Over the past 7 years I’ve held a pretty healthy travel schedule; Europe twice annually, St. Barths, Cabo, NYC, LA, San Fransisco and a few others sprinkled in; that’s generally been my circuit. Side note: I’m a pro in recommendation at both travelling with a budget that has no limit and travelling with a budget that has borders while still maintaining a luxury experience. Like I said, I’m a bit of a pro.
Last year the schedule exalted Europe as I’d made serious adjustments in capital allocation (money) and time allocation (business and personal development vs excessive travel). These are choices that continue serving me exponentially on repeat.
I invested more in my business last year than any other, and also focused my time on a) a 90 day physical (& mental) endurance training that taught me a TON about what I want in life in some roundabout way while I was climbing up a hill 100 times on a 33% gradient in the middle of August in Connecticut (LOVED IT), and b) a leadership development course that taught me more about myself than I could have bargained for (this, coming from someone who’s been “doing the work” for years and does know herself).
Point: the time and money tradeoffs I made in exchange for forgoing travel and investing in myself have been worth their weight in gold and then some. Back to travel and how it motivates income growth.
On a daily basis I study culture, anthropology and psychology and my curiosity is generally sparked and engaged for the most part. When I travel (more like vacation), the senses are intensely and intently piqued. What are they doing and why are they doing it (whomever I’m observing)? What’s their routine, lifestyle, happiness level, what do they do for a living, what’s important to them and what are their values? What are their habits, how is their health? What do I see in them that I see in myself? What do I see in them (or the experience) that I’d like to bring into my life?
Drawing values from all experiences is one of the keys I’ve learned to shaping my life into what it is and what I want it to be, including how I earn an income. Questions that spark in this arena include: am I making an impact? Who am I serving? Am I serving to my greatest capacity? Is how I’m earning an income effective? Where can I tighten up the gaps? Does my income support my wants and needs? Does the way in which I earn support the lifestyle that is my top choice? Does the way in which I earn support my values, beliefs and exchange in value for what I receive? Is what I’m doing in alignment with what my bigger picture vision is?
Yes, these questions jog through my mind on repeat. It’s how I take into consideration what I’m doing, where I am, and where I want to be. I observe, measure and adjust in order to be at ease, enjoy and live life in joy and pleasure. It might sound like a lot of questions to run through one’s mind, though that’s why I’m here ๐ I’ve got you back in thorough Q&A and decision (another pro area).
What I’ve gained from every experience in travel has given me the opportunity to recalibrate and GROW in the direction that’s even more so aligned with me that where I was the day before. Travel and observation opens our eyes to a world of possibility not otherwise in front of our eyes. The trade-off in time and investment has never not been worth it.
Back to business vs travel investments: strike a healthy balance alike anything in life. Look to what’s set to pay you back longer term that still lights you up on the day to day and allow this to serve as a motivator.
Back to you. Create two lists. List A: write down everywhere you want to travel near and far across the next 18 months. List B: write down what you want your business to look like in the next 365 days plus 6 months. Write down the amounts of each of these investments and see which top choices will help you move your personal and professional ‘life meter’ forward. Start saving today, vision board the choices and commit to them. Make a choice, choose a definitive time and stick to it. I’ve found using this *incredibly simple* method is the only way I ever achieve anything. I swear.
Comment below with your wish list items in travel, personal development and business growth. I’d love to know and also support you in achieving. I’ll respond to your comment with what’s on my list, also ๐
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