Fear is Failure

Life was good.  After breaking ties with the corporate world, I settled into a more fitting routine running a fledgling business out of a local coffee shop.  I’m a sucker for a double shot espresso and free wi-fi.  As part of my daily routine, I frequented the Lifestyle Experimentation blog of Tim Ferriss.  The message was in tune with the direction of my life at the time.

One fine morning over an espresso and egg wrap, I came across a new post laying out a competition titled the Endless Summer - answer the question ‘How would you use 36 extra hours a week?’ and vie for a trip anywhere in the world, along with Tim’s help planning it.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/05/26/the-endless-summer-how-to-travel-the-world-and-improve-it-for-free/

A former self would have been intrigued but withheld a submission, choosing instead to label the eventual winner lucky.  Good thing I matured in time.  In the spirit of action, I whipped up an essay in journal form, chronicling my departure from the corporate world.  I entered it and forgot about it.

It turns out the submission started an amazing chain of events.  I was named one of ten finalists by a panel including Tim and several travel personalities. The winner would be determined by an online vote.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/07/04/how-to-change-the-world-with-200-books%e2%80%94you-decide-plus-finalists-of-the-endless-summer-competition/

One of my favorite things about the experience was the collection of support I received as comments to the finalist post.  Sure some of the comments were close friends of mine showing me their love (to all of whom I am very grateful).  But many weren’t.  I was contacted by several readers who were inspired, which in turn re-inspired me.  One of my favorite related anecdotes is about Dave Walsh and Patrick Emerick, who were two of the readers.  We have since become friends and business associates.  They were absolutely instrumental in the competition and spearheaded the creation of a video for support (see below).

And then it all peaked - I won.  Unbelievable.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/07/19/media-feast-and-getting-on-tv-producers-seek-4hww-success-stories-plus-winner-of-the-endless-summer/

I was traveling to Japan, a destination that had been part of my dreamlines.  To plan it I would speak to Tim Ferriss, who had become an inspiration.  Euphoria ensued.  The entire experience was incredibly fulfilling. 

I was once told ‘you cannot win the lottery unless you buy a ticket’.  That applies here.  Unless we all act on our dreams and goals, no matter how unrealistic they seem, we deprive ourselves of a chance.  Pick up the pen.  Act.  There is nothing to lose and everything to gain.