Malith Mendis is an entrepreneur in Camarillo with a background in Computer Engineering from California State University. He worked as an engineer and programmer before this. Malith Mendis currently owns multiple businesses, including convenience stores, child care, senior care, and hospice care facilities. He also has multiple real estate investments.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Usually, my days begin early and end very late. The bulk of it is spent doing work and going through my to-do lists for the day. When work’s done, I like to make time to enjoy the finer things in life with my kids. A little quality time together before the cycle repeats tomorrow.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’ve found that there’s usually someone else out there who’s thought the same as me, online. People to talk to, help you grow and shape those raw ideas into something real. But, the most important thing is talking to the people in my life, friends and family. The right person can help you make that idea grow into something great.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There have been so many that I don’t think I could pick just one. However, one that’s been exciting recently is the growth of small businesses. People are trying to work for themselves and make a living on what they’re good at. It’s a risky world, though, and I’ve seen the toll it can take, but seeing good people succeed in their goals makes me equally happy for them.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
The early bird gets the worm. It’s a simple habit, but I always wake up as early as I can. It gives me a moment of peace before starting the day and the motivation to tackle whatever the day plans to throw at me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To my younger self, I’d say don’t linger or waste time. Life is short, and you never know what you’re going to get. Don’t be afraid to take a chance or two. Start thinking about your future now, and start building up a good life for yourself. Start making your own money while you’re young. Looking back, I should’ve started planning for my future sooner.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
It’s as simple as never giving up. No matter what, always keep trying. I’ve pushed myself so hard, even in the face of failure, because giving up only guarantees failure. There will be times when your efforts fail, but giving up is just letting those failures win.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
That one thing I always recommend to everyone, and do again and again myself, is to never give up. I’ve seen so many people come so close to success, only to fall short because they gave up in the end. Life is hard, but you have to keep going. We all have the strength to keep pushing forward. I may fail a hundred times, but eventually, that one time, I win and get my victory. It’s that mindset that people need.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I like to take some time out to spend with the people who are important to me. My kids, they’re a wonderful distraction from life’s troubles. When I hold my kids, play with them, and spend time with them, my mind relaxes. Sometimes, all I need is a reminder of the good things in life. My kids keep me focused and help me remember the things that truly matter.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
No matter how experienced I am, there’s always something new to learn. I try to keep an open mind and seek out new knowledge and insights. I’m continually learning, staying curious, and being willing to learn. That way, I can constantly improve my skills, keep up with industry trends, and ultimately make better decisions that will grow my business and advance my career.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Life and business are all about taking risks. You won’t get anywhere or do anything by not taking them. You need to be willing to go out on a limb and try something new, even if other people say it’s a bad idea. You might fail, but you also might succeed in a way you never thought possible. My advice would be to just go for it. Take that risk and see what you can achieve.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One software that’s been proving useful for me is MET Call. It makes things easier for any medical attention, with healthcare professionals just a ring and a tap of a button away. I find it very innovative and helpful, especially for those in a pinch. I think this is great software for sure.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
‘Secret Empires’ by Peter Schweizer. It’s a nonfiction book that talks about the hidden connections and corruption in politics and business. It’s an eye-opening read that dives into the world of secrets that powerful people don’t want you to know about.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series ‘House of Cards’. It’s a political drama that takes you deep into the world of corruption and power. The writing’s excellent, and the acting’s even better. From the first episode to the last, the show keeps you hooked, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing what will happen next. I found it really entertaining and insightful, particularly because it feels so realistic and close to some real-world power plays.
Key learnings:
- Malith’s day can start very early to gain motivation for what lies ahead in the day. As hard as it is to never give up on his goals, he appreciates how he can see the little things in life and be grateful for them, like the time he has to spend with his kid or enjoy a good show at the end of the day.
- Malith is a hard worker who refuses to give up, even when things turn sour or hard.
- Malith believes in continuous learning and improvement to find areas that can be worked on to achieve success.