It all started when I was feeling overwhelmed in the development of Empire Building Kit, my biggest business project of the year.
I’ve been working hard on it for weeks, but with all the material I’m putting in, I could see it would need more time.
Then I started making plans for the big trip I’m starting later tonight. I’ll be in Central America this weekend, enjoying cheese empanadas and café con leche while working from the road. Then, I’m going across the Atlantic for visits to the Ukraine, Cyprus, and Cape Verde. On the way back I stop off in Pittsburgh for a talk before continuing home.
I know it’s a very full itinerary. For everyone who’s new here, my theory is: to have a big life, do big things—but wait, more on that in a moment.
From Pittsburgh I fly to Chicago, but I wasn’t able to find a flight back home to Portland the next day. Thus I had two problems—when to launch the Empire Building Kit, and how to get home from Chicago.
I was telling Jolie all about both of these problems right before I went to Austin. “Why don’t you take the train?” she asked.
I looked at her like she was crazy. “From Chicago to Portland? Do you know how long that would take? And besides, it’s Amtrak.”
(No offense to anyone who loves Amtrak, which I assume would include anyone who has never ridden a train anywhere else in the world.)
But while we were talking about the need to push back the Empire Building Kit a couple of weeks and how to get home from Chicago, I agreed to look at the idea of taking the train. And guess what came up! Check this out.
That’s right…. the name of the train from Chicago to Portland is EMPIRE BUILDER. Wow. Talk about coincidence. It got me thinking about a crazy idea… but then I thought, no, that would be way too difficult and way too unrealistic.
The next day, the UPS guy knocked on my door to deliver a package. Various travel companies have been sending me free laptop bags recently, and this was the latest shipment. I don’t usually accept free stuff, but I decided in this case I’d do a review if I liked one of them, and give away the ones that aren’t for me.
The name of the bag, I kid you not, was EMPIRE BUILDER. Wow. OK, I decided. I am now officially paying attention. Even though I don’t pitch stuff on behalf of big companies, I figured this deserves a mention.
Then I realized something else: I’ll be coming home close to my birthday, which also begins the three-year countdown to visiting my final 62 countries. I could return to Chicago, take the EMPIRE BUILDER train with my EMPIRE BUILDER bag, and launch the EMPIRE BUILDING KIT while riding through North Dakota on my 32nd birthday.
A crazy idea, yes? So of course I decided to go for it. What could go wrong, besides everything? Remember: it’s almost always better to do something. It will be a good story either way.
Enter J.D. Roth
Then I decided to make it even bigger. I called up my friend J.D. Roth, whose book is launching that same week.
“How would you like to launch the book in Chicago, and then do media interviews from the train for 46 hours on the way back home?”
Mr. Roth thought about it for about five seconds and said yes. (That’s why I called him! I knew he would.)
So that’s the plan. I wanted to find a way to make the EBK launch a fun experience for everyone, including all of the people who don’t need it or aren’t otherwise interested. Now we have a fun story, a party in Chicago, and one tired non-conformist writer by the end of it.
Here is the schedule:
Now until early April: Chris on the road in various countries, frantically wraps up the content for EBK, media stuff in Europe, etc.
3-April Return to the U.S. (SID-LIS-MUC-ORD-PIT)
4-April Speaking at TedX, Carnegie Mellon edition
5-April Chicago meetup (RSVP here to get on the list) + book launch for J.D. Roth
6-April Embark on the Empire Builder train with J.D. and the Empire Builder bag
7-April Amtrak Birthday Party + Live Launch of EBK somewhere in North Dakota
8-April Return home, sleep for five days
The Universe and the UPS Guy
Perhaps the universe does not bring a UPS guy to your door with the name of your next business project emblazoned on a complimentary laptop bag. Unless your project is called Cascades, Eurostar, or ViaRail, there might not be a train named after what you’ve been working on for months.
But look around! You never know where you’ll find synchronicity and encouragement. Try stuff out to see where it leads; focus on telling good stories with your life. My friend Charlie Gilkey made a shirt that expresses this idea well.
I read the new book Rework on the flight back from Austin last week. My favorite story was how they didn’t have a way to get paid for a project that billed customers every 30 days, so they kept putting it off. Finally they just decided to launch and then figure out how to get paid sometime before the 30 days ended. The clock was ticking, they knew they had a month to get it done, so they figured it out right before the end.
And now the clock is ticking for me: I fly to Miami tonight, and off we go. I’ve got 19 days to make this work. I’m simultaneously scared and excited, which I figure is a very good sign. Here’s wishing you well as I head out to Miami and beyond. Next stop, Nicaragua, then everything else.
Your faithful writer,
###
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Image: PB
March 18, 2010
Miranda
Speaking of the Universe and the UPS guy… pick up a copy of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s novel “Good Omens”, if you haven’t read it already.
If you have read it already… you understand why I recommend it.
March 18, 2010
Alison Stevens
What a fabulous set of events! I love synchronicity. The synchronicitous (synchronistic?) events in my life have been small, thus far, but they do happen often if you’re open to them. I’ve noticed that as I move toward my dream career, more significant ones are happening, too. This is really inspiring, Chris!
Have a terrific time on your journey and enjoy the train. I don’t know how Amtrak would be, after riding trains in Europe for the past several years, but at least you are unlikely to experience a train-drivers-are-on-”strike” event like the one I had in Italy. It lasted for one afternoon and only affected the trains to my destination… naturally.
March 18, 2010
Ciawy
What a great story – it sounds like the whole universe is conspiring and rooting for your Empire Building project. Good luck!
On the train story – I took the Cascade train from Portland to Seattle and it was great fun. It took only 3 hours though, and very incomparable to the route you’re gonna take. I wouldn’t really mind taking the train across the country and I think I would be a great experience.
March 18, 2010
Joe
Re: no award space
Makes sense. I find that booking flights (esp premium cabin travel) *within* the US is the most frustrating part of stitching together award travel.
Hope you have a chance to stop into the Coffee Hound in your 25mins in Havre, MT! It’s 2 blocks away from the station.
March 18, 2010
Kay
It’s definitely a sign! I say go, and share it with us. I may be able to talk DH into finally taking that trip with me. Sounds like your next journey has made itself known.
March 18, 2010
steve cubel
Took this train ride in 1963! One of the best things i every did and i have done plenty.
enjoy
March 18, 2010
Angela Artemis
Chris, with TWO synchronicities back to back like that – your launch of Empire Builders is going to be hugely successful! The Universe is definitely behind you. You’re off to a great start!
March 18, 2010
Daniel Stallworth
I took Amtrak from Boston to California in the beginning of March, Going through Chicago. Quite an interesting 2 and a half days experience. I am following this blog closely and support everything that Chris is doing. I am grateful for the inspiring ambition and non-conformity and hope to produce the same effect when my time comes. I also love TED talks, congrats on that.
March 18, 2010
G
No seriously, Chris – have you considered weaving in the EMPIRE state BUILDING? Just because? Because come on. That’s just clever.
March 18, 2010
Gail
LOVE it!
I believe there are no accidents – the Universe is too smart for that. The word “coincidence” comes from “coincide” (i.e., to correspond exactly) – so it’s interesting to me how coincidence came to mean something arbitrary.
Have an awesome trip! This is a beautiful area of the United States.
March 18, 2010
Sarah Fain
You are insane. (That’s a compliment.)
March 18, 2010
Jonathan
The train ride is awesome. You will get so much work done, meet heaps of people and see amazing sights.
This will be the best thing ever.
March 18, 2010
sarah
This story is awesome. Synronicity is everywhere, and it takes courage to write about it and share your personal experiences. This makes me want to share all of mine.
Thanks
March 18, 2010
Leah McClellan
I literally laughed out loud about the name of the train! Great story. Stuff like this happens to me all the time. Some times it’s not so obvious, other times it is. The universe speaks! Good luck
March 18, 2010
Mars Dorian
Yep, synchrodestiny all the way. The more you’re aligned with the universe- the more awesome your life will tend to get.
I enjoyed your post. My life has gotten crazy in the good way lately, all because I’m totally flowing with the cosmic juices. A little touch of madness and creativity, that’s all you need to take on the world.
March 18, 2010
Michael Michalowski
This is so freakin’ crazy, really. I like your attitude, keep it up! You’ll have plenty of time to work on something on that train, won’t you?
See all those comments on that post. People LOVE such stories, you’ve definitely made that an good article. I’m curious how this all will end, even if I am not interested in the EBK. But exactly why not..?
wish you the best.
March 18, 2010
Rick Curtis
Chris,
We took a train from Chicago to Denver. We went through so many towns I never would have gone through or seen otherwise. Air travel is very overrated. Sure it gets you ‘there’ quicker, but you miss so much in the process.
Enjoy!
March 18, 2010
Daisy
My husband and I rode the Empire Builder from Wisconsin to Seattle last summer to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful trip! I hope yours is as enjoyable as ours was. Enjoy!
March 18, 2010
Sachit Gupta
Chris, we’re so PUMPED to have both you and Jonathan Fields in Pittsburgh. It’s going to be great!
@Chris @Dave For TEDx CMU, anyone can register and the event is free to attend. To apply just go to our website (I’ve linked to it from my name since we can’t have links in the comment). Keep in mind, registration closes March 21 at 12.30 PM.
March 18, 2010
Annabel
Hola Chris,
It took me a while to understand this whole thing (Friday afternoon…) but when I finally got my head round it I realised you’re totally nuts and that’s why I like you. Look forward to hearing more about the launch and the trip.
Keep chuffing:)
Your faithful reader, Annabel.
March 18, 2010
Michael
The UPS guy, the weird billboard advertising something you would never buy, the off-hand remark, the “yield” sign at just the particularly right moment, the YES that comes through the filters of our resistance and expectations. The signs are everywhere, once we decide we ARE in the slipstream of our Life.
March 18, 2010
Steven
Chris,
I will be interested to hear more about this Empire Building Kit. I think you are wise to pay attention to the messages you are getting. I’ve purchased a few of your products now and I look forward to the EBK. Good luck on your train ride!
March 18, 2010
Wyman
Great post Chris,
Doesn’t hurt to try slower travel once in awhile. I have ridden the train fort times in my life. The first was with big old steam engines climbing over Tehachapi pass in California when I was eight. On the switch back the engine passed us going the other way. Really fun.
Synchronicity is a big word. We just call it co-incie-dincie.
The old guy Wyman
March 18, 2010
ginastama
Excellent and inspiring story of synchronicity – made me laugh in delight!
March 18, 2010
Megan
get the bed! you’ll love it! (it comes with free meals. Very fun and you’ll still get hilarious people watching, plus something extremely cozy and fort-like)
March 18, 2010
Alan McBride
Excellent linking, would love the train trip no matter who the provider is. If you have doubts about Amtrak come and catch a Sydney City Rail train;-)
Enjoy the trip and good luck with the launch.
Alan
March 18, 2010
juds123
Synchronicity has a cousin — serendipity!
March 19, 2010
Paula
When you’re at the Coffee Hound in Havre, MT, see if they have huckleberry muffins. Mmm mmm good! I took the Empire Builder several times in the early 90s when I was in grad school in Bellingham, WA (my family lives in Wisconsin). It’s interesting to find out that even people like Chris (and others) who seem to know everything and have hacks for everything don’t know about something that to me seems so simple. The trip may seem to take forever, but just relax into it and meditate on the prairie passing by. You have nothing else to do! (Well maybe YOU do…). Say, is there a Slow Travel movement (you know, like Slow Food)?
March 19, 2010
Peter
I admire your energy: I hope some of what you do gives you relaxation. Have a happy birthday (mine is the 8th, but 30 years older). About synchronicity – someone asked me a few years ago if I believed in COINCIDENCE. I think he meant did I attach any significance to it (like fate etc). After all, coincidence just means that things sometimes happen together. How on earth can anyone not believe in coincidence – it just happens. In another language this is synchronicity. People look for patterns in their life; so if they want synchronicity/coincidence to mean something, that is their choice. Use synchronicity if it helps to strengthen you, but don’t attach too much meaning to it.
March 19, 2010
Dennis Happé
You are in a very strong conversation with the universe!
Have fun!
March 19, 2010
Tanya Monteiro
Everyone I know always asks me “where in the world are you today” since hearing about you Chirs, about a year ago now, I point them to your site! It’s been a fun experience so far! All the best with this leg of your trip & if you have a couple of hours to spare in Lisbon I’d be happy to give you a quick and easy tour in my smart. Happy Travels
March 19, 2010
Melissa Dutmers
Awesome story! Love how life uncovers connections. Safe, fun travels to you Chris.
Cheers!
March 19, 2010
Rosemary Nulty
Chris- Love when synchronicity appears like cosmic singposts pointing you in the right direction. Fear and excitement are 2 sides of the same coin. Enjoy it!
March 19, 2010
Jes
What an amazing idea! I’ve taken that train from msp to washington, hope you guys are staying in a room at least!
Best of luck with the launch and happy early birthday. If I was in minneapolis, I definitely would’ve made the trip to Chicago for the launch!
March 20, 2010
Tanya
Wow, I hope you enjoy the trip.
I know all about these kind of coincidences. Sometimes they’re like a confirmation to what you really want to do, but haven’t for one reason or another. Like the Universe is telling you, “Alright already, here’s another sign, now go for it!”
That’s awesome you’re going to be visiting Ukraine. I was born in Kiev and I’m actually going back again to visit my family there in July!
March 21, 2010
Stacie
It was so cool to see you write synchronicity and also for the guts it takes to be willing to go with it…My husband and I are taking that route this summer heading back East, but driving instead of training it…have fun and I really look forward to more details about the trip and the launch!
March 21, 2010
Christi
Wow, Chris, amazing connection.
I love when the Universe just plops them in your lap.
I had to giggle when I read you’ll be launching as you chug through North Dakota. You will be chugging right by me, albeit in the pre-dawn hours. I wish you well on this journey.
CJ
March 21, 2010
Dale Uno
I’m brand new to AONC and am a new convert to social media, so I’m a little nervous about posting this, my very first, comment, but was so inspired by your article and the comments of others that I just had to take the plunge….
Thank you, Chris, for sharing this story. I just started my business a couple of months ago and have been struggling with some of the typical hurdles new businesses face. The last few days have been especially difficult, so I was only able to read your article this evening (Sunday, here in Hawaii). Synchronicity is what got me to where I am today, and your story was a wonderful reminder of that. Have a great birthday! (Loved the Goethe quote, by the way!)
March 23, 2010
Etsuko
Chris,
OK I’m a bit behind on reading your post as I’m on vacation in Japan – but better late than never! I’m glad I read this crazy story. I recently wrote about a phrase I read in a book “Survivor’s Club” which talked about what it takes to survive in a catastrophic life event. The key is exactly what you said – look for opportunities!
It’s so inspiring and I look forward to following the whole project launch!
Etsuko
March 23, 2010
Andreas Christensen
Good luck Chris! If anyone can do you it you certainly can! I’ve taken the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland and the landscape was amazing! Just remember to walk around a lot and stretch your legs, and keep your eyes peeled when you go through Glacier Park- I saw all kinds of wildlife.
March 26, 2010
Christina Dickson
I love it when confirmations come through like this! Congrats and good luck sir!