
31 Oct Photo Essay #1: 15 Exotic Offices & Writing Nooks from Around the World (+ How to Travel Anywhere!)
“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
– T. S. Eliot
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Final Day Reminder: Today is the last day to enter our Start a Blog Career Change Challenge and win a $500 ticket to World Domination Summit 2014. For details and guidance, watch my short video tutorial and two-step process on How to Start a Blog in Under 10 Minutes with Zero Tech Experience. There’s also a link to save 20% on your blog setup through our partner, which also expires tonight at midnight. Of course, you can set up a totally free blog, too – it’s your world!
As a follow up, next week I’ll be sharing a link to officially register your blog for the challenge, and I’ll also be releasing something completely new for you all (that I’m super excited about) … The Live Your Legend Creator’s Guild. It will be a private community where writers (and other creators) can come together to share ideas and inspiration, get feedback and keep each other accountable. And it will also be totally free to those with a blog. 😉
Now for today’s fun…
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If It Encourages Adventure, DO IT.
Adventure is woven into the foundation of what we believe at Live Your Legend.
For me, that means pushing limits, exploring new places, starting new projects and doing things that make me uncomfortable. In fact, one of the easiest ways for me to decide whether I’ll do something or not is to ask a simple question: “Will this likely lead to more adventure in my life?”
This quick reflection has guided my decisions for years.
This is probably why Chelsea and I happen to be obsessed with travel. We spent a month in Thailand earlier this year, and I was in Russia with my dad for another few weeks this summer. Last week, we booked trips to Costa Rica, Greece and Croatia for next year. Following that, we’ll be headed on a year-long round-the-world trip (where I hope to meet up with many of you!).
At this point, travel has become somewhat of an obsession.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
And for those of you who think money’s an excuse for staying where you are, I guess I should mention that Chelsea and I have not bought an international ticket in over three years. We book everything using airline miles and even get to travel business class, while having only paid a total of $87-$250 in airline taxes per trip (for proof, I wrote How You Can Get Paid $6,100 to Spend a Month Traveling Thailand (or anywhere).
Sure, it takes work and planning, but getting to travel like a millionaire for less than the cost of a coach flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles is well worth it. And I now even have a Travel Ninja, Travis Sherry, to sort all this stuff out for me. He’s a longtime member of our LYL community, and you’ll hear a lot more from him soon as he books our round-the-world trip. He seriously works magic with this stuff. Check out Travis’s free tools here.
I plan to write a ton more about travel and how incredibly accessible it is in the coming months. Nothing has taught me more about the world.
Build Habits that Promote Adventure
Over the years of exploring, I’ve gotten more and more into photography. I’ve never considered myself a “photographer,” but I’ve loved taking pictures as I see new places. And recently I’ve fallen in love with Instagram (yeah, I know I’m late to the party – you can follow my adventures here). It finally makes me feel like a real artist, and it’s inspired my picture taking to a whole new level.
And what’s fun about something like writing or photography is that as you get in the habit of sharing your work with the world, you find yourself doing things that lead to more adventure and better stories to write and photograph.
So the hobby becomes a catalyst for more adventure. It’s a beautiful cycle. In fact, just last week I found myself going on an 18-mile run across the Golden Gate Bridge long before daybreak because I was so excited about catching a sunrise picture from the hill behind the bridge. And it was breathtaking!
Ever since my writing and blogging hobby turned into Live Your Legend and a real business in the past few years, I’ve been able to spend a ton more time seeing the world. Which means a lot more pictures!
And because these are more “work adventures” than simple vacations, I often find myself working pretty damn hard as I explore. That means I have to find offices and creative spaces on the fly.
Today, I’d like to launch the first of many photo essays – a way to share my adventures and art with all of you with hopes that it will inspire you to do the same. Each essay will have a theme, and appropriately enough, today’s theme has something to do with writing and exploring. 🙂
Enjoy…
Hat tip to my good friend James Clear who inspired me with his gorgeous photography and photo essays.
15 Exotic Offices & Writing Nooks from Thailand to Tuscany and Back…
1. A little jungle lodge about three hours outside Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2. The rooftop pool office in Bangkok. This is how we started every morning.
3. From a breakfast nook at Relax Bay, Koh Lanta.
4. The best office swing on the planet – at a small hotel in Phuket.
5. A poolside spot in a hill town inn near Ao Nang.
6. Best. Stand-up desk. Ever. About 7 minutes walk from my house in SF!
7. Waterside in Lake Tahoe. This is the very spot where I first thought of the Live Your Legend movement and created How to Connect with Anyone.
8. Sunset inspiration from a small corner office in Tahoe.
9. Picnic table under the vines in the backyard of a small house in Bargecchia, Tuscany. This is where I created the 27 Questions to Find Your Passion Workbook, part of our free Passionate Work Toolkit.
10. A balcony office in Kona, Hawaii – where I launched How to Connect with Anyone.
11. Fielding customer support later that day in Kona.
12. Happy hour writing in Hawaii.
13. Our $130 “VIP #1” bungalow in Relax Bay, Koh Lanta. This was our most expensive room all trip and by far the best hotel room of my life. Most nice rooms in Thailand were $40-$50.
14. I’m not that comfortable sharing this, but in the spirit of full disclosure I felt it was only fair to show you that working remote isn’t always a bundle of roses…
Here’s the contrast from the first picture up top. You have no idea how hot and humid it was. And I happen to have a brutal sweating problem. Soaked shirt, steamed screen, but well worth it…
Make Adventure Your Addiction
That doesn’t mean I recommend a BASE jump from cliffs or speeding trains. It just want you to seek out the path that makes for a story well written and a life well lived.
Photography has been the perfect lens for pushing me to do the things I would not normally do. It also makes life (and workouts) a lot more fun. For instance, that last picture was the last place I wanted to work, but I had to get something out and I thought it’d make a fun picture. 😉
Embrace habits and hobbies that encourage and inspire new adventures. Pretty much any form of art will do.
It’s hard to believe how a simple writing habit years ago lead me to experience some of these places. I am very grateful.
And it all starts with a deep burning interest to make things exciting.
That’s when life gets interesting.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I’m not a pro photographer, I don’t know Photoshop, and I know these are far from perfect. But I’ve been wanting to share them for a while. Thanks for having a look. I promise to improve.
Here’s to fueling the addiction,
-Scott
P.S. Remember today is the last day to enter our Start a Blog Career Change Challenge and win a $500 ticket to World Domination Summit 2014. For details and guidance, watch my short video tutorial and two step process on How to Start a Blog in Under 10 Minutes with Zero Tech Experience. There’s also a link to save 20% on your blog setup through our partner, which also expires tonight at midnight. But you can of course set a totally free blog up too – it’s your world!
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Photo Credit: All these pictures are my own. You can follow my adventures in life and photography on Instagram here.Â
James Clear
Posted at 10:14h, 31 OctoberLove it! You’re making me yearn to hit the road and find a new place for my laptop.
Keep snapping brother. Can’t wait to see what pictures you share next.
p.s. We’ll have to go on a photography adventure soon.
Scott
Posted at 10:23h, 31 OctoberI cannot wait to get out there with you. You know that SF sunrise pic was inspired by you as well. Can only imagine what lesson’s next. Keep serving em up!
Photo Essay #1: 15 Exotic Offices & Writing Nooks from Around the World (How to Travel Anywhere!) | Internet Biz List
Posted at 10:53h, 31 October[…] Photo Essay #1: 15 Exotic Offices & Writing Nooks from Around the World (How to Travel Anywhere… at Live Your […]
Jamie Alexander
Posted at 11:38h, 31 OctoberAs I sit here staring at the badly painted wall in front of me you give me hope. Tomorrow I need to find my own special place to work.
Scott
Posted at 05:57h, 01 NovemberLove it. And it looks like today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday, so…. where’d you find??
Jamie Alexander
Posted at 15:57h, 01 NovemberI worked at the train station. The view wasn’t great, but it’s nice when the world is passing by all around you.
I’m going to try a park in the coming days. I noticed productivity also goes up when you don’t slack off so much. Who’d have thought it? lol
Kenneth Benjamin
Posted at 11:51h, 31 OctoberGreat photos, Scott!
One question for you, in my experience working from the tropics has a tendency to numb the creative mind a bit, especially by mid-afternoon. Do you have the same problem?
I keep thinking about going back to Thailand or Bali but I’m putting air conditioning in my budget as a business expense.
Scott
Posted at 05:56h, 01 NovemberHaha. I hear you on the AC. I will definitely not pick to travel in March next time I go back!
Actually I found it to be quite inspiring. And I’m sure part of that came from us moving around every few days and seeing new places. Constant interaction with new people and environments has a way of getting my creativity really rolling.
And there’s probably not a single day that I don’t think about Thailand since our trip. That place was unreal! Definitely swinging back through there on our big trip.
Scott
Posted at 06:02h, 01 NovemberOh and I certainly agree about mid-afternoon. All my creativity usually gets focused into the early morning. By 2pm is coconut drinking and nap time 🙂
Kevin Klicman
Posted at 11:53h, 31 OctoberAwesome update, makes me want to travel!
This is a call-out to anyone who reads this:
I want to help with your project. I am looking to try new things and get involved outside my comfort zone. Until I find my passion, I want to help you improve yours. Respond if there is something you think I can help you with.
Kenneth Benjamin
Posted at 02:31h, 01 NovemberHi Kevin,
I’d love to talk to you and see if there is some synergy. Much like Scott, we’re helping people live richer, more fulfilling lives, though we’re working a different aspect of the process. I don’t want to promote our work here, so please click on my name and check out what we’re doing. If it looks interesting to you and you think you might be able to help, fill in the Contact form and I’ll get right back to you.
Kenneth Benjamin
Founder and Chief Happiness Officer
Happiness International
Scott
Posted at 05:53h, 01 NovemberLooks like you’re up to some great stuff Kenneth – and great to see you fighting the good fight! I’m excited to see how you and Kevin might be able to help each other out. This is how all fun things start :).
Scott
Posted at 05:50h, 01 NovemberAwesome offer Kevin. So what’s you’re super power? What talents and strengths of yours would you most like to apply to our community? Love seeing how you put yourself out there like this!
Kevin Klicman
Posted at 08:45h, 01 NovemberMy super power is my ability to learn. I pick up new skills quickly and do what has to be done to finish tasks. I have a marketing / design / print background and love the creative side of things. Photoshop is my program of choice, since I love photography and drawing.
Alex
Posted at 11:54h, 31 OctoberHi Scott,
Beautiful!
Just a quick question — when you say it’s the last day to participate in your challenge — you just mean starting the blog part, correct? I haven’t signed up to be entered into the challenge, (and I’m not sure how.) Somehow you are saying that there are 150+ folks out there already started and I feel like I might be missing something. Any clarification would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Scott
Posted at 05:48h, 01 NovemberSorry if I wasn’t totally clear on that Alex. You are right where you need to be. All that matters this week is having a blog. Next week I’m sending out a link with specific details, rules and even a fun free community to keep us all accountable. Glad you’re on board!
Stacey
Posted at 12:01h, 31 OctoberAwesome photos!
“…seek out the path that makes for a story well written and a life well lived.”
Love it!
Scott
Posted at 05:46h, 01 NovemberGlad you liked that Stacey – one of my favorite mantras!
Ben
Posted at 12:25h, 31 OctoberWhat I love most is that taking your lap top with you on vacation used to use to have a negative association with it. It was like you were shackled to work and couldn’t leave it at home.
This post flips that mindset entirely. It’s like a visual tour of integrating work you love with vacation and experiencing both at the same time.
Very inspiring for me 🙂
Scott
Posted at 05:46h, 01 NovemberLove how you saw that Ben. And I agree. Taking my laptop only allows for more exploring. And there’s no better place to get ideas and inspiration than while out on an adventure!
Shanna
Posted at 12:39h, 31 OctoberHey buddy! I just read about an awesome photography trip in China that sounds perfect for you. This was in the same magazine that I read about the Masi Warrior experience too. I must send them your way!
Scott
Posted at 18:15h, 31 OctoberPlease send them!! Actually if it’s in print you could leave it out tonight for when I drop Chelsea at your place tomorrow :). Love having some eyes on the lookout for me!
Oh and Happy Birthday!!
Tiara Anggamulia
Posted at 14:15h, 31 OctoberHi Scott,
Thanks for sharing!
I’m going through my own photographic journey at the moment. Photography started out as a hobby for me and it wasn’t long before I realised that I have found my passion!
I love seeing the world through the camera lens and now I see beauty everywhere 🙂
Scott
Posted at 05:43h, 01 NovemberAwesome Tiara! And I of course could not agree more. Come back and share a link to your pics. We’d love to see!
Scott
Posted at 05:44h, 01 NovemberWow, just saw you site – you have an incredible talent! I clearly have a lot to learn 🙂
Ashraf
Posted at 17:56h, 31 OctoberHi Scott, thanks for inspiring me to start my own blog. I signed up using Bluehost and would like to be entered for the $500 prize. How about including flights and accommodation? 🙂 if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Most importantly, looking to learn plenty from you and the group that will be formed – with the intention that this initiative takes all of us closer to living our purpose (and through adding plenty of value to others, hopefully be able to build multiple sustainable businesses). thank you again, Ashraf (new owner of ashrafjamieblogproject.com)…still waiting on the Bluehost guys to set me up with WordPress and then I will get into the habit of sharing my ideas with the world on a daily basis.
Scott
Posted at 18:16h, 31 OctoberAwesome progress Ashraf!
And great Ask on your part :).
I just might have to consider that!
Ashraf
Posted at 19:18h, 31 OctoberGreat stuff Scott! where there is a will, there is a way 🙂
Scott
Posted at 05:42h, 01 NovemberIndeed!
Assisi
Posted at 21:27h, 31 OctoberHi Scott
I love this post – it reminds me of just how connected to each other, our universe and the global community we can be while we are living and working our passions. Just yesterday I was doing a new vision board about writing and traveling as a part of my ‘job’ and was searching online for pictures that represented this. And here in my inbox this morning is your post filled to the brim with exactly what I had envisioned. Thank you for demonstrating so visually (and eloquently) my ability to manifest exactly what I need at the time and the beauty that is inherent in living your legend.
Assisi xx
Scott
Posted at 05:41h, 01 NovemberI love when the timing appears perfect for things Assisi. Fun to hear it’s helpful for your vision board too. Those things are damn powerful!
Caroline
Posted at 22:04h, 31 OctoberDo let me know when you are in Dubrovnik. I would love to share a coffee with you, one of our local customs.
Scott
Posted at 05:39h, 01 NovemberI LOVE Dubrovnik! That’s where we were on honeymoon. And we just booked another trip flying into Athens and out of Zagreb. We will definitely be back in your town mid next year. Can’t wait!
Ravi Peal-Shankar
Posted at 03:36h, 01 NovemberHi Scott
Every email you send triggers something in me to clear some cobwebs and live life to the full.
This email is no different! Thank you and well done!
Kind Regards
Ravi
Scott
Posted at 05:38h, 01 NovemberWell I’m glad to hear I’m on the right track Ravi!
Chris
Posted at 06:32h, 01 NovemberScott, Thailand seems to be the best place for internet entrepreneurs or interpreneurs. I want to go there early January 2014. I believe you’ve been in Southern Thailand. What cheap and nice location would you recommend in Phuket or Krabi, so that I can be near Koh Phi Phi or Maya Beach?
Thanks, Chris.
Janel
Posted at 14:19h, 01 NovemberLoved this post, Scott. Thank you. Your posts always inspire me to want to live life more fully, and to see some things that I might consider working into my own life in order to do so, things that I may have never even thought of. Taking very small steps here, but coming from where I have in life, they’re actually BIG steps for me….just thinking in new ways.
Nicola
Posted at 20:55h, 01 NovemberVery inspiring, I will have to try apply this to my own life somehow 🙂
Pieter
Posted at 02:05h, 02 NovemberInspiring work Scott! Photography is such an amazing medium to express one’s creativity. You clearly have a gift and by sharing this gift is much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Constantinos
Posted at 11:05h, 02 NovemberGreat mobile offices! Nice one Scott! I will add to the really blowing entry quote by TS Elliot, the following one by Malcom X “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today”.
Have a great day, anywhere your will takes you!
Sebastian
Posted at 20:26h, 02 NovemberI’m thinking about moving to Thailand in the next year. Do you have any advice on where to start?
Scott
Posted at 08:06h, 08 NovemberWe loved the beaches! Relax Bay on Koh Lanta was to die for!
LucÃa
Posted at 05:06h, 04 NovemberI loved this post! So simple and deep! It´s great to remember that we can find awesome and inspiring places, near or far, to work and enjoy working. I use to write outdoors but this encourage me to look for other kind of places! And travel, of course!
Lately I was thinking that I want to learn more about photography so I can catch and share moments, places and ideas through great photos! I´m happy to read you today because you really inspire me! Thanks for that! And you can consider yourself as a photographer!
anthonyfinley
Posted at 06:00h, 25 NovemberNice Photos 🙂
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