Maxim Behar: The Moment You Stop, You Are Already Lost

In a conversation with Genadi Ivanov on the podcast “Inspiring Stories”, rich with personal experiences, life philosophy, and a clear vision of the future, Maxim Behar reflects on how decisions are made in today’s fast-paced world, why dreams should be intimidating, and what it truly means to stay young—regardless of age.

Which life story has shaped you the most?

Maxim Behar shares that he does not believe in a single defining story. For him, life is a sequence of experiences that accumulate over time and ultimately become true wealth. Having started working at the age of 13 and having gone through difficult personal moments, factory work, journalism, international politics, and business, he is convinced that these early and often challenging steps are what build character.

Stories, he says, are not always fully understood when they happen. Their true value often becomes clear much later—when they help us make better decisions or move forward during difficult times. True wealth does not lie in possessions, but in accumulated experience and meaningful life stories.

What does it mean to be “young” today?

According to Maxim Behar, age has nothing to do with the number of years lived. It is directly connected to one’s ability to make decisions. The faster and more confidently you decide, the younger you are. In today’s world, hesitation often equals falling behind.

Mistakes are inevitable, but they are not the problem—inaction is. A person who is afraid to take responsibility and make decisions gradually loses energy, regardless of age. True youth lies in action, in the courage to take risks and accept the consequences.

Have you ever doubted yourself?

Behar is firm in his belief that self-doubt rarely leads to positive outcomes. Instead of asking “Will I succeed?”, he prefers the question “How can I make it work?”. Every person has their own definition of success, and there is no universal formula.

What matters most, he says, is following your own dreams—whether they are related to business, a profession, or a way of life. Success is not measured by titles or positions, but by whether you have achieved the goals you set for yourself.

What is the most important risk you have taken?

For Maxim Behar, risk is not a single dramatic moment—it is a daily reality. From starting his own business in the early 1990s to the present day, he views risk as a natural part of growth. The biggest mistake, in his opinion, is obsessing over failures.

Instead of endlessly analyzing mistakes, it is far more valuable to learn from success. When you reach a peak, your gaze should be directed forward—toward the next one—not backward.

What should a true dream look like?

A dream, Behar says, should be frightening. If it feels too comfortable and safe, then it is not big enough. True dreams demand effort, courage, and a willingness to walk a path that does not yet exist.

That path is not predefined. It is created step by step. The most valuable part is not reaching point B, but everything that happens between point A and point B—this is where real growth takes place.

What is the role of inspiration?

According to Maxim Behar, inspiration is not something you search for—it comes on its own. The most important thing is not to run away from it. The moment inspiration appears, you must seize it and turn it into action.

Without inspiration there is no happiness, no motivation, and no meaning. It is fragile and requires care—especially in everyday life, in work, in projects, and in our relationships with others.

Watch the full interview here.