Filling the Void

Over the last year while building a mobile business I have done a good job of downsizing my “things to do”.  I have gotten ride of all non-crucial tasks.  My effectiveness has double and my work time has been reduced by even more.

Now, how do I fill in the void?  I have a lot of extra time on my hands.  This has been a challenge for me.  Currently, I read a lot for fun.  I visit the library 2-3 times a week.  But this isn’t very social and by working from home I tend to get isolated and lonely.

I am now looking at volunteer ideas.  I want to get involved with something social and physical.  Perhaps Habitat for Humanity would be a good option.  I have worked with them before and love the organization.

I might even look into coaching an inner-city youth sports club.

What are some organizations or volunteer opportunities have you been involved with and enjoyed?

Let me know what you think.

A game to play

“Are you playing a game worth winning”?

I have heard this quote from several sources over the last couple of years. It makes one think about the goals we are (hopefully) moving towards and are they worth it.

The phrase in my opinion is a degree or two off. It, as most American culture, focuses on the end, the result of the quest…This doesn’t quite sit right with me. It leaves everything out.

So I have adjusted it to this — “Are you playing a game worth playing”?

Since I was 8 years old I have played competitive sports. And some have been on a very serious level where the definition of fun gets blurred. At this level everyone will tell you losing sucks and they play to win, but I guarantee that every single player loves the playing. Why else would they put such sacrifice, effort, and many times, pain into the playing? They love the game and winning is just an extra sweet and very fleeting experience folded into the playing. They play to play.

Are you playing a game worth playing? Really, ask yourself. I do quite often.

I find this much more powerful in my life now, today. Hell, 99% of us wouldn’t even know if we did win, but we all know if we enjoy our days.

For those travellers out their here is a version for you that I think is even more powerful.

Are you on a voyage worth taking?

My voyage to my next destination, Romania, has already begun. Everyday I get one step closer to my destination, but my voyage is already in full motion. You see I am playing the game to play. Arriving in Romania is a fleeting moment, just a milestone, a way to keep moving forward.

Talk to you soon,

Bill

http://www.MobileWorldCitizen.com

Creating a foundation first

Probably the biggest lesson I have learned this last year while setting up my mobile lifestyle is the need to create a personal financial foundation first.

Building for the future is fun and very exciting. But without a financial foundation in place it will quickly end up in disaster. I found this out the hard way. When my wife left last September I did not review my financial status (actually, I ignored it).  So I did not rebuild a foundation and quickly got into financial problems.  I was late on bills and got behind on rent.  I became desperate and lost my creativity.  This is not a fun place to be.  Finally, I overcame my pride and I faced the facts (letters and calls from my landlord helped to wake me up).  I needed more income.

So I did something I had not done in over 10 years.  I got a job.  Pride was my biggest obstacle.  I thought I was failing if I had a job.  Luckily, I saw that not having one was killing me and my future.  I got a part-time job to help pay my bills as I rebuilt my new business, lifestyle and future.

You should have seen me as I filled out the application standing in the middle of the retail store.  I was literally sweating and very anxious. But, I knew that to get what I wanted I needed stability now.

Lots of good things have come from working a retail sales position.  It has shown me what I do NOT want to do longterm.  It also allowed me to meet new people and have new ideas.  Has it been all fun? Hell NO!  Am I glad I did it? Yes, I wish I had done it earlier, but I am stubborn and it happened the way it needed to.

So please learn from my mistakes.  First create or keep your personal financial stability as you begin your new venture. Once I did, I regained my sanity and creativity allowing me to move ahead in a deliberate and focused manner

Talk to you soon,

Bill

P.s. The only mistake is inaction!

http://www.mobileworldcitizen.com

Parts needed and where I am…

This is a post I have been avoiding writing. This is why…I must make my goals and progress public. In doing this I am putting myself out to the world for good or bad. And believe it or not I will be doing this on a consistent basis…(What am I thinkin’?!!!) It’s kinda scary because you will be able to see my progress and potentially my shortcomings.

Anyway, here we go.

I have figured out my monthly ongoing expenses for my next Mobile World Citizen voyage. I will be going to Spain and perhaps Romania also. What makes this voyage so important is that I will be making all of my income remotely while traveling, no vacation days from a job or summer break from school living on savings. Ideally, I will have more money in savings when I get back than when I left (Though I’ll settle for breaking even).

Here are my projected monthly ongoing expenses for this voyage:

Global Transportation budget $500
Food $300
Health insurance $155
Pocket money $200
Lodging $500
Global phone expenses $150
Online tools $200
Clothing $50
Total $2055.00

So there it is, I will be making at least $2055 through fully mobile income per month in order to take off on my next voyage.

So, that is what I need in total.

As far as fully mobile income, this is what I have as of today (Fully Mobile= not location dependent in anyway).

Recurring Mobile income:

Recurring Passive Mobile $0
Recurring Mobile income $500
Mobile income $360
Total $860.00

So, I have $1195/month more to go. The ideal scenario is to have the whole amount in Recurring Passive Mobile Income. But it is not necessary to begin or live as a MWC.

I am currently negotiating a gig where I would add $1000 recurring mobile income per month. March 15th is my departure date so even if this does not work out I have time to build.

My goal this month is to add at least $300 in recurring mobile income. Hmmm, how am I going to do that? And wish me luck on the $1000 dollar per month gig!

See ya soon,

Bill