From my own 193-country journey to the stories of many other people who were kindly willing to share, The Happiness of Pursuit attempts to extract and convey the lessons of modern-day quests. This series explores some of these lessons. Lesson: Some adventures should be shared. In studying quests, I heard from people who chose to…
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I love the principle presented by Japanese organizational expert Marie Kondo in her new book. The short version is: discard everything that doesn’t “spark joy.” For all the clothes you don’t wear, pass them on. At minimum, never keep anything you haven’t worn in the past year. Go around your house and get rid of…
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They considered how to spend the time they had left together. There were thoughts of trips to Hawaii or the Galapagos, but Genn wanted to end his life as he had lived it: in his studio, making art, with his family close by. James fashioned a reclining chair so his father could continue to paint,…
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I’ve been thinking about this question recently (thanks, Danielle). There’s a lot of freedom in giving up on a matter of principle, so you can move on with your life. When at an impasse in a difficult situation, the freedom comes in saying “OK, whatever. Have it your way, but let’s stop the silliness.” Letting…
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Imagine being able to share your thoughts with anyone at any time. From this broadcast channel, you can say whatever you want … no matter how unusual or unconventional, or even no matter how boring. In your channel, you make the rules. Geography is no object. You can reach people in Kazakhstan or Kalamazoo with…
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From my own 193-country journey to the stories of many other people who were kindly willing to share, The Happiness of Pursuit attempts to extract and convey the lessons of modern-day quests. This series explores some of these lessons. Lesson: Misadventures produce confidence. At nearly every stage in my journey to every country in the…
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Before a big talk, I used to stress out for weeks. The feeling began with a sense of being unsettled (and not the good kind). I was anxious and unsure of how to resolve it. Finally, at least a few days beforehand, the talk took over my mind and became all I could think about.…
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When I was writing my new book, I received a detailed note from longtime friend Lissa Rankin. She gave me some advice that stayed with me throughout the writing process, and I’m including it here with her permission. *** I am assuming that your book will include some of your personal story—your own quest—and I…
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From my own 193-country journey to the stories of many other people who were kindly willing to share, The Happiness of Pursuit attempts to extract and convey the lessons of modern-day quests. This series explores some of these lessons. Lesson: We are motivated by progress and achievement. It feels good to check things off. Lists…
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The “Will I regret it in the future?” mindset can be very helpful in making decisions. From a New York Times article on protests in Hong Kong: “I’m not sure if this protest will really affect the decision by China, but I’m sure if I don’t come I will regret it in the future,” said…
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Over the weekend I headed home for a brief pause in my adventures to 40 cities to meet with readers as part of our fall book tour. It’s been exhausting (per usual) and also very fun (per usual). A few nights beforehand I was in Orange County (here’s an attendee review), and the local group…
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From my own 193-country journey to the stories of many other people who were kindly willing to share, The Happiness of Pursuit attempts to extract and convey the lessons of modern-day quests. This series explores some of these lessons. Lesson: Every day matters. The awareness of our mortality can help us focus. We all have…
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At 89, Howard is still working on his family’s farm, the same 70-acres he’s cared for since 1940. How would you feel about leaving behind something you’ve worked on your whole life? Howard’s perspective might surprise you. “I’ve kept busy all my life. They say the worst thing you can do is sit down.” “I’m…
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From my own 193-country journey to the stories of many other people who were kindly willing to share, The Happiness of Pursuit attempts to extract and convey the lessons of modern-day quests. This series explores some of these lessons. Lesson: Before Beginning, Count the Cost. In the early days of my journey to every country,…
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I went back to the Tattered Cover in Denver last night. Love that store! Fun people. I remembered being there two years ago. At the time, The $100 Startup was selling really well and there were at least 150 people at every tour stop. I was feeling good. In Denver that night there were more…
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