Why I Keep Executing My Visions

As I am lying half asleep on an 11-hour flight I thought about how fortunate I was.?

It came to me as I was waking up to write down a question for a podcast I am planning to host for my new company Toneoptic, which is in the music/design space. The question was 'Which record moves you emotionally so much so that it is almost transcendental?' (For me it is the K?ln Concert by Keith Jarrett)

At that moment I also thought about another international flight where I was once again fortunate to be flying first class, just that back then Gary Vee was sleeping in the seat next to me. I just held the first copy of my second book, Bigger Than This, in my hands and I was filled with pride and joy as I was leisurely sipping a glass of champagne. I could not wait for my parents to hold the book in their hands once I arrived in Vienna.

Soon thereafter I kept beating myself up why I did not hand my only advance copy over to Gary and left it with him. What an immense opportunity I had to potentially create early buzz for the book, but I left him glued to his phone and 8 hours of sleep instead. We talked a bit as we exited the plane making our way up the escalator and he told me how exhausted he was. He was spent. It was a few days before Christmas and he was still hustling and it wore him down. It was the right thing not to give him the book and provide my parents with some joy instead.

Fast forward to today.?As I was drifting off in my half-sleep I thought about how back then when I was flying another grueling international route I was excited about my book and this time I was excited about my new company and likely all the other international flights in-between I felt the same about something else I was creating.

Some may think I work too hard, I take too many risks, perhaps even that I am an overachiever, but it came to me in that surreal and magical state of half-consciousness that nothing could be further from the truth.?

Like many of you, I am simply a dreamer and a creator who flourishes when seeing his dreams turn into reality. A reality that is being enjoyed by others.?That is the beauty of creating and it is unbelievably fulfilling.?And I for one will never stop turning my moments of inspiration into realities despite the hurdles and the risks and, yes, the hard work, because having that big smile on your face about something you created, or something you are about to create –?when you finally take a moment to stop and enjoy it all –?is a priceless feeling.?A feeling that I am fortunate to be able to enjoy so often.

So take the time to enjoy those moments, grant yourself that smile, and keep on creating.