I just spent an awesome weekend in the Hawkes Bay and wound up staying in a very flash, brand new $1,200 a night apartment (yes, I know people who know people). We were out for dinner with the person who owns the apartment complex, he’s been doing this sort of thing for a while. Someone commented ‘you are always fun to be around, working on something new’. It struck me that this is both the best way to be very successful, but also to continually have a blast and challenge yourself as a person.

Totally different industry from mine, but this guy is the type of person who always pushes the boundaries, who takes risks on things (but not crazy ones), based on a really solid understanding of what he does, what people want and the niches you can create for them. He never said ‘I’ve done the hard work now, no more risks’

Contrast that to an article I read this morning about how New Zealanders are great entrepreneurs, but terrible at follow through. Even those who have ideas, seem to stick with one, create a nice and comfortable life and then focus on their nice lifestyle. The point being that being a wealthy New Zealander is comparatively easy. You don’t need much here to live an awesome life.

I suddenly realised I am the type of person to be the latter. I had a rough start. It tired me out. I’m STILL using that as an excuse for not pushing myself back to that on-edge, freaky but amazingly exciting challenge mode.

What a great guy and a great reminder that you don’t have to have everything on the line (a la the early stages) to still get the thrill of the challenge.