for growth and those who are hardworking, persistent, and hungry for success. Over the last 250 years, the American economy has risen sharply, with only a few anomalies—short-term corrections that stabilized the market. Why should Estonia be any different?

It’s hard for me to understand entrepreneurs who rely on the government. That’s a very poor and unproductive way to achieve success. I don’t care how much tax I’m required to pay because others pay the same, which means we are all in an equal position. If the market doesn’t allow you to raise prices, you must reduce costs. One way or another, you can manage.

The Best Year of Your Life Awaits

Everyone should direct their dissatisfaction primarily toward themselves. If you don’t have enough money, work more. If your boss won’t give you a raise, change jobs. If that doesn’t work, start your own company.

Next year is an amazing time to establish new businesses. If you’re unhappy with your situation, become an employer. First for yourself, then for others. Change the world; don’t let the world change you.

I’m entering the next year with the mindset that it will be the best year of my life. I will do everything to make it happen. I am dissatisfied with anyone who tries to prevent me from achieving this. I am convinced that working with people who strive to become masters (this year I became an Estonian team champion in 100-square checkers) is what makes you a master yourself.

Estonia, don’t tolerate laziness, greed, or selfishness. Embrace success, wealth, hard work, and clear goals.

You should always start planning the game and the year with the end in mind: Where do you want to end up? What is the desired outcome? The desired outcome is not occasional work in between surfing trips in Thailand. The desired outcome is a meaningful, balanced, caring, and high-quality life.

The Homeland of a Normal Estonian

Globally, I believe that Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and other leaders who end killing want exactly the same thing. Since I’m tired of the narrative that being armed to the teeth guarantees security and happiness, I’m leaving that empty rhetoric behind this year.

Goals should be aimed at making as many people happy as possible, not just a handful of greedy arms industries or chest-thumping politicians who cut support for large families and foster an atmosphere where living in Spain seems better and safer than in Estonia.

A normal Estonian has only one homeland, and every euro circulated should move at the speed of sound from hand to hand here in Estonia. Otherwise, Estonia will become a wasteland—a land of fearful, crushed, and impoverished people, where no one is happy. Except me. Because my happiness doesn’t depend on what I see. My happiness depends on what I believe.

I believe that Estonia is the happiest country in the world because it is home to people who think not four years ahead but 4,000 years ahead. Live forever, Estonia!