I have been thinking a lot lately about my personal development: Where I have been, where I am presently, and where I am going.
I have decided to work this all out in my head in computer software terms–as I am clearly becoming a nerd.
Dave Ford 1.0-(Ages 22-28) Buying a house in Baltimore, working for huge media companies (Hearst, Clear Channel), getting introduced to meditation, reading more books about business and travel that you could imagine, and finding success in the conventional world
Dave Ford 2.0-(Ages 28-30) Making the decision to travel the world and reaping the rewards. Making a slew of friends from Australia, England, Ireland, Argentina, and Tanzania. I broadened my horizons through my Ayahuasca ceremonies, visiting communist Cuba, learning about global warming in Antarctica, and living presently in the desert for a week at Burning Man. I have been introduced to new cultures, languages, rituals, and ways of life. I taught myself how to write and how to use social media while traveling. Moreover, I have realized that living unconventionally is a powerful way to live. And, as a result of all of this, have decided to continue to live life in this manner.
The cost of these experiences and what it took to get to this point was not cheap. I spent about $60,000 dollars over the course of those 18 months. I can easily justify the cost as an education expense. I learned far more than I would have ever learned by applying that same amount of money to any sort of formal schooling. My Antarctica trip was about 5K, climbing Kilimanjaro was close to 7K, Cuba was 3, Galapagos 4, etc.. It all adds up pretty quickly. Nonetheless, this all leads into how I am personally developing now.
Dave Ford 3.0-(Presently almost 31) Currently the challenge I face is to build a successful business from scratch. The challenge is massive but extremely exhilarating. The idea of being completely in control of my own destiny is the way I want to live forever. If “Branded Evolution” succeeds, its because of my efforts. If it doesn’t, well, let’s just say that I think it is going to succeed.
I have been able to even out what was at first a roller coaster ride full of “high-highs” and “low lows” by rededicating myself to a daily meditation practice. Meditation has become a staple of my life. I have joined a meditation center in New York and make a point to sit for a least 10 minutes every day. I can not stress enough how well this regular practice works. Little things just do not matter as much. Stress–in what would be considered an extremely stressful time in my life– does not exist. So, I am working as hard as I ever have–but enjoying the challenge. On top of all this I have been able to dedicate myself to getting in shape. I have been in the gym 3-4 times a week for the last 12 months and find myself in the best shape I have been in since I played basketball in college. I am also reading and learning every day.
But, I think the most important lesson that this experience has taught me thus far–and I think the hard work, meditation, and dedication to being healthy are a big part– is to simply live life consciously and presently. For me the most important personal achievement has been my “very new” attitude towards spending money. I think it is safe to say that I have been unconscious with regards to money throughout my life. Right now, I have everything invested in “Branded Evolution”. So the extra spending money is simply not there. I have had to insert a discipline in my life that was never present before. I am actually teaching myself how to cook and find myself enjoying it (I used to loath the idea of cooking).
The crazy thing is that I would have never realized this new way of looking at money if I would not have made the decisions to 1) spend so much money in the first place while not working for so long, and 2) start my own business. If I went back to work for a big media company I would be making great money–but blowing it as usual.
Although this new stage of my life means that many of my travel plans and goals are now on hold while I build this business–it does not mean that they will not be achieved in a period I am looking forward to greatly: Dave Ford 4.0
Anyway, thats where I am with regards to my own personal development. Where are you with regards to “your” personal development. Comment or email me at DaveFord88 [at] gmail [dot] com.
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“… I have realized that living unconventionally is a powerful way to live.” Strong words there, my brother. I will hold on to this, as I live this starkly unconventional but realistic lifestyle. I, too, should meditate more. Thanks for this!
Dave, it’s been great watching your development over the past few years. I started meditating this year and have found big positive effects in my life.. once you start observing your thoughts, you realize how negative and ‘future-outcome-oriented’ they are. Powerful stuff.
Thanks guys.. I think the key for me is constantly seek this kind of growth. I just read Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, ” The Outsiders”. It really blew my mind–although he always seems to do this. One of his biggest points is that it takes 10,000 hours (or 4 hours a day for 10 years) to become a master at something. That’s interested when I look back at my 1 1/2 years of full time writing– and how far I came over that time period. If I keep going for another 8 1/2 years i might be able to have a showdown with Bill Bryson.