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| W Singapore in Sentosa Island |
As I sit
here on my balcony at the W Singapore sipping on a cup of fresh
brewed coffee, I am reminded of the importance of getting away; of recharging
the batteries and spending time with an amazing person, reflecting on the gift
of life, and focusing on what I enjoy. I remember when there was a time
in my life when I didn't really do I much for fun. I saved and penny
pinched every opportunity I had. I viewed free time and holidays as a
waste of time because they took me away from being productive and what we in
"the biz" like to call "dollar productive behaviors."
I viewed anything that wasn't giving me tangible results as a waste of time.
Weekends away? Forget about it. It took me away from earning an income
and "getting ahead." What about spending money on things and
experiences that would bring me happiness? No way. Money is meant to be
saved and accumulated. Days off to relax? Never. A day doing nothing is a
day worth nothing. These were just some of my beliefs. I know! I was
pretty screwed up. And to be honest this is yet a battle in which I have
completely won. I still struggle with down time. I still have a hard time
splurging on the fine things that life has to offer. I still ask myself
if I really deserve the level of happiness and success I have been so fortunate
to experience.
The reality is that these are the beliefs that I have not fully overcome but I take steps every day to face them. I always grew up with the belief to be grateful and focus on the necessities and the luxuries were never a necessity. Why stay at a $500 per night hotel when I could easily find one for $100 per night? Why take a day off when that is more time to be productive and get ahead in life? I made a conscious decision about 8 years ago that I would actively seek out opportunities for growth that scared me. I would spend money when it made me uncomfortable. I would take time off when I was feeling overwhelmed. I would confront people that made me feel smaller than I actually was.
Now as I sit here in my $500+ per night hotel room, I encourage you to find something that makes you really uncomfortable that you have been resisting for a long time and take it on. Ask the woman or man out that you've had your eye on for a while. Treat yourself to an expensive dinner. Take a weekend to get away and do absolutely nothing.
You'll end up thanking me for it and thanking yourself in the process.
Love,
Matt
