“I need 5-6 hours a day for my book.”

I’m sitting with Carolina, the girl I’m seeing. She’s excitedly showing me pictures of Patagonia.

“Oh, and I can’t do hikes on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays because I have meetings.”

It was 2 weeks ago, and we were about to fly to Bariloche, Argentina. I should’ve been excited. But instead, I felt tense as I focused on the time I was losing. Carolina understands. A month ago, I lost my book when my phone was robbed, and my laptop was wiped.

I’ve been writing flat out since.

I’ve been enjoying the intensity. I didn’t want to let life get in the way.

But when I landed in Patagonia, I snapped back to reality.

It is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. And I was planning on skipping most of it so I could achieve my goals two weeks faster.

The problem with being in a hurry

I read something on Twitter a month ago that I can’t stop thinking about:

Right now is the golden years, we’re just too busy to notice.

It hit me hard. For most of my life, I’ve believed there was somewhere to ‘arrive’. Some future where I will finally have what I want. Where I am happier, more content, less insecure. And only then can I kickback and relax.

This belief has led to me working a lot—which I enjoy, because it feels great to challenge myself.

But it’s also a problem.

I’ve found myself working hard for futures that I eventually miss. Why? Because when I get what I want, I’m focused on the next peak.

For example, dentist Kieran would have literally killed to be where I am now.

5 years ago, I felt trapped. I was tied down to one location, working a job that didn’t excite me, with zero belief I could do anything else with my life.

But as I write this, I’m staring at a snowcapped mountain range. I’ve just finished writing a chapter of my book. I’m learning Spanish and dating a beautiful, smart, kind girl from Argentina. I have 5 client calls a month. And I work in zero smelly mouths.

If this isn’t ‘it’, I don’t know what is.

It’s only when I set aside time to reflect that I realise how important savouring success is. It is not weak to slow down and enjoy other areas of life. In fact, in today’s world, it takes real strength.

Especially when you are building online.

Many personal brands I’ve met are a mess because they physically cannot relax without feelings of guilt and FOMO.

I’m no saint here.

But I’ve used this time in Bariloche to enjoy a change of pace. I write my book in the morning (because it feels illegal not to write with a view like this), then switch off.

We rented a car and have explored wide and far, including an 800, and I have no doubt that when I am old, I will look back at this trip and think, “Goddamn, what a beautiful part of the world I got to explore when I was younger.”

On that note, I don’t want to spend too long on this email.

I have one question for you.

When was the last time you stopped to appreciate where you are?

You don’t need to travel to the bottom of the world, either. Spend a Sunday and read a good book. Take out your partner and stop thinking about work. Play with a skill that isn’t attached to a monetary ROI.

Sure, the hustle crew will think you are losing.

But success is not about how fast you reach the peak. It’s about how much you enjoyed the walk.

Adios,

Kieran

P.S.

Here’s a photo of Carolina and I at one of the few incredible places we visited. Will write more about Bariloche when I’m back in Buenos Aires.