Great advice! Short and effective.

Sometimes we spend too much time explaining ourselves to skeptics that don’t matter. This simple phrase is a great productivity boost.

I’m on my way to do some big things too, “watch and see”… =)

Hey Chris,

“Watch and see” is an incredibly powerful phrase that says a lot to skeptics in only two words (“and” is filler, right?). Much more effective than explaining yourself.

Since actions speak louder than words, the best explanation is results. You’ll achieve results faster by maximizing time and energy towards accomplishing a goal rather than describing it. It’s tough sometimes to just say “watch and see,” especially to family and close friends, but it’s more effective.

All the best in finishing up the manuscript, and keep the great succinct articles coming,
Oleg

PS. I’m honored that you’re the first commenter on my site. I’m excited and humbled that you took the time to do that. Really encouraged me to keep going even stronger. Thank you.

Well, as you mention I write on a variety of topics. From time to time I’ll write more about one than the others, but over the long-term I think there’s a pretty fair balance.

This site is about life, work and travel but the focus has definitely been on the last two recently.

How about some more posts reflecting on living life rather than how to make or save money?

I realise you’re busy with your book and all and probably will be for a while but personally I’m not too interested in travelling and visit this site for your take on how to develop your personality to allow you to live unconventionally.

I’m sure there are others in my situation, just as there are many who are more interested in topics I’m not, so this is just a request for a return to balance.

Thanks

That’s exciting on nearing the finish line with your book! I’d argue it’s not your first “real” one; it’s simply your first brick-and-mortar one (well, paper-and-ink one, but you know what I mean). Congrats!

Great post, and thanks for the mindset shift!

a close friend gave me another useful response: I’m ok with you being angry with me. You can substitute other words: disappointed, confused, etc.

I just stumbled on your blog. I found my people. As a woman of a certain age, as they say, I can tell you this: whatever tribulations you face in rejecting a conventional life, doing things backwards, taking lots of detours, you know, they will look like nothing in retrospect. You will be able to say, “I did what I wanted to do. I was awesome. And I’m still awesome.” Now my children are following a similar path. I’m so proud of them.

Thanks for your efforts here. Good luck with your book. I’ll check in from time to time to see how you’re doing.

Best of luck on the book! Sounds like it’s going to be awesome. Hopefully you’ll stop somewhere close to wherever I am, would love to meet you. Even if for only five minutes or something.