Being an entrepreneur requires you to think differently. It pushes you to consider different perspectives. Embodying the life of an entrepreneur means you dig deep into empathy and understanding people’s pain points. Effective entrepreneurs start with the customer’s problem and then evaluate the most impactful approach to tackle it.
This is where travel comes in. Traveling has always been an integral part of my life. Visiting new countries allows me to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and upbringings to learn from and interesting stories to hear about their unique experiences. Traveling provides tremendous exposure to language, food, music, art, information, and ideas. Travel enhances your learning because it makes you aware of people’s various methods to meet their personal, professional, and spiritual needs. It’s like having a bunch of case studies to determine how you want to live your own life.
“Travel is one of the biggest gifts that allows us to think bigger.”
– Lydia Lee
30 countries in 20 years
I have been to 30 countries in the past two decades. Each experience has shaped me to form the values and beliefs I hold today. Whether it’s studying Mandarin in China or spending spring break in Costa Rica on Startup Island, each time I have learned more about myself, my peers, and the world around me. It’s important to be grateful for having the opportunity to travel. Express that gratitude because not everyone has the same freedom to explore the world.
Avoid a submarine experience
When you’re traveling, it is vital to stay mindful and be fully present with all your five senses. You do not want to have a submarine experience: you go deep in the water but never really get wet. If you’re glued to your phone and mindlessly go on sightseeing bus tours and leave, you never truly felt what it’s like to be there. Walk around the city as a photographer: observe all the sights and sounds around you. Talk to the locals, especially if you’re trying to practice a foreign language. Communicate with people around you because it is an essential part of learning more about life in other parts of the world.
Make an impact
In his book Shoe Dog, Phil Knight (creator of Nike) says “in order to make an impact on the world, I must see it first.” I couldn’t agree more. To make a difference in people’s lives, you need to understand where they are coming from. Whether you are building your own startup, working for a startup, or innovating within an organization, opening up your mind to different perspectives spurs creative thinking and drives progress. As an entrepreneur, you are always looking for ways to scale the impact you can make and your organization can make. Exploring all the world has to offer is definitely a great way to discover how.
Constantly observe and reflect
Your observations abroad combined with your existing knowledge can change the way you approach your own life and work. When you’re traveling, it’s vital to be mindful of your surroundings and reflect on your experiences. Reflection will allow you to acknowledge a change in your perspective or mindset. Tap into your learnings because it will lead to limitless personal growth.
Everything’s a remix
People combine existing ideas with new ones to create art, design products and services, and drive forward innovation. Similarly, combining your knowledge with your travel experiences will challenge who you think you want to be. You will discover a new version of yourself. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or embarking on a personal development retreat in upstate New York, seek out those travel experiences to learn what others are struggling with. Try to gain a true understanding of how it feelsto be in their shoes. Cultivate a stronger sense of empathy through travel to open your mind up to new possibilities. Seizing opportunities to travel will push you out of your comfort zone and help you achieve personal and professional growth. Travel to affect more lives and leave a lasting impact on the world.
