“Do one big year defining thing, every year.”

That’s advice from Jesse Itzler, one of my favorite entrepreneurs…

If you don’t know Jesse, you should look him up for yourself…

A few highlights of Jesse (the main ones at least):

• Frequently partakes in 100+ mile runs / ultra-marathons

• Lived with a Navy Seal for 1 month (David Goggins)

• Married to Sara Blakely, Founder Spanx

• Sold a coconut water brand to Coke

• Founded a jet company

• Accomplished speaker

• Lived with Monks

• Family-man

• Author

• Etc

The reason I respect Jesse, is not only is he an exceptional and accomplished entrepreneur, he’s also extremely well-balanced in all other aspects of his life.

Oftentimes, you’ll see successful entrepreneurs, but they lack in other parts of their life (poor health, bad relationship, numerous divorces, family issues, etc).

When I was younger, I thought “work” was the most important thing.

I was on this rapid chase toward becoming “successful,” (largely to impress others).

In that process, I gained a lot of amazing work experience, but around a year ago I woke up and realized I’m lacking in something more important…

Life experience.

I asked myself, “do I really want to look back on my 20s and say the only thing I did was work?”

So in that moment, I packed my bags and moved to Oregon for a year.

I snowboarded and mountain biked my brains out, and started intentionally carving time for activities/hobbies I enjoy, outside of work.

AKA, doing things with no career “agenda.”

Simply, because I wanted to do them.

After a year in Oregon, I decided I needed to once again switch things up.

So, I packed my bags up again and moved to Bali, to learn how to surf.

Next year, who knows what I’ll do.

But I can promise you this…

It will be life defining.

And it will create a new chapter in my “book of life.”

That way, when my future kids / grandkids ask me about my life…

I can tell them countless story after story.

Not just, “I built a business that made lots of money.”

Look… building a successful business is cool.

But you know what’s way cooler?

Doing that, AND somehow managing to also live an epic and balanced life at the same time.

It IS possible to do both…

No, it’s not easy.

But it’s possible.

Jesse is living proof of that…

We are more than our work.

Doing things OUTSIDE work is what makes us dynamic, interesting humans.

This week’s “1×1×1”

1 creative quote. 1 creative inspiration. 1 photo from my life. Format inspired by Ben Sampson.

💡 Creative Quote of the week:

🌅 Creative Inspiration of the week:

This photograph by Karunchai Treetrong came across my LinkedIn feed the other day. Thought I’d share!

“Somewhere in Hong Kong”

📸 Photo from my life:

Pretty wild sunset from the other night, where a large cloud caused this separation/cut in color. Thankful that this view is right off my balcony currently! At least, for another week… then it’s off to the snow for a bit of time! 🏂❄️

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyrickey/

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