Reset
86 Comments

Brand New Day (AKA “It’s Always Good to Change it Up”)

Chris Guillebeau in Hong Kong

Greetings, friends and readers!

I’d like to welcome you to my new blog and online home.

Over the past few months, I’ve been working on an all-new layout and structure for the blog. I wanted to make these changes for two reasons.

1. It’s always good to change it up. Never rest on your laurels!

I haven’t felt challenged through the blog in a while. When it started several years ago, it was new and exciting. It never became a job or something I didn’t enjoy, but for a while I’ve wanted to take it more seriously and do something different.

“Everything was going well, so I decided to change it all.”

However, the second reason is far more important.

2. Every day, thousands of people visit and read this blog. Many of these people are doing remarkable things—traveling the world, starting businesses, and pursuing grand adventures of all kinds.

I want to tell better stories. I want to shine a spotlight on as many of these amazing people and projects and possible.

I’ll be doing that on the new blog, every single day for at least the rest of the year, and most likely for long afterwards.

Whether you’ve been reading for a long time or you’ve just stumbled in, this is for you. I made it so you’d know there are other people who see the world in a similar way.

You want more from life! You want to be a part of something big! And you’re not alone: all over the world, there are many other people with a similar perspective.

Welcome to the all-new Art of Non-Conformity. Here’s how it works.

Every Tuesday will feature a travel profile—one of our readers who is out and about in the world.

Every Wednesday will feature an interview or short excerpt from Unconventional Guides.

Every Friday has a giveaway. You can win something valuable—no strings attached—simply by commenting.

Every Saturday has a photo tour of an airline lounge, international city, or other interesting experience.

There’s also a video of the week, an Ask the Readers series where you can share your input with other readers, and, as they say, so much more.

In between all of these things will be other short posts, written and curated by me. I’ll be sharing here much more frequently than I ever have. I’m extremely excited about this new process, and I hope you’ll join me for it.

Throughout the process you’ll be invited to participate in a series of ongoing experiments. Not all posts will have comments, but this one does, and we’ll keep them open for a long time.

Feel free to say hi and introduce (or reintroduce) yourself.

You can also send in a photo from your city or share a story that may be used for publication.

Thanks for reading. The best is yet to come!

###

Recent posts on the new blog:

Image by Stephanie at the W Hong Kong

Subscribe now and you’ll get the best posts of all time.

86 Comments

  • Vinicius says:

    Hey, just wanted to say hi. Again. I’ve been inspired by your texts and I have started my own website. It is in brazilian portuguese, but in it I share my thoughts and try to write about things I am learning / have learned.

    Thanks anyway. Count me in as a reader!

  • Brandt says:

    Big Thumbs Up Chris! Thanks and Congratulations!

  • Brett Kelly says:

    Site looks awesome, brother. Congrats!

  • Ivonne says:

    First of all, congrats on the new design! it’s wonderful 🙂 All the new things sound very promising, I’m a frequent visitor, commenter and reader. Will definitely add you to my everyday reading digest 🙂 Hugs from Colombia.

  • Ann Marie says:

    Awesome re-do Chris! Looking forward to reading more inspirational posts and learning about more travel hacks and from other great readers! 🙂
    Cheers!

  • Lily Ann Fouts says:

    Congrats on the new layout–your site looks great, Chris! I’ve been enjoying your posts for several years and I’m really looking forward to your new inspirational content over the rest of the year.

  • Lia Huber says:

    Congrats, congrats, congrats, Chris! And thank you for continually inspiring us all to ask, “what do I want to do differently than I’m doing right now?” In a good way :-). Bravo!

  • Darcy says:

    I’m a long-time reader (both of the blog and your books) and have enjoyed your writing immensely over the years. Really looking forward to the new format and to reading more great content from you!

  • Noel Boudreuax says:

    Love the new blog, you were the one that first inspired me to start blogging and this post was exactly what I needed today, I have definitely become a little complacent, and this is inspiring me to revamp my online presence as well. Thanks Chris, you rock!

  • Vago Damitio says:

    Glad to see you’re still living the dream Chris. Me too, my wife and I just opened our first antique store in Reedsport, Oregon. Come say hi one of these days! All the best, ~Vago

  • Sarah says:

    Another long-time reader of both your books and blog, and excited by the new site! Looking forward to being inspired all over again. Thanks Chris!

  • Lee says:

    The new look is great. I always read your material, even when it doesn’t necessarily pertain to my situation as it is fascinating to see what other people are doing with their lives. Looking forward to whatever lies ahead.

  • Nancy says:

    Congratulations and much success, Chris!

    You have now become my first official RSS feed – I am so looking forward to hearing everyone’s stories, as storytelling is my own passion, joy and life.

    See you Portland!

  • monique says:

    nice & clean & clutter free—-love it!

  • Glenyse says:

    I love the new look! Thank you Chris for the continued inspiration.

  • Justs says:

    Always find something great to read in your collection. Just wanted to give a huge thumbs up to the new site. I really like the clean look. Great color scheme and intuitive UI/UX. Good work!

  • Idara says:

    Your re-designed site looks absolutely wonderful! I’m particularly looking forward to reading profiles of folks living out their own authentic visions for their lives…congrats.

  • Jeff Hirz says:

    The site looks great, Chris! Been following you for 5 years and you never cease to invigorate. Thanks for everything.

  • James Tyler says:

    So, does that mean we’ll be getting an email just about every day?

  • Carolann says:

    Well done, Chris! What a pleasure to look through your new site. It’s clean with lots of white space, nice graphics, and great organization. I can tell that from just one look! It’s apparent how much work you’ve put into this, just like you’ve thrown yourself into your other endeavors. Great job. I look forward with pleasure to the additional content.

  • Aecio says:

    Hi Chris,

    I’m a huge fan of your blog and the new layout is awesome!

    I suggest that you keep the header fixed on the top, it’ll improve the reader experience (more space on the screen).

    Thanks!

  • Jason B says:

    Congrats. I’m loving the new layout.

  • Chris Guillebeau says:

    @James,

    Nope, not all posts will be sent by email. We’ll send only a recap + highlights twice a week.

  • Emily says:

    Congrats on the new look, Chris. I’m feeling nostalgic about all the (mostly virtual) stops we’ve all been lucky enough to accompany you on – what a journey and how fun that we both keep changing the model of our respective “cars” – mine’s currently in the shop but I can’t wait to feel the euphoria and anticipation you must be experiencing at the moment.

    I look forward to your new posting schedule – as always, your thoroughness and thoughtfulness is inspiring. Hope you’re taking a moment, in the midst of what I’m sure is a crazy next couple of pre-WDS weeks, to celebrate!

    aka Emma

  • Kate says:

    Hello again from Boise. Congrats! The site looks great; it all sounds good. Now, I’m excited too.

  • Sean S says:

    Congrats on the new site Chris, it looks fantastic on mobile too.

    I am just about to embark on an exciting new chapter of my life and I just want you to know you have been a huge inspiration for me! Thanks mate.

  • Liesha says:

    I’m currently working on my Doctorate in Entrepreneurship, and I’m in a financial class right now. Everyone else is talking about venture capitalist and big banking, and I’m quoting you. I keep telling them there is a better way! I don’t think I’ve impressed my professor, but I have impressed some of my fellow students. 🙂

  • Alexandra Santiago says:

    Hey Chris!

    Congrats on revamping your blog! I look forward to the new direction you’re taking 🙂

    PS. AONC is the #1 reason why I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred (first time I was rejected but I simply called back and they were able to make an exception 🙂 I’ve been sharing your posts (especially travel hacks) with my circle of friends for the past 2 years. We appreciate you!

    All great things,
    Alex

  • sKY says:

    You inspire me Chris by your cre8tivity, vision, motivation to achieve greatness, sincerity, generosity and overall gumption to achieve and do better. Thanks for the kick in the butt I needed to get me to do same (on smaller scale) :).

  • Aimee Prezzano says:

    Congrats, Chris! Nice clean re-design. and I love that you are creating it so you can do more storytelling more often, cause that is what you love to do….AND, that is why we love reading your writing. Keep up the great work and sharing the art of non-conformity message! xo

  • A.Q.S. says:

    Congratulations, Chris. It looks fantastic and makes navigating through all the wonderful content much easier. Thanks for always inspiring and sharing! 🙂 -annie

  • linda says:

    CONRATS! LOOKS GREAT.

  • Andrzej says:

    Great design. Very intuitive + easy to maneuver. I think we’ll get along just fine in regard to your new publishing outline too. Can’t wait to see more stuff here and on my mailbox as well.

    (I don’t know if we should talk about this already, but I also can’t wait to see how the new book will land in this environment!)

    My name’s Andrzej, I write books (well, the debut novel is about to be released, so fingers crossed!) and blog about culture and metropolitan lifestyle. I live and study business psychology in Warsaw, Poland; have spent some time in Porto, Portugal too. We’ve met at Alive in Berlin and since it’s my first real comment (apart from random “I love it!” posted before) I really enjoy that you allowed the introduction. I hope to be a part of disussions and/or brainstorming in many posts to come 🙂

    Take care!

  • Michelle Russell says:

    Congrats, Chris–the new site looks so clean and spacious. Even better will be the focus on more stories from a wider variety of “unconventional conventionalists.” [Brownie points to anyone who can name the movie reference. 🙂 ]

    As an entrepreneur with a focus on simplicity and a meaningful life, I look forward to meeting some kindred spirits here and learning from each other.

    Speaking of which, I’m eagerly counting the days until WDS!

  • Mary Ellen Lapp says:

    Your welcome blog photo is fabulous! It says excitement, vibrancy, commitment. Just what you describe in your post. Thank you for treating us to more frequent glimpses into your life journey. You inspire me. Where is my red scarf?

  • Teags says:

    This is awesome Chris! I am so excited to experience the new blog!

  • Lovelyn says:

    I used to read your blog a while ago. I stopped for a bit, but now I’m back. I love the new look. I can’t wait to start reading the new content too.

  • Barbara says:

    I’m a fairly recent discoverer of your blog (& occasional lurker). The redesign is fabulous, the new, clean look is very appealing, good work sir!

  • Brooke Thomas says:

    Gorgeous new site! Experiments! Near daily posts! Yowzers. Well done and big congrats. I look forward to watching it evolve.

  • Dane Sanders says:

    Raising the bar… for all of us… again! Well done sir.

  • Vito Lucido says:

    Love the new site, Chris!! I’m an older guy but I am still all about the Art of Non-Conformity! I like the idea of different feature material on different days of the week, too! Happy travels!!

  • Tova says:

    Wow, your new site is awesome!!!!
    Thanks for all the inspiration

  • Brian Bell says:

    Chris, I love the way you think. Thanks for inspiring all of us. Huge fan. And CONGRATS on the new site!!! Really looking forward to all the new content. Best from Nashville!

  • Samantha Rosa says:

    Hi Chris!

    I’m a brazilian reader of your blog (“religiously” every week since 2012 when my brother send me your website), and a big fan of your work. You inspire me and lots of friends (since your posts always make me to do something new and so, it becomes a story I tell others).

    I’m a UX designer and I can say: this is great! Congratulations to you and your team for this redesign, it’s cleaner, easier to read, no bs in the middle of the content. I really liked it.

    Thanks for sharing and inspiring so many people. Keep the good work. Hope to be able to collaborate with you in the future 🙂

    Cheers!

  • Jana Schuberth says:

    So excited for you and this change, Chris! Amazing job done by the design studio and I am totally looking forward to the new kind of stories! Would love to see a feature to receive all daily content by email (not just RSS) as well as the round ups. Can’t wait to read more! Congrats!

  • Katie says:

    Hi Chris,
    Congratulations! New look site looks great – looking forward to many more posts. I’ve been a long-time reader of your work, including recommending $100 Start-up to many friends who wanted to break into something different. A friend and I are ‘bootstrapping’ a new business right now and I always find something of value here! Awesome stuff and thank you 🙂

  • Michael van der Galien says:

    The new design is a great improvement Chris, congrats.

  • Joseph Dabon says:

    While reading this post I felt like a gush of fresh breeze touched my face. And believe me, a fresh breeze is impossible to find in my part of the world.

  • Laura says:

    How exciting. Can’t wait! (And thank you.)

  • Marv and Jo says:

    We love the new site and we love YOU Chris! Congrats on the “new” gig writing daily…yet another adventure feather to put in your hat. Keep up the amazing work, and thanks for changing our world! xoxo

  • Lucy Chen says:

    Congratulations on the big change, Chris! I love the new look!

    And it does seem you will be here more, so I’m looking forward to hearing more from you here 🙂

    Keep up the great work!

  • Jef Menguin says:

    I love the new design. Yes, sometimes it is great to start again…

  • Laura CD says:

    Cheers! Love the new site, Chris! Clean, easy to navigate and find what I’m interested in. I like the idea of the rotating content…it will bring me back more often. I’ve read your blog for years, have your books and enjoy your inspiring observations and take on the world. Great job, dude!

  • Edward says:

    Nice layout, looking forward to more awesome blog posts! Thanks Chris

  • Kerry Dexter says:

    I’ll be interested to see how your new plans unfold, Chris — I am one of those who have been reading for all five years. I write about intersections music, the arts, travel, and history and the creative practice of being a musician for a number of places online and in print, including my own site, Music Road. Come on by for a visit —

  • Kim says:

    Congratulations on the new site – it looks great! And I love reading your posts – thank you for all you do!

  • Anthony StClair says:

    Wow, this new site design and content is amazing! Sometimes less is more, but when it comes to good writing, sometimes more is more!

    Really excited for the new content, Chris, and for whatever your next adventures are.

  • Sasha Martin says:

    Congratulations! The new look is very user-friendly and the proposed content sounds fantastic. I’m glad to see some maps surviving the new design here and there – what first attracted me to your web site was the energy of a real explorer – of land, life, and learning!

  • Jill McBride says:

    Great job on the new web site design, Chris. I’m attending WDS for the second time this year. Really looking forward to it.

  • Nailah says:

    Hi Chris! Let me add my congrats on the new site – well done! I’m in the process of redesigning my blog as well (July launch) so looking forward to a fresh new start too.

  • Walt says:

    Congratulations Chris ! I’m liking the new site and can’t wait to take a closer look around at the new content and ideas ! I guess we are all looking for a new start. Glad to be at the starting line with you 🙂

  • Gail M. says:

    Hey, Chris: I’m a brand new reader; just found you through “Feedly.” Your redesign is beautiful, and I’m looking forward to all of the possibilities of your expanded content–it feels like an endless banquet of visuals and thoughts and stories awaits me, and I’ve been srarving!

    Congratulations on your new beginnings.

  • Mike Vardy says:

    Love the new look and feel of AONC, Chris. Nicely done!

  • Free To Pursue says:

    I like the new design and the new proposed approach. Can’t wait to see where you take it and I’m pleased I get to go along for the ride. See you in two weeks!

  • Jeanne @soultravelers3 says:

    Wow, love it Chris! Congrats!

  • elise says:

    Congrats Chris,

    Love the new look and the new plans sound exciting.

    Look forward to continuing reading.

    Elise

  • Leonardo says:

    Hello Chris,
    I am looking forward to this changes in the blog. The new site layout looks really interactive and user friendly. Sharing many stories of other people who are doing amazing things with their life its a great thing to add.

    Looking forward to what’s ahead!!!

  • Susan says:

    Congrats on the launch for the new work portal! Thanks again for inspiring so many of us around the very human necessity of re-invention and leading us once again to think unconventionally. Your new website/blog approach does all of that!

    Question for you, Chris. You mentioned when you first launched your blog, your formal travel hacking goals, etc – that you also committed to writing 1,000 words a day. What did you write and what did you do with it? All non-fiction? Journal, or business ideas or both? All eventually turned into books or blogs? Do you still write 1,000 words a day?

    Best wishes for the new approach …

  • Monica aka The Creative beast says:

    It’s been quite some time since I’ve left a comment but I’ve been reading your blog posts since 2006/2007 and I always your viewpoint here Chris! I LOVE this new format and while I don’t visit the blog daily due to getting your posts by email, I’m excited to know that my regular emails will contain highlights for each week so I can check out the articles of interest and, from what I can see in this new website, there are MANY!! Looking forward to more inspiration for living the life I want for myself here at your new website – congratulations on this new phase of AONC!!

  • Sarah Somewhere says:

    Sweet! Great ideas, I look forward to reading more! All the best with the new format!

  • Renata says:

    Hi Chris,
    I’m from Brazil and I’ve been reading your blog for a while. Now can’t wait to have more information and improve my skills in this crazy world.
    Congrats for the blog and for all!

  • Christopher F. Darden says:

    Congratulations on the new site Chris! Try to keep up the good work, it is appreciated.

  • Joël Cyr says:

    Hi Chris, I was hooked since the first chapter of “$100 start up”. The book ignited in me an entrepreneurial passion for creativity and independence. My wife and I recently launched an online store and hope to take it from hobby to full time job. I really enjoy the content you provide and look forward to learning more from you and your followers.

    Btw, love the new look, streamlined and easy to navigate. Well done.

  • Carolina says:

    Congrats, Chris! The new look is sleek and beautiful. Of the hundreds of emails plaguing my inbox yours is one I always look forward to opening. I’ll be with you in spirit at WDS…I’m sure it will be amazing.

  • Christina says:

    Love, love, love the new site! It will be a point of reference as I endeavor to makeover my own life.

  • Mel says:

    Hello! The new new site + structure is great Chris! I’ve enjoyed your insights, inspiration + stories from afar (Sydney) for a couple of years now and look forward to a whole lot more goodness in the new format. Thanks!

  • Melanie says:

    Your new site looks great! I look forward to the new format and being encouraged along the way. Thanks for the inspirational posts!

  • Clayton Elliott says:

    Hi Chris!

    Congrats on the AWESOME new site! I love the clean look. The layout is simple, yet the site is robust and simultaneously easy to navigate. Kudos to you for shaking things up just for the sake of keeping things interesting.

    And very much look forward to your new writing / publishing formats and reading the stories of all the remarkable non-conformists in this community and beyond! 🙂

    Cheers!

  • john joshi says:

    really very impressive . i have learned many things from your blog.daily good updates i really enjoying your blog.thanks to share

  • http://trezviykharkov.org.ua/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=detail&catid=8&id=55&Itemid=555 says:

    Furthermore, my experience includes identifying the competitive advantage to get a few different companies and crafting that advantage into
    a marketing strategy to develop new company. Each auction could possibly be conducted with
    a different list of terms including bid increments, number of auction rounds and expense reimbursement for your stalking horse.
    ll possess the practical guidance you’ll need on how
    to find a concierge business”.

    my weblog http://trezviykharkov.org.ua/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=detail&catid=8&id=55&Itemid=555

  • cheap wow gold and items using google pay says:

    Buy Cheap WoW Items and FIFA 16 coins here will absolutely e loot cards wow nhance your game experience,loot cards wow. We will get the items for you with instant delivery!

  • trending search boost app says:

    Get Your App Seen, Noticed & Loved. Free Dow app search optimization nload Goes Step-By-Step! Drive 5 star reviews, massive downloads,app search optimization, and satisfying revenue. Contact for some professional suggestions and service!

  • app store aso says:

    Boost your app app store optimization companies ranking and discoverablity with cost-efficient aso service! Our ASO tactics will make your app rank higher,app store optimization companies!

  • José Nunes says:

    Hi, Chris! Your writing makes the world better. Thank you for that!

  • Kanchipuram sarees says:

    Get Your App Seen, Noticed & Loved. Free Dow app search optimization nload Goes Step-By-Step! Drive 5 star reviews,

  • Stephen says:

    I’m liking the new site and can’t wait to take a closer look around at the new content and ideas ! I guess we are all looking for a new start. Glad to be at the starting line with you!

Your comments are welcome! Please be nice and use your real name.

If you have a website, include it in the website field (not in the text of the comment).

Want to see your photo in the comments? Visit Gravatar.com to get one.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *