A few months ago, an earlier version of this story appeared on DevX.com, but I wanted to share the deeper version here, because this experience continues to shape how I live, work, and support my clients.
For most of my life, travel was simply something I loved. I wanted to see new places, experience different cultures, and understand how people lived outside the environments I already knew. What I did not expect was how deeply that passion would influence the way I structure my days, approach my work, and think about productivity.
A few years ago, that curiosity led me to Uruguay. The decision was not impulsive. It was intentional. I wanted my everyday environment to reflect the same values I help my clients build into their businesses: simplicity, structure, and sustainability. Uruguay’s slower rhythm, connection to nature, and cultural emphasis on balance felt like a natural extension of those values.
What surprised me most was the clarity that came with the change.
Living in a place that values slower mornings, shared meals, fresh air, and time outdoors began reshaping how I understood productivity. I realized that calm does not slow you down. Calm creates focus. When your environment supports your well-being, your mind has more room for creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful work.
As the founder of Getting Ish Done Now, a big part of my work involves helping solopreneurs and small business owners build systems that feel supportive rather than overwhelming. I teach order, clarity, and efficient processes, but underneath all of that is something deeper: helping people build peace into the structure of their business. My move became a real-world example of that philosophy. It showed me what happens when your surroundings match the way you want to feel while working.
The unexpected gift of following my passion for travel is that it made me more grounded. What once felt like two competing desires — the urge to explore and the need to focus — ended up working together. Travel gave me perspective. Peace gave me focus. And the combination helped me create a life and a business that feel aligned, sustainable, and whole.
Following your passion is not always about starting over. Sometimes it is simply choosing an environment that supports who you are becoming. For me, that choice changed everything.