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Abstract

“Where are you going first?”“Wow! That’s so cool that you’re doing this.”“How long are you going for?!”But the statement that most frequently followed these questions was this:“I wish I could do something like that.”As the trip went on, I’d often get messages from strangers and distant acquaintances echoing the same idea.Here’s the truth: most of those people can do something like that.I know, because I was that person thinking the same thing…until I was the person doing the thing.The only difference? I made the decision to do it. And then I put a plan in place (and made the necessary sacrifices) to make it a reality.Whether your dream is to travel the world, become a pilot, train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, start a garden, learn coding, make a perfect latte, or adopt a Golden Retriever, you can probably make it happen.Barring a few exceptions, we all have the ability to do something like insert massive life goal here. Yes, our individual circumstances dictate how that dream may unfold (and not everyone will be able to follow my

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exact lead), but there are always ways to live out your own dreams, in your own way.<blockquote id="0ba8">Instead of thinking, “I wish I could do something like that,” change your mindset to “how can I do something like that?”</blockquote>Long-term, full-time travel may not be a possibility for you, but how can you start making the moves to take the trip of your dreams? Do you need to save up money? Get a new job? Convince your boss to let you take a sabbatical? Find a friend who is able to cat sit while you’re away? Find child-friendly excursions to keep your kids entertained?It’s easy to make excuses in life. We all do it. But, what if we stopped wishing we had different circumstances and started taking action instead?Answer: I think we’d all be a lot happier.Ending note: I recognize that I am incredibly privileged to have had the opportunities that I’ve enjoyed throughout my adulthood. That being said, they haven’t come without struggle, loss, and numerous hardships. My experiences likely differ from your experiences, but I believe that the point of this post is important, no matter your individual circumstances.</article></body>

If You Want to Be Happier, Stop Saying This One Thing

Just over four years ago, I sent out an all-company email announcing my resignation. I wasn’t leaving the company for a predictable reason like a new city or a new firm. Instead, I was leaving to travel the world on an open-ended trip.

I’d spent most of my twenties hustling at my Fortune 500 firm, and after years of dreaming about long-term travel — but maxing out at 2 weeks of acceptable vacation time — I was ready to make it happen.

I’m sure it’s not surprising to you when I point out that this wasn’t the standard farewell email going around my corporate office. Within a few minutes, I got a flood of email replies and cubicle visitors wanting to learn more.

“Where are you going first?”

“Wow! That’s so cool that you’re doing this.”

“How long are you going for?!”

But the statement that most frequently followed these questions was this:

“I wish I could do something like that.”

As the trip went on, I’d often get messages from strangers and distant acquaintances echoing the same idea.

Here’s the truth: most of those people can do something like that.

I know, because I was that person thinking the same thing…until I was the person doing the thing.

The only difference? I made the decision to do it. And then I put a plan in place (and made the necessary sacrifices) to make it a reality.

Whether your dream is to travel the world, become a pilot, train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, start a garden, learn coding, make a perfect latte, or adopt a Golden Retriever, you can probably make it happen.

Barring a few exceptions, we all have the ability to do something like *insert massive life goal here.* Yes, our individual circumstances dictate how that dream may unfold (and not everyone will be able to follow my exact lead), but there are always ways to live out your own dreams, in your own way.

Instead of thinking, “I wish I could do something like that,” change your mindset to “how can I do something like that?”

Long-term, full-time travel may not be a possibility for you, but how can you start making the moves to take the trip of your dreams? Do you need to save up money? Get a new job? Convince your boss to let you take a sabbatical? Find a friend who is able to cat sit while you’re away? Find child-friendly excursions to keep your kids entertained?

It’s easy to make excuses in life. We all do it. But, what if we stopped wishing we had different circumstances and started taking action instead?

Answer: I think we’d all be a lot happier.

Ending note: I recognize that I am incredibly privileged to have had the opportunities that I’ve enjoyed throughout my adulthood. That being said, they haven’t come without struggle, loss, and numerous hardships. My experiences likely differ from your experiences, but I believe that the point of this post is important, no matter your individual circumstances.