Musings on international travel and how to make 2021 your year

Anna Bey recently said on her podcast, “Every time I travel somewhere, my life would change. For example, when I went to Italy, my life changed; when I went to the UK, my life changed….” Further analysis shows that when people travel overseas, they become more curious, thereby being more aware of new opportunities. Also, going to a different place helps you meet new people that you normally wouldn’t meet if you follow your old routine.

The unexpected benefits of international travel:

First, going to a foreign country expands your outlook. I know reading a book also expands your outlook, but visiting a foreign country gives you first-hand experience in a completely new environment. You will see different lifestyles and different perspectives.

For example, when American entrepreneur Kate Northrup and her husband Mike Watts went to France several years ago, they were really surprised by the fact that so many people were sitting in cafes in Paris. Everyone was having an unrushed and joyful time in coffeehouses and restaurants. That was so different from the situation in the United States where most people keep hustling all day every day.

Then Kate Northrup and Mike Watts realized that people in France actually have a two-month holiday every summer! This is something that’s unheard of in the United States.

Also, when Americans know that each Australian has 20 days of paid annual leave per year if they are an employee, Americans are also very surprised. What’s more, it seems that Americans don’t really have paid maternity, paternity or parental leave either.

Second, you will meet interesting people in a foreign country. For instance, the reason I keep growing is because I keep meeting new people every year. Since 2020 is characterized by lack of international travel due to the pandemic, I’ve been meeting new people on the Internet by joining online programs taught by experts that I admire. This is also a highly effective way to build my network. In my opinion, your network is your net worth because who you know (and who knows you) is usually more important than what you know.

Make 2021 your year.

January opens a new chapter of your life, so it’s time to make some plans for the exciting new year! Here are my plans which may give you some good ideas:

First and foremost, since international travel plans may be postponed again because of the pandemic, I plan to read at least seven books this year. Here is my reading list:

Social Wealth: How to Build Extraordinary Relationships by Transforming the Way We Live, Love, Lead and Network (by Jason Treu) – This book is about how to build meaningful relationships and succeed in love, life and careers.
Goodbye to Shy (by Leil Lowndes) – This book is about how to be more confident and communicate effectively.
Writer’s Block is a Crock (by Ginie Sayles) – This book is about how to write a book well and fast. Although I’m a fast writer, I still need to work on my writing skills!
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing (by Al Ries and Jack Trout) – This is a classic marketing book that I’m curious about; I’m looking to enter the sales and marketing industry soon.
Sterling’s Gold: Wit and Wisdom of an Ad Man (by Roger Sterling) – As a superfan of Mad Men, this book is a must! It looks great on my coffee table.
Real Artists Don’t Starve (by Jeff Goins) – Artistic expression is very important to me. The purest form of who I am is an artist. Although many people told me that I can’t make a living by being a writer, I strongly believe that freelance writing is a viable career. Therefore, I will learn from Jeff Goins who works as a ghost-writer these days. ?
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable (by Seth Godin) – Because I’m a very entrepreneurial person, I have always wanted to start my own business someday. I think the pandemic is giving me an opportunity as I will be laid off by my employer soon due to the economy, and I will have to either find a new job or start my own freelance writing business. It’s not easy to find a new job in a different industry nowadays because of the current economy caused by COVID-19. Thus, I guess launching my own freelance writing business is more practical.