Comments on: Big questions in lifestyle design…and a couple links

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:50:43 +0000

I completely agree that it can be much easier to make life-changing decisions when you are miles from home. Something about being away from your day-to-day allows perspective and an almost objective view on things that doesn’t seem to be possible when you’re wrapped up in your normal daily life.
I must admit I have had some of my best ideas when I have been in the middle of nowhere.

Just discovered your blog and really enjoying it so far. Happy travels!

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:15:56 +0000

great post- jealous of your trip but fun living vicariously through your pics. i recently read this guest post on zenhabits written by clay collins: http://zenhabits.net/2008/07/8-great-anti-hacks-to-fundamentally-change-your-life/

pretty inspirational. and for some real pura vida, head to costa rica next: http://flickr.com/search/?q=puravidawedding&w=all

By: Jared Goralnick

Jared Goralnick — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:54:34 +0000

Frank, that’s wonderful. When I’m back in town we should put our head’s together and grab some beers.

Chris, thank you. And it was great to spend time with you in Boston, too.

Stefan, I can’t really predict how starting a family will play a role into the time-commitment and perspective-development game. You still seem to get away a lot though, no? Thanks for the comment!

Jet Set Life, I need to do some more regular distribution of time-away. I appreciate the comment and I’m glad to hear getting away has been helpful for you, too!

DC Grauel: yes, travel helps. I don’t know if I feel less significant…or if it’s just that some of my expectations are misguided when placed in a larger context. Where do I want to be a few years from now? Who do I want to be? What do I want to have to look back upon? Sometimes those goals amount to more than just business. Thanks again for stopping by and the comment…we need to get together soon, too.

By: DC Grauel

DC Grauel — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:12:12 +0000

Nice post, Jared.

Nothing like a travel abroad to make us realize how really insignifiant we are in the big scheme of things. It is a good exercise to periodically re-evaluate the position.

By: Jet Set Life

Jet Set Life — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:31:53 +0000

Just got back from shooting Jet Set Life in Mykonos. This time we decided to take three full weeks to do the contemplation your referring to. I was asking similar questions (and frankly getting some great answers). There’s something about that time off abroad that opens your soul. Distributing these “recovery periods” throughout my life on a regular basis has made all the difference. Nice Post.

By: Stefan

Stefan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:08:32 +0000

Taking time out to reflect is important. Your perspective gets skewed over time if you follow the same routine. Unfortunately, making time seems to get harder and harder with all the convenient distractions of “modern” life. Family adds another interesting aspect. Having kids both accelerates time exponentially (it seems) and forces you to make time, which puts things into perspective and can be very rewarding. It also substantially lowers your perceived margin of acceptable change and risk.

Enjoy the rest of your trip – looks like a lot of fun.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:31:26 +0000

Perspective is great. Glad to hear this trip is having an effect on you. I’m sure it will ignite a few more sparks before it ends.

By: Frank Gruber

Frank Gruber — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:26:32 +0000

Great post. Ironically, I just had a similar session where I stepped back and started to think about what is important to me and where I am going to take things.