It won’t be easy… but you can do it if you really want to. Photo: Shutterstock
Don’t kid yourself–making your dream a reality is not easy. There’s a big divide between people who succeed and people who don’t. It comes down to desire and willpower. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t make it the first time. You may have to go back to that job you despise and that colleague you want to throw off the balcony. My year seven teacher used to say to me repeatedly “mistakes are opportunities to learn.” Back then, I just wanted to skateboard and chat up girls. Still do, in fact. But it took me a couple of decades to realize the relevance of this, and it became my mantra. Startups are like going to war, but fight the good fight and always maintain the foresight of winning the war, not the battle.
1. There needs to be surf!
Your passion does not have to be surfing, it can be anything. This post is relatable to any healthy activity. Finding a location where surf/your hobby is easily accessible is essential. I chose Bali–rarely is there a day without swell here, and it is known as the mecca of the surfing world…just one of its many benefits.
2. Pick the right startup
Find a startup that suits your lifestyle needs. For me, that was having the freedom to exercise and finding that work/life balance while also using my (minimal) skills and knowledge. I basically built my startup around my desire to surf. I jumped in the deep end. I found a niche. It was pretty obvious from the people within my community that they were having a hard time finding two thing: a comfortable place to work, and good wifi. I figured out a solution to a problem. I assessed the supply and demand…but really, I took a gamble. I chose to build a coworking space right next to my favorite surf break with the idea that I could still be as productive as possible. I Maybe, just maybe, there may be others out there that enjoy the ocean and also love building their entrepreneurial vision. And funny enough, there were!
3. Knowing whether you have the stamina and willpower to do both
Let’s face it, some people do not have the motivation to live in a holiday environment and be productive. Half the people I have met here could be classified as flaky, at best. When you have no real structure and order as far as defined working hours, it is easy to lapse into a more relaxed pattern. Having a motivator like needing to eat helps! Or keeping the picture of your hated job that you left to begin your adventure. Seriously, take a photo of your old desk or office or of a colleague that you despise. Put it as your screensaver so every time you slack off and the screen pops up, you dig deep and get back to it. Find your motivation, and build a fire under your butt. Put nails in the seat of your easy chair. Do what you have to do to be productive.
4. Find a balance
I found that exercise (surfing) actually improved my productivity. Stimulate the mind by stimulating the body. Endorphins. The natural wonder drug. The legal, worldwide high (I should actually check in Indonesia to make sure they are legal). To find balance, you need to take a holistic approach. You can’t survive on work. You do need to take time out and switch off. For me, that comes from surfing. But I also do it in other ways. I also party. Now some of you might cuss at me saying this, but partying can be healthy. This is coming from a guy who just took a year off drinking. Dancing is another outlet for me… not that I can dance, though. I’m 6’3 with limbs longer than most. I look like a spaghetti man when I dance, but when I dance all that anxiety and stress is gone. Out the door and forgotten. It’s like a reset button. It nourishes the soul.
5. Budget!
I moved to a developing country for my love of surfing. As it turns out, it was actually much more economical financially. Hooray for me! The lifestyle of a rock star on a peasant’s wage. Well it wasn’t actually like that…
everywhere you go there are always hidden expenses. Regardless of how well you think you can budget, expect the unexpected. You need to have seven aces in your pocket and fifteen rabbits in your hat. Don’t kid yourself–doing a startup anywhere is challenging. You need to make huge sacrifices. Not as many as many as first world but still some.
