As an entrepreneur and someone who literally wrote the book on hustle (check out The Art of the Hustle by Edward Mullen), I know all too well how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and chasing glory.
We often become so focused on our daily routines that we fail to see the bigger picture. I often remind myself of this phrase – ‘to what end?’ It’s such a useful phrase that applies to many different scenarios. In this context, it makes me realize that we are only on this earth, and in good health, for a very short amount of time.
- To what end am I working so hard?
- To what end am I doing this all for?
- To what end am I living life?
To me, the answer often comes down to enjoyment. I do this thing, because I enjoy it. Not because it brings me happiness, which I think is a subtle difference. Happiness is fleeting. As Glaucon said to Socrates in Plato’s Republic – happiness is a leaky bucket. You always need to fill your bucket. The moment you stop filling your bucket and your happiness meter dips to neutral or into the negative, is life therefore not worth living?
Of course it is.
I don’t think we want to walk around all day with an ear to ear smile, it’s not realistic or sustainable. What I aim for instead is enjoyment, which is a state of gratitude and satisfaction.
During a recent trip to Taiwan, I had such an amazing time. If you want to see more from my adventures in Taiwan, check out my Instagram – link in the menu. I haven’t publicly talked about the massive earthquake that took place during our trip, but that was pretty crazy to experience.
In this photo above, I’m sitting in the back of an Uber (Day 1) and having a moment of quiet reflection. I wanted to snap a quick photo to remind myself of this moment and what I was feeling.
Traveling through the beautiful streets of Taichung, Taiwan, I’m reminded of the importance of stepping away from the hustle and bustle of work to recharge and gain fresh perspectives.
If you’re like me, traveling is an integral part of your life. It has a unique way of breaking us out of our routines and comfort zones, allowing us to open our minds to new possibilities, new experiences, and new perspectives. It allows us to recharge our batteries and gain fresh insights that can shape our lives in meaningful ways.
When we visit new places, we are exposed to different ways of life, people, cuisines, cultures, and perspectives. We learn to appreciate the diversity of the world and gain a deeper understanding of our place in it. It’s during these times we can appreciate what we have and how blessed we are. I’m a big believer in gratitude.
Whether it’s sampling exotic cuisine, navigating unfamiliar streets, or engaging with people from different backgrounds, travel challenges us to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances. This willingness to embrace the unknown is essential for personal growth and development.
It was during this trip that I gained a lot of clarity about my business – Ever – and the goals and direction I have for the brand. My wife is from Taichung and I would love to one day see Ever on the shelves in the local grocery stores, 7-11s, and Family Marts.
Further to that, I would love to see a giant billboard that everyone can see in my wife’s hometown. A little flag to let the world know we made here together. I’m just a kid from a small town trying to finding his place in this world. I’m so appreciative that you are here, reading these words, and a part of my journey.
This picture was taken in Taichung, Taiwan. We were standing on a walkway that goes over the street. The building is a mall in a central part of Taichung with other Vancouver brands such as Lululemon and Arc’teryx representing. One day, with a lot of hard work and luck, I will be standing in the same place, looking at a giant Ever billboard.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, consider taking a trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a nearby town or a month-long adventure to a far-off land, travel has the power to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Embrace the unknown, explore new horizons, and watch as your life transforms before your eyes.
Travel isn’t just about the places you go; it’s about the person you become along the way. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
