If starting something from scratch is tough... And choosing a course of action, a direction, and a speed is scary... Then giving up a lucrative job in New York to bootstrap a business, create a paradigm-shifting, book publishing venture, and travel across the world in a van in 1080 days must be madness. But that's exactly what AJ Leon decided to do. Why? In AJ's own words (click to tweet):
I don’t want to relent not one f@#%ing inch. [AJ Leon] Choosing a CourseFrom an outside perspective, AJ had everything going for him; a financially stable job in New York, an amazing and supportive soon to be wife, and a lucrative promotion just days away. Except on the inside, everything wasn't so great. AJ had a painful epiphany the day before a big promotion; he realized if he takes this promotion, he's stuck in this lifestyle forever (a lifestyle that, while socially respectable, drained him of energy and passion). The next day, AJ quit his job and chose his own course; no plan, no preparation, no waiting around for someone to tell him what to do. If you want to understand what it means to draw your own map, talk to AJ.
About AJ LeonAJ Leon is a writer, designer, entrepreneur, humanitarian and nomad. He is the founder of Misfit Inc, where he helps brands take over the world. You can find out more about his business at misfit-inc.com, and read about his travels at his personal branded website: aj-leon.com. AJ and his wife, Melissa, are currently on a mission to travel across the world in 1,080 days. You can follow along at pursuitofeverything.com. AJ also produces Misfit Quarterly – a creative arts journal dedicated to showcasing the work of artistic carriers of the misfit flame. The digital edition is free – but AJ also does a limited release run of the print version; something I’m a proud subscriber of. If you’re interested, checkout misfit-inc.com/quarterly.
Amazing Quotes from this Equally Amazing Interview I don’t want to relent not one f@#%ing inch.” (click to tweet) This is what I want and I’m going to live my life deliberately based on the choices I make. If it crumbles in my hand, then at least it’s on me. (click to tweet) True greatness is only a reflection of the failure that is probable in the pursuit of it. (click to tweet) There has to be a possibility that whatever you’re doing may end in cataclysmic failure or it’s probably not worth doing. (click to tweet) Don’t listen to anybody. (click to tweet) More than ever before there is an absurd amount of propaganda out there in the world and there are people that …in a very well intentioned way guide you toward safety, and security, and compliance, and complacency…you should question all of that. Take 3 or 6 months to write down what you want your one and only life to represent on this planet – what you want to accomplish – what you want to be different because you were here…write it all down and use that as a signpost moving forward…but don’t take your cues from society…it will lead you to despondence. Keep on doing it…you’re going to f@#% up…keep on putting one foot in front of the other in defiance of a conventional and conformitive life. (click to tweet) What AJ Leon and I Discuss in this InterviewTwitter Facebook Google+
More Show Notes:Pursuit of Everything Manifesto by AJ Leon: Read AJ's amazing eBook here (he'll be kickstarting the physical edition very soon!). Escape From Cubicle Nation: A great resource for people who want to quit their job and pursue their passion. Good Life Project interview with AJ and Melissa Leon: Great interview. Watch it. Misfit Quarterly: Get the free digital edition here. Or join me and be awesome and support an awesome initiative by grabbing the limited edition softcover.
ITT 158: Grow Your YouTube Channel to 1 Million Subscribers with Charlie Houpert
ITT 157: Sell More With Extreme Transparency with Regina Anaejionu
ITT 156: From Zero to $10 Million Healthy Food Company with Megan Reamer
ITT 155: Breaking Through Your Upper Limits with Akira The Don
ITT 154: Getting Your First Freelance Client with Eric Bakey
ITT 153: Archetypes and Copywriting with Bnonn Tennant
ITT 152: Growing True Wealth with Damion Lupo
ITT 151: Bootstrapping a Software Company as a Non-Technical Founder with Chris Badgett
ITT 150: Copyright, Trademark, and Patents for Online Entrepreneurs with Vincent LoTempio
ITT 149: The Secret to Effective Guest Podcasting with Tom Schwab
ITT 148: The S Curve and How to Hire Amazing Employees with Whitney Johnson
ITT 147: How to Grow (and Monetize) Your Facebook Fan Page with Kim Walsh Phillips
ITT 146: How to Increase Sales By Using Urgency with Jack Born
ITT 145: Behind the Scenes of a 5-Figure Virtual Summit with Alexa Bigwarfe
ITT 144: How to Grow a 7-Figure Online Education Business with Charlie Wallace
ITT 143: Turning Chaos into Order with Jordan Peterson
ITT 142: How to Build a Digital Marketing Agency with Travis Phipps
ITT 141: How to Embrace Your Curiosity with David Kadavy
ITT 140: How to Take Control of Your Finances with an App with Warren Hogarth
ITT 139: How to Achieve Self-Mastery with Johnny Helleland
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
NABOR® TALKS
U.S Property Podcast
Aligned Money Show
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money