lovingmysidehustle

[lovingmysidehustle]

Create a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From: Insights from Seth Godin and My Dad

Hey everyone! I've been reflecting on a powerful quote by Seth Godin, an incredible thinker and author who's been lighting up the marketing world for over three decades. Seth's work, including bestsellers like "Purple Cow," has not only changed the way we market but also how we see our work and lives.

"Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from." This quote hit me hard during a time when I felt burnt out and lost chasing one online business idea after the other, spending all my hours creating content, going to marketing tradeshows and checking my stats. I remember I was working longer hours than any “real job” I’ve ever had and I was pushing away my family members and friends because all that mattered was finishing my work and getting to another big affiliate payday. I judged my life by how many sales I made each day not by how many friends I met or times I hugged my loved ones. 

One day my Dad called to say hi and check in with me. This was rare as he never called me. I remember saying Dad, man, I’m working! I don’t really have time for this right now. He said “okay son, I love you” and hung up. It wasn’t long after that when he had a sudden heart attack and was gone. 

I was devastated. What the absolute Hell was I doing with my life working all the time and neglecting the very people I love the most? For what? I’d give back every dollar I ever earned in an instant for just one more shared pizza with my old man, one more game of cribbage at his kitchen table, one more shared belly laugh at his corny jokes. I would give all of my affiliate sales and earnings back without a second thought for that.

I realized I was chasing after success without considering my happiness. By being honest with myself and focusing on what truly mattered, I found a path that felt more fulfilling and less like a constant grind. I love writing about creating a life rooted in love, of our mission, our family, our community, our customers and life itself. That’s what I do now. That’s why I wrote Loving My Side Hustle and 100 Ways To Get New Customers.

Here's how you can apply Seth's wisdom to achieve financial freedom and a life you love:

Align Your Work with Your Passions: Start projects that light a fire in you. Passion-driven work feels less like work and more like a calling.

Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support your dreams. Be that person for others. A strong community makes the journey less about escape and more about shared success.

Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness: Appreciate the small wins and the journey itself. This mindset shift can transform your daily grind into a rewarding experience.

Here's A Question For You!

What's one change you can make today to create a life you don't need to escape from? Let's share and inspire each other!

Seth Godin's perspective reminds us that success isn't just about financial gains but about creating a life filled with purpose and joy. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please, share away! Warm Regards, Joseph Segal, Please download your complimentary review copy of my new book: Loving My Side Hustle