I’ve had the neat opportunity so far this summer to meet a few of my “online friends” in real life. If I had to use one word to describe it: Energizing.
Living in an area where lots of people still do not even have internet access, and if they do it’s prehistoric dial-up, many of my friends and family don’t really understand it. For instance, many people told me that Alan Perlman was going to be an axe murderer and end my life somewhere in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Pretty ridiculous, right?
Anyhow, the reason I’m writing this post is to tell you about what I have found to be the best way to get extremely excited about life and your goals. Before just a number of weeks ago I had no clue that this would be such a big deal.
This shockingly effective method to get yourself pumped up and rearing to go is to simply spend some time, in person, with people who are living your dream lifestyle.
Getting together with the Way Below Status Quo crew, Colin, Andi and Ash (and meeting the awesome Elisa) was incredible. The meetup was in Portland, which is over 2.5 hours from where I live. I opted to drive 1 hour to my mom’s house to crash there instead of driving all the way home after, but it ended up being for no reason at all. I could have driven to freakin’ Alaska if I wanted to. I was that energized and encouraged by the conversation and entire experience.
I ended up staying awake until just about 5 a.m. that night (or morning) working on my business. And I had to make myself go to bed. Meeting up with these inspiring folks was the equivalent to drinking about 5 big Red Bull’s in as many minutes. I was stoked.
It’s because I saw that they were actually DOING IT. They are living the lifestyle that I am working so hard to achieve for myself. I saw that it was possible, in person, for the first time. This wasn’t a blog post, it was the real deal.
Just this last weekend I went hiking with world-traveler and longtime online buddy Alan Perlman (the accused axe murderer, remember?), as well as with a few of his really great friends, and the experience was just as energizing. The discussions on everything blogging, traveling and entrepreneurship were a breath of fresh air.
As we were slowly working our way through some of the most dangerous terrain in North America, I had the same feeling as I did in Portland with the WBSQ group. It was pure energy. This was someone with whom I could discuss the topics that I was passionate about, and he is equally as into them as me. Awesome to say the least.
So, if there is anyone even close to where you live that you feel could create this sort of inspiration in you, then PLEASE make an effort to meet with them in person. Even if you have to travel a good amount to get there, do it. I promise that it’s worth it.
And if any of you sexy readers are ever anywhere near where I live (I live in Maine if you didn’t know) and do not make an effort to get in touch, I will track you down and make you pay for what you’ve done. This is your warning. Get in touch.
get free updates when I post again by rss or by email. if you really want to make my day then you can share this post with your network. you rock.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Dude, now I’m worried that you’re the axe murderer :)
Completely agree. #the3some just stopped by Indy Thursday and it was an absolute blast…
Also, I’m beginning to wonder why I haven’t connected with Alan yet…he’s everywhere and seems pretty killer (in the non-literal sense of course). I’m gonna have to do something about it.
You’re exactly right, all of the online social networking doesn’t reach its full potential unless it leads to face to face interactions. And rarely do those interactions not involve some kind of positive exchange of ideas and inspiration.
As for Alan, I met him about a month ago as well and he’s an excellent guy and definitely a great source of motivation!
Glad there were no reported axe murderers at large last weekend. You’re a funny guy, Nate. REAL funny.
I’m sure our paths will cross again soon. Stoked to have met you in real life, and even more stoked to have experienced the raw power of the White Mountains. Maybe when you’re done gallivanting across the U.S. we’ll give it another shot. Ha!
@ joel – Glad you had a blast with them as well. Like it’s possible not to? And yes, track Alan down. Do it.
@ earl – I hadn’t realized the impact that it would have. That the culmination of all this online networking, etc. is that actual face-to-face meeting. Great stuff!
@ alan – POWER is the right word for sure. So much fun. And yes, we will be giving the Presidentials another shot. Gotta conquer that thing! Our paths will cross again, as I am in need of having my first Indian food experience. Maybe a weekend trip to Boston…
Thanks guys!
It was great meeting you too, brother!
The three of us have been fortunate to have that same experience over and over again; despite the fact that we’re constantly exhausted from all the driving and meet ups, getting to interact with awesome people like yourself who have heaps of ambition keeps us moving from day to day.
Great meeting up with Joel and Alan, too. Our time will come, Earl!