For the first time, I woke up today and asked myself “what can I do right now that is enjoyable and exciting?”

This totally isn’t normal for me.

Typically, I start my days with a more stressful approach.

I immediately think of the things that are on my business to-do list.

“Ok Frey, let’s tackle the most difficult task that I dread doing.”

It’s like I don’t even give myself the option to think otherwise.

The result? Few ultra productive sprints, but a majority of unproductive moments and the feeling that “I’m just not doing enough”.

The cycle looks a lot like this: Wake up, tell myself to get to work, anticipating that it’s going to suck, existing in a state of ultra-resistance, feeling bad for not working, reminding myself to suck it up, putting it off for a little while longer, then starting my work.

What a terrible way to live, am I right?

Thinking back to the last three months (since I quit my full-time job), I’ve been miserably stomping forward and working on my website businesses every day.

On one hand, I was incredibly productive. 

I built and launched two website directories that should have a good shot at being passive money-making machines, and locked in two paid SEO clients.

Yet looking back, I was so unenthusiastic about my work – doing it for the money.

If I were to rate my first 3 months of full-time solopreneurship, I’d give myself a 8.5/10 for productivity and a 2/10 for life enjoyment.

This has been a big problem. And I think I’ve found a solution.

In short: I need to spend more time doing things that actually excite me.

Part of the reason I rationalize my lack-of-doing-fun-things is money. It’s my environment. The bay area is bustling with high-paying jobs and opportunities, but sadness and struggle runs rampant.

It’s a good reminder – money doesn’t mean sh*t if you’re unhappy.

Cheesy, but so true.

The honest truth is that I can work and live anywhere I want.

I just haven’t given myself the permission to.

It wasn’t until recently that I visited Taiwan for my grandpa’s funeral that I realized “Oh sh*t, I can actually leave the Bay area and life would look so much more exciting.”

In the Bay area, my cheap ass limits doing fun and enjoyable things to things that don’t cost much: Gym, Netflix, buying ingredients at Whole Foods, and eating out once or twice a week.

Options are limited.

In Taiwan, I could quite literally ball out on a budget.

Maybe this is a reminder to prioritize doing things I actually enjoy doing on a regular basis.

Or, it’s just an early sign that I’m going to move to Taiwan.

Either way, please please please invest time in finding more interesting, fun, exciting things to do.