“I am a hypocrite”
I think my biggest blogging fear is the thought of having to say those words. While there aren’t really true yet, the next few months are going to reveal a lot about my credibility as a blogger. 99% of the people in the world are really good at talking about all the things they want to do, and all of their big plans. Yet there is only a very, very small percentage that actually has the courage to act.
As of this second, I have not designed my ideal lifestyle. I am still working at my job, making my car payments, and generally living a comfortable life. What does that do for my credibility as a blogger in this niche? Probably not a whole lot of good. Sure, I have made some progress on my list. I have put some plans into motion that will be carried out by the end of the year (I can’t wait for the day I can write about this stuff). I have done more than a lot of people, yet in the end, I am currently doing the exact same thing that I was back in May when Location180 began.
I don’t want to be known as that guy that tells you how to live your life, but isn’t taking his own advice. After the overwhelming response you guys gave me in If You Were to Live Abroad…it is obvious what I need to be doing. Around 25 of you constructively berated into doing my travels. The time is coming for that, and it is almost here, but not quite.
The most difficult part of the situation I am in right now, is that it is transitional. I can’t write about what I am doing due to my job, but much of what I want to write about has to do with those plans. Aside from not being able to publish as much of that content right now, there is one aspect of all this that I think is pretty unique. For months you have all seen the site evolve. You have been able to see me dealing with my personal struggle of breaking out in to an unconventional life, and that isn’t something that gets documented very often. To be completely integrated into a traditional way of life, and then decide to do things differently is very difficult. Sure some people can handle the change better than others, but you are getting to see the questioning, second guessing, and what will ultimately be the success of my transition. There will be even more value to you once I have become successful. Once that has happened, I can write about all the specifics that have remained very vague up to this point. And I will safely be able to say “I am not a hypocrite.”
So I guess I want to submit this as an apology of sorts. Looking back on many of my posts they have been very vague. Filled with theoretical thoughts, plans and ideas. As far as you can tell, there has been very little concrete progress towards my goal of doing a “Location 180″. Well I am close. SO close. And I hope you guys will bear with me just a little bit longer as I continue to finalize the next chapter of this site. One that will be full of more adventure, more useful how-to information, and most importantly, more real life experience.
–
If you enjoyed this post please sign up for my email updates or RSS Feed.
Join The Discussion
Sean, I’m sure I speak for everyone here that it isn’t a drag at all to read your posts. I can relate to the frustration you are feeling, especially when you have to hold back information… I’ve had to do a lot of that as well, and I think its a common experience that entrepreneurs can bond over. I think its also common for the online world to put too much pressure on time. It takes time for things to unfold, and especially for businesses to grow. Your focus on mindset is critical and often overlooked. It’s easy to move money, it’s not easy to move minds. Great post.
@Dan, I really appreciate this comment. Something that I find myself forgetting is that to does take time for things to happen. I have been getting so wrapped up in the fact that I would like things to happen faster, that I sometimes forget that it is ok to take my time and let things unfold.
At the end of the day you’re only accountable to yourself (even if having a blog is a means to be accountable to others).
Be careful not to put yourself in a negative mood by being hard on yourself. That’s pointless and counter productive.
I confess to reading a couple of these ‘life-style design’ blogs and wondering if the writer is actually taking action and not just spouting generic feel-good ‘how to conquer your fears in 5 steps and live your dreams’ posts.
Sean,
Actually, I really think its crucial that people who are in the process of succeeding share their struggles. I myself am in a similar state of flux, not a complete neophyte and not yet liberated. I have been working on my business for several years and hope to finally leave the rat race behind me next year.
I understand your sentiments regarding feeling like a hypocrite. I myself question how I can suggest that others follow a path similar to my own, when I am still trapped just as they are. However, I try to remind myself that emanicipation of the mind is the first step to freedom.
Hey Sean—
I think most of us are hypocrites too. The key is figuring out what is stopping you from doing what you want to, start doing that, don’t regret following your dreams. I did it. If I can do it, anyone can. I mean ANYONE. There are numerous questions you need to ask yourself daily. “What am I doing today to get where I want to be tomorrow?” “Do I really need to be spending or buying ‘this’?” “Am I making the right life decisions to get where I want to be?” If you can answer these questions productively than you are much farther ahead than you think.
Dave
LifeExcursion
You aren’t a hypocrite just because you don’t totally practice what you preach. You are only a hypocrite when you no longer try to live your values. Quit abusing yourself… that’s why we have family! LOL
Keep up the good work and progress. Sharing your journey is just as helpful as someone recounting a successful one. Maybe more so, because it helps the rest of us accept the fact the we too are not making the progress we had hoped. Just keep moving forward.
A lot of what most of your fellow bloggers talk about are pipe dreams up until a certain point. To use the blogosphere as a sounding board is nothing to be ashamed of, though…that’s a big part of the point. We keep each other motivated and moving forward and inspire each other with our actions and words.
When I first decided to start up Exile Lifestyle back at the end of April, I wrote about what I already knew and speculated about what could be, and all the while I kept pitching in advice as I learned it, which is exactly what you’re doing. And you know what? Four months later I was out the door, goals from that point reached in full, ready to start working on the next list. You’re on the same path and I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t have the same or better results.
Keep it up, bro, you’ve given all us some something to think about along the way, and as you said, you’ll only be contributing more and more value as you get closer to the end of this first list.
I think you have hit a nerve with this one, there are many of us who feel like this is how we will be perceived by our readers.
The good thing is that you’ve asked the question of yourself, that works in your favor. I have seen others take generalized non specific digs at bloggers like us which helps no one.
You’ve also made it clear to me that maybe I can start making some posts that actually illustrate my progress no matter how small it may seem it displays that “yes” we are taking action.
Also we’re non conformists, maybe there is a little weird expectation in peoples minds that when we say we are going to do this it should happen immediately but we’re not citizens of the fast food nation though, our goals don’t come in a McValue meal ready to eat instantly, we have to write the recipe first and then cook it up, it takes time.
@Edward I think you are right, it is the people who are succeeding that are worth paying attention to, but it is a long road to success. So to be able to look at others missteps or struggles, can provide a great learning experience to those looking to start down a similar path. Really appreciate the comment!
@Dave, I can pretty safely answer those questions. I actually much farther down the path than I expected to be. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time, but I guess that just means I am living life the correct way…
@Steve Much appreciate, and you are right, as long as I am continually trying to abide by value and make progress towards those things I am preaching, then I am doing pretty well for myself.
-Couldnt have said it better myself.
@Colin Everyone has to start somewhere. As I told a friend yesterday while trying to get rid of the mountain of stuff I have accumulated “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” To that, you certainly can’t change your life in a day.
Also, I gotta tell you, I look at what you have done and can’t help but be inspired. Who knows, maybe one these days we will end up in the same city? Keep doing what you are doing, you’re making it easier for the rest of us.
@Dan I think you and I are in very similar situations. We know what we are trying to do, and we write about it. Neither of us, have all the experience to back it up, but no doubt we will sooner rather than later.
Totally true, and watching the recipe evolve is one the best parts. Thanks for the comment!
Hi Sean,
I have also struggled with this. To get around this I don’t try to come off as an expert in areas that I’m weak in. For example, my blog has made me very little money so far, so I don’t write about how to make money with your blog. I want to be able to see for myself things work in practice.
It doesn’t mean in future that I won’t ever blog about those topics I’m weak in, but until I’m feel I’m getting stronger in those areas I’ll continue to blog about my strong points.
Have in there buddy.
@Gordie I think it is one thing to write about things you are weak in, I think it is another to try and pretend as though you are the expert in those fields. I definitely write about things that aren’t my strong suit, but I also feel that in writing and doing research for posts, I am increasing my knowledge and hopefully that of my readers in the process. But I agree, focusing on your strengths is going to be one the best (if not the best) to ensure the success of your blog. Thanks for your thoughts!
Sean, this is not hypocrisy. It’s called being a real human living a real life. I can very well understand your approach on this as I’m somewhat going through the same thing. But what separates whining and succeeding is determination, and I hope we can both accomplish our big dreams. Of course, the cliche still applies: the sooner the better!
Great finding your corner on the web and hope to see more great posts (and updates) soon!
Great post! I think right now you’ve really the foundation out to be location independent, but it just takes time & effort. At least you have a nice, clean blog to express it all in.
One thing that I appreciate is your honesty in this post; the truth resonates. It’s this feeling of ‘resonation’ that motivated me to comment on your blog for the first time. This honesty allows me as a reader to think…wow that’s so true…and I want to be in that (albeit not perfect) position. Yes, you aren’t there yet, but you’re on the way. Salud to you, my friend!
I look forward following your journey and reading how you accomplish your goals, all while I try to structure my life to do the same.
Hey Sean!
The way I see blogging is not that the blogger is some sort of Guru or holy saint who tells people how to live, but rather shares his views and visions and experiences with the readers.
I don’t think it matters if it takes you 1 or 5 years to make the shift towards your ideal lifestyle, as long as you enjoy writing about it, enjoy inspiring others, try new things and record them as experiments so others can follow.
That’s what I think it’s about.
Thanks for being honest and sharing
Cheers
Diggy
integrity is the name of the game!
I am in the exact same situation right now. Its to the point where I almost feel bad posting on my blog, because I really haven’t done anything extraordinary yet. I will, but some things need to happen first, such as getting rid of my job. That’s what is tying you down as well I think, so I understand.
Just keep doing what you are doing. Things won’t happen immediately, and nobody here doubts that you are 110% genuine. Also, know that there are others in the same boat as you, and they feel the same way.
Just stay focused man! You’ll make it.
Hi Sean,
Thanks for the honesty.
I think all of us are in the same situation. We all talk about living ideal lifestyles but perfection is something to aim for it is never really achievable. The striving is what counts. It doesn’t matter if you reach your destination or not. Trying is what matters.
I agree with NomadicNeil, many people preach what they wish they were doing. Don’t worry about not being there yet. Sharing your experiences on the way is interesting enough.
Wow, hello, and welcome to the inside of my brain. So glad you could stop by and state what I feel on a daily basis.
What I’VE discovered is that there are two differences in people who haven’t made the full leap to their dreams. There are the people who won’t make a leap because they are scared or holding themselves back. Then there are people who won’t make the leap QUITE yet because they have plans to set in place before leaping.
I like to think I’m the latter, and I’m really working to make sure that pans out as I work to make myself location free. BUT the fact looms in the back of my mind as I read all these other people and see everything else that MAYBE I am the former and I don’t want to resign myself to that.
I think it makes me work even harder to be the latter. I’ll let you know though.
Hey Sean, thanks for being real.
The whole reason I called my blog From Whoa to Go was so I could get away with not actually doing that which I want to be doing. For me it isn’t about what you know now but what you need to know to get where you want to be and then letting everyone else in on the secrets.
And buddy, you’re doing just that! No apologies ever. I learn from you, isn’t that the point?
Sean,
I salute you for coming out and saying what I have been reluctant to say in public, but I know EXACTLY how you feel. I know the quality of my posting has suffered because of how I feel. I have let it get to me and affect my work. You on the other hand have been working. Re-designing and making your blog clean. You posted less often, but you posted from heart.
Thanks for being the inspiration. It is time for me to clean up my act and my blog. Keep up the good work and I’ll be able to say, one of these days, I knew Sean when….
Rasheed
I visited your blog for the first time ever today, and was immediately drawn by the headline – I am a hypocrite. The ay you said it, so genuinely, floored me. Thank you for having the guts.
I immediately connected it with my own lifestyle. I myself am starting a site, and though I try hard to only write what i clearly practise, at times, when I am having a shower, i do ask myself the question – am i a hypocrite? And then I visit my site and make a lot of changes to it.
Thank you, for whatever this post stood for. All the very best to you of course.
If anything, I think that your honesty & sincerity UP your credibility a whole lot. Keep it up.
-Dena
Evolution
Hey Sean!!
I’ve been so busy tanning and looking for a job, I’ve been neglecting your blog!! I absolutely love your blog…in fact, if I hadn’t come across it and Ryan Martin’s blog post, I may never have did what I wanted to do with my life…I quit my job and moved to Hawaii:) And I couldn’t be happier!!!!!
I don’t think you’ll wind up being a hypocrite at all…just remember your own advice:
“If you aren’t taking conscious steps towards the things you want to do in life, then you need to reevaluate what you are doing.”
Good luck…I’ll be reading!!
Sarah
Comments on this entry are closed.
Join The Discussion