“Before the development of tourism, travel was conceived to be like study, and its fruits were considered to be the adornment of the mind and the formation of the judgment.” – Tim Ferris, 4 Hour Work Week

Since going to college and volunteering abroad, my mindset on travel has completely changed. Before then travel was something I did with my family for one week during the summertime, usually on a lake. Lately, it has been a chance to experience a new culture, see a different part of the world, and find everyday life within your adventure. This has taken the form of volunteering, camping, and staying in hostels.

Most recently this mindset led me to Texas. One of my dear friends was hosting his wedding in Austin. My lady and I took this as an opportunity to make it a bit of an extended stay where we could work for a few days like locals, and also see a bit of the countryside.

This idea of conceiving travel to be like study is similar to how I try to create synergy through activities within my day-to-day life. My lady is an artist and got to use this time in the desert as a chance to study a new landscape and explore new colors. I got to use this as a chance to test new product while out on the hiking trail, while also confronting the fear of camping out in a desolate desert landscape. This type of travel lends itself to returning to work with a new perspective, a skip in your step, and a slightly sharper sword.

Everyone likes to spend their off time differently. If you’re like me and are trying to get better, consider using your vacation time as a chance to continue developing and getting better.

“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.” – L.P. Jacks

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