Every now and again, I like to bring you interviews to give you a new perspective on work happiness. During my study of work happiness I have found that there are many paths to the same goal. Some people believe that loving what you do is a must, while other people believe that relationships are vital to enjoying the work that we do. Interviews are a great way to get out of your own perspective and see what other people are doing to develop their superpowers and live their passions.
The art of nonconformity has been taken to a new level by by Chris Guillebeau. He has built small empire, maximized his airline miles to get free flights all over the world, and has traveled to over half of the countries on our planet. An amazing man that's hard to track down, but he was kind enough to give me an interview. Oh, I almost forgot as he does all this awesome stuff so he can help you do it too. Check out unconventional guides on his website. (Affiliate link) He is also relaunching the Empire Building Kit today, so join in and learn how to create your own online empire.
Karl: Do you believe that you must love what you do to be successful? Why?
Chris: I don't think you must, but I think it's much easier. And certainly much more fun.
What was the most difficult part about building your business?
Sustaining interest over a long period of time. I'm much better at starting things and moving on.
How do you cultivate work happiness in your career?
I like to ask why questions. Why am I doing this? What do I really want? What really matters? Thinking about those things helps with focus.
What do you do to help yourself stay motivated and productive?
I don't try to motivate myself -- or at least, I should say when I do try to motivate myself, it doesn't work very well. I think it's better to find a way to do what you are already motivated to do. (Jim Collins wrote about this in Good to Great.)
How do you maintain harmony between your working and non-working life?
I don't really separate the two. I'm fortunate to do what I love, so life/work balance isn't something I think about.
If you are feeling down, what do you do to lift your spirits?
I look for the cause. If there's not an easily-identifiable one, then I know it's just a thing that will pass sooner or later. I often get lonely when I travel by myself, but I don't think loneliness is always a bad thing.
What is your biggest detriment to work happiness? How do you deal with this issue?
When I find myself spending too much time on things I shouldn't -- I can make myself miserable pretty quickly. To improve it, I try to stop. 🙂
If you could give work happiness advice to someone just starting their own business in 140 characters or less (Twitter style) what would it be?
Whether work or life, I like this one: You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to.
Don't forget to check out Chris' blog where he writes articles about traveling and building a sustainable online business.
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* Lance of the Jungle of Life and Katie of the Levity Project are doing another happiness video. You should join in. It will make you happy. I promise. Check out the details right here and here.
If you enjoyed this post then you will probably like this one too:
Hey Karl,
Thanks so much for featuring me on your great site! I'm honored.
Yours in World Domination,
cg
Hi Chris, Thanks for giving us your perspective. I know it always helps to hear how other experts view their career. It's one of my favorite things about this site - interviewing smart people that can teach me how to improve my career.
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Good questions and answers. I'm a fan of driving with "why." It really does help hone in on what matters and it can free up implementation details to focus on the outcomes.
Karl,
Great and simple to the point interview. I like what Chris says about happiness and the connection to doing things he shouldn't. Great job.
Karl,
Great stuff...and right to the point!
I love the "work happiness" twitter-style reply! That truly is a great motto for life!
Hi J.D., To get to the core of what matters the "why" must be put first.
Hi Tess, We can't force our interest. We have to go where true motivation lies because that's the place where amazing work will happen.
Hi Lance, It truly is a great motto. It's one I often forget, but am always reminded by some great person. Lance, you've done this for me a lot with your blog posts.
Hi Karl
Thanks for featuring Chris. I have just started to get acquainted with him and his work in the last month or so. Another blogger actually highly recommended to look into his work, and here you are interviewing him!
Great to learn more about Chris and I really appreciate the closing words from him. I so believe that!!!
Karl: Great interview with Chris. Thanks for sharing it. I thought you asked some really important questions and the advice he offered was really helpful. What was particularly interesting to me was your question on maintaining balance between work life and non-working life. I thought his answer was an important message that he didn't really have a distinction between the 2 and that he is fortunate to do what he loves. I think that is great advice and what finding what you were meant to do is all about. Thanks again for sharing the interview.
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