I’m determined to close at least one commercial real estate deal in 2013 without using a single dollar of my own money. I tried hard toward the end of 2012, but every deal fell through.

Everyone keeps telling me uncertain financial market conditions make it near impossible, but I keep recalling the perseverance of a friend of mine.

He wanted to make an independent movie but had no experience…

A major Hollywood producer said to him, “97 percent of independent movies never make it to the big screen.” He responded, “Thank you for the feedback. Now, can you introduce me to the three percent?”

Eventually his movie made it to the big screen and I was an extra. Boom.

Ignore the odds. You only have to succeed the last time.

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. Nothing is yours except the essential things–air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky–all things tending toward the eternal or what we imagine of it.” ~ Cesare Pavese

When was the last time you woke up in a strange or unfamiliar place?

For me, it was yesterday. And the day before that and the day before that. I’ve been on the road traveling the United States for over 700 days straight.

When you start your life from scratch with the goal of visiting all 50 United States it’s inevitable you’ll find yourself sleeping in some pretty interesting places.

I’ve slept on plenty of couches, in plenty of basements, and in plenty of cars I either rented or borrowed.

I’ve slept in many run-of-the-mill beds, stayed in a few hostels, and even slept on a gymnasium floor volunteering overnight at a homeless shelter.

There are a few places I’ve slept where I probably should have worn a hazmat suit like the dorm room I stayed in on the University of Michigan campus.

Along the way I’ve also slept in several places that are straight-up spectacular.

Here is a list of some of the crazy-cool places I’ve slept in America (in no particular order):

1. Descanso Beach – Catalina Island, CA

After taking a ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island with two strangers (now friends) I met through Twitter I ended up taking a power nap in the most perfect spot.

2. Morro Rock – Morro Bay, California

I arrived at the beach around 2:00 A.M. The fog was so thick I couldn’t see more than 10 feet in front of me. I didn’t have a place to stay that night so I slept on the beach. When I woke up and rolled over I discovered this national landmark.

3. Piedras Blancas Lighthouse – Cambria, CA

Never pass up the opportunity to sleep in a lighthouse. Just me, the sea, and the stars. Amazing.

4. Dan’s House – Sandpoint, Idaho

I met Dan and his lovely wife only a few hours earlier while playing pool. They were kind enough to allow me to crash at their magnificent home along Lake Pend Oreille.

5. Acadia National Park – Mount Desert Island, ME

One of the best places I’ve ever visited in my life. Stunning. I slept outside and woke up to this sunrise…

6. Sanctuary Camelback Resort – Phoenix, AZ

In year two of the journey, after I made a bit of money I treated myself to a night at this marvelous resort as I passed through Arizona.

7. Lake House – Adirondack Mountains, NY

Ever-important napping on a hammock under a rainbow on a summer day along Schroon Lake.

8. Terranea Resort – Palos Verdes, California

I pulled up to this Trump resort in a 2000 Daewoo station wagon stuffed full of boxes. I was paid by a couple to deliver the vehicle from San Diego to Seattle. You’re damn right I had them valet that sucker.

9. Izaak Walton Inn – Glacier National Park, MT

The main, historic lodge is an authentic caboose car and there are no televisions or telephones (not even cell service) in the rooms. Oh, by the way, it’s across from Glacier National Park with amazing views like this…

10. Renovated Barn – Poultney, VT

I enjoyed several days in the loft area of this renovated barn in a small town of Vermont. Woke up every morning to the sweet sound of birds chirping and roosters crowing.

11. W Hotel – Scottsdale, AZ

I dozed off for a bit while waiting at the rooftop pool for a magazine reporter who did a story on the Tenlap journey.

12. Mercey Hot Springs Resort – Firebaugh, CA

This place is actually owned by a buddy of mine so I kind of cheated when I stayed here, but I rarely have access to a vehicle so I used this opportunity to drive out to the middle of nowhere and enjoy an evening with him and his wife and rejuvenate with several hot soaks.

13. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur, CA

The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. I just had to stay at least one night in Big Sur. Here’s the view.

14. Keystone Resort – Keystone, Colorado

After catching a ride with two free-sprited women from Chicago, IL to Keystone, CO I stayed with them for three weeks at a ski resort that wasn’t open for season yet. A bit creepy and a lot cool.

15. Under a Bridge – Central Park, NY

You can never go wrong taking a nap in Central Park.

16. Campground By The Lake – South Lake Tahoe, CA

The water is clear, the air pure, and the meditation cleansing.

17. Encore Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

I’ve been to Vegas twice on this journey and I’ve stayed in places like the Days Inn and Circus, Circus, but I caught a break and was invited to stay in a 53rd floor suite at the Encore. Steve Wynn knows how to do it.

18. Rail Car – Devils Lake, ND

I didn’t spend much time in North Dakota, but the people I met there was some of the nicest on the planet. I felt so comfortable I decided to sleep on an abandoned lumber rail car one night.

19. Water Fall – Silver Falls, OR

Sleeping near waterfalls seems to be a thing of mine. This was one of the more amazing ones I discovered in Oregon.

20. Amongst the Deer – Smoky Mountain National Park, TN

Slept amongst friends in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It turns out as long as you’re willing to share the grass everyone gets along.

21. Cattle Point – San Juan Island, WA

I met a host through Couchsurfing.org who owned a house on San Juan Island off the coast of Washington. I caught a bus from Bellingham to Mt. Vernon where he picked me up. We took the ferry to the island and I spent three days completely unplugged from the world along the ocean.

22. Calf Creek Falls – Escalante National Park, UT

I told you I have a thing for waterfalls. This was a great place to sleep. Better place to meditate.

23. Castle – Coronado Heights, Kansas

King for a day.

Who knows what’s in store for the remainder of this journey. I just know it’s been nothing short of remarkable including the places I’ve slept.

Wherever you lay your head tonight may it be as spectacular as the many places I’ve had the fortune to lay mine.

It went exactly like this…

Me: What’s the plan? How long do I stay on this medication?
Doc: Six months is the usual time period, but you won’t be alive in six months. We have six weeks.
Me: Where do I go from here?
Doc: You should spend as much time as you can with your family.

Tonight I’m looking over transcripts from doctors visits years back. I recorded every single visit and had them transcribed.

Periodically, I review the transcripts to remind myself where I’ve been, how far I’ve come, and how fortunate I am. Today is especially significant.

On this day eight years ago I woke up from a 5-hour kidney transplant surgery thinking two things: 1) Please tell me my mother’s surgery went well. 2) I will make a significant contribution that matters in human terms.

Take it from someone who was fortunate enough to get a second chance…

Live as if you have one shot. Don’t delay. Make it count.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

Execute. Today.

That’s all I’ve been thinking about every day since I arrived in Wisconsin. As you know, I’ve planted five seeds of self-reliance this spring with the hopes of them leading to my financial freedom.

Several of them are in beta mode and nowhere near where I want them to be. Nor do they meet my typical high standards. It’s making me very uncomfortable.

I’ve never taken the minimum viable product approach to a business.

I used to want to be the best at EVERYTHING. It was an obsession of sorts and an unhealthy one.

I remember when I was younger my football team won the state championship and I was MVP. I didn’t celebrate. It wasn’t a national championship.

I once submitted my opponent in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match in 19 seconds. The record for that tournament was 18. I was pissed.

Early in my career I negotiated a $100 million dollar contract. Didn’t even crack a smile. I left feeling like I could’ve got $150 and I should’ve been more prepared.

The point is this… every single one of those accomplishments were great moments in my life. Moments I should have been proud. But, I don’t remember them as great moments. Not because they weren’t, but because I didn’t celebrate them like they were.

I’m doing my best to not worry about my best.

Even if it means I have to ship it without everything I want to include. Even if it’s in beta mode. Even if I’m afraid what others will think.

And you’re damn right I’m celebrating.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

Renting a place to stay for a few months is comforting.

The first week felt a bit awkward. Having a key to lock a door. Having a bed to call my own. Having food in a refrigerator to cook. It’s all a bit weird. I’m sure I’ll adjust cause that’s what us humans do.

For the last 500+ days nearly everything was uncertain. Although, with each passing day everything became more certain. Or, at least that’s what I tricked my mind into believing. The reality is nothing is certain. Okay, maybe death and taxes. But, you know what I mean.

Nothing has ever been certain. We just like to trick our mind into believing it is to reduce our natural reaction of fear, anxiety, and resistance.

In today’s fast-paced, 24/7 connected world, it seems uncertainty sneaks up on us and punches us in the face. How do we avoid getting hit? Here’s how you can duck the punch and shake hands instead…

The best way to shake hands with uncertainty is to overcome fear. The best way to overcome fear is to take action. The best way to act is to be confident in your actions. The best way to be confident in your actions is to master skills. The best way to master skills is to practice (which requires action)… see what I did there?

What’s the next step? That’s all you need to know. Go. Do. Practice. Master.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

Finally back online. Apparently the people of Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota hate the internet. Not many wifi options. I’ve spent the majority of the last 120 hours on passenger trains, in the mountains, and sleeping in empty cargo cars. More comfortable than you might think.

I’m now over 500 days into #tenlap and all this non-internet time has given me ample opportunity to reflect back. I’ll be sending an epic email recap next week. (sign up for the email in the right sidebar if you haven’t already. It’s over there —>) These last several days I’ve also been setting the vision for the next 500. Yep, I’ll be on the road for a while.

This journey started with survival mode. And, to make it out I had to get my mind right. Then I moved to dependence mode and had to significantly rely on the help of others. In the process I’ve done my best to create a value exchange for them as well. In an effort to move out of dependence mode I’ve focused the last six months on planting seeds of self-reliance.

• I took a lead role with a tech start-up.
• I co-founded my own tech start-up.
• I launched a speaking career.
• I’m serving as an advisor to a commercial real estate education program.
• I formed a commercial real estate investment partnership.

The seeds have been planted. Now it’s time to grow roots.

I’ve met a lot of people who have experienced short-term success. Heck, I’ve been there myself. I’ve learned that anyone can hit it big if they just plant enough seeds. But, few can sustain it.

It’s been my experience that a significant part of long-term, sustainable success happens immediately after the seeds have been planted. That’s when the focus shifts toward building ecosystems for success. Pick any area of your life and ask yourself if you’ve done the following:

• Have you created the most ideal environment? Will power comes and goes. Environment is 24/7.
• Have you surrounded yourself with the right people? You can’t play business (or life) on an island. You need people better than you.
• Have you implemented efficient systems? Humans are complicated. Systems simplify.
• Have you adopted effective tools? The right tools will enhance your unique abilities and mask your short-comings.

This is where the real hard work begins. Most can get started. Few follow through.

Now’s the time to do the hard work necessary to make life easy.

The next 120 days will be all about building ecosystems for success. How about you? How will you invest the next 120 days?

Time to catch another train. On to Fargo, North Dakota. Damn, these late night/early morning train rides are killing me.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

Today a guy approached me and asked if I would help him launch a business idea he has been working on. He’s been struggling to figure out logistically how to implement his idea and he fears it will fail.

I also spoke to a woman who is at a crossroads. She has what she described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. However, it would require her to quit her job. This opportunity is a short-term project and she’s afraid of the uncertainty after the project is complete.

I respect both of them for even exploring these opportunities. And I admire their willingness to reach out and ask for guidance from others.

In both situations I did my best to help. But, I feel it’s my responsibility to remind them (and you) I’ve experienced several colossal failures in my lifetime.

Home foreclosure…
Car repossession…
Major medical bills unpaid…
Multiple businesses defunct…
And on and on and on…

People say all the time, “Greg, why should I listen to you when you’ve experienced so many failures?” First, I don’t think anyone should listen to me. Listen if you want. Don’t if you don’t. Second, I’m not focused on “success” in the eyes of others.

My personal definition of success is to experiment with as much of life as possible and explore how I handle those experiments mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. By all accounts, I’m succeeding.

As a result of these experiments I’ve learned a lot about life, business, and myself. Mostly what not to do. Also what to do. And over the years I’ve gained (some) wisdom.

So I share. For you. Look, I’m not here to tell you what’s going to work for you. I’m here to share the story of what’s working (and not working) for me.

But, one thing is for sure…

Learning who you are and what you’re made of is not possible until you get in the game. I’m in the game. My game. Are you in yours?

I better get moving. My train to Spokane rolls into town in about 40 minutes and I have a mile walk in the pouring rain ahead of me.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

I always feel behind. Emails, meetings, biz dev, blog posts, phone calls, status updates, blah, blah, blah, blah…

There are a million and one things to do, but don’t forget about your soul.

Today I remembered.

Woke up from one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had since I started. A gracious couple invited me to stay in their spectacular home on Lake Pend Oreille.

Leif picked me up around 11:00A.M. and we headed out for a day of sightseeing around Northern Idaho. Jumped in the truck, cranked up the Stones, and headed to Pack River first. Took off my shoes, rolled up my jeans, and splashed around in the water for a bit. Eventually landed in a picture perfect spot for a quick Journey Gym workout.

Journey Gym on Pack River

Then it was back on the road to Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Gorgeous views from the top. Great place to clear the mind and let it all go; whatever IT is.

Schweitzer Mountain

Winding our way back down the mountain as we listened to Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama. Eventually made our way to Priest River for a quick roll through town and a visit to the water once again.

On the way back we stopped at Dover Bay. Walked to the edge of the dock and soaked up the fresh air and epic views.

Shot over to City Beach for a walk around the park. Then a stop at Black Rock for one final deep breath of the crisp, cool Idaho air.

Sandpoint City Beach Park

Absolutely gorgeous up here. Gorgeous.

As I work hard at rebuilding my life from scratch and creating the life I desire and deserve, and as you do the same; remember…

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, with its constant barrage of distractions and 24/7 connections, it is important to feed your soul; frequently.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

Arrived at the Starveups Launch Pad event early this morning to help out. Was told I’d be introduced around lunch time to share a little bit about my journey. No big deal, right? Then lunch passed and I was told I’d be speaking at the end. I’d close the event. 15 minutes before the end of the event and John turns to me and says, “You’ve got 7 minutes to blow their minds. Ready?” Um, sure…

15 minutes before I was to go up and speak to a room full of 100 people I came up with a few things to share. We didn’t capture it on video so here’s the rough cliffsnotes version. Maybe you’ll find it useful.

**** Notes from my talk ****

If you do these 3 things you MIGHT be successful.

1. Surround Yourself With Awesome People. Co-workers. Business partners. Friends. Investors. Doesn’t matter. Surround yourself with awesome people. You can’t play business (or life) on an island by yourself. Network your ass off. And choose who you hang out with carefully. I had to start making friends from moment one. Nearly 500 days later and I haven’t let a day go by where I haven’t evaluated the quality of my relationships. One of the biggest roadblocks one faces is spending too much time with other thinkers who constantly reinforce your limiting beliefs. When it comes to people, choose carefully.

2. Be Resourceful. Hustle. And when you’re done hustling get up and hustle some more. If you’ve exhausted all opportunities remember one thing… you haven’t. I’ve made money washing cars, cleaning apartments, writing resumes, buying stuff at garage sales and selling them on Craigslist. I made it from Portland to Chicago with only $28 in my pocket. I took a bus from Detroit to Pittsburgh for a dollar. I mowed lawns until I had enough money to file the paperwork needed to start New Methods. I launched a business out of Circus, Circus Casino in Vegas because they had the cheapest rooms with free wifi. It’s rarely about resources and mostly about your personal resourcefulness.

3. Constantly Adapt. Constantly. What you’re doing today may work, but the world changes and it changes fast. Get good at the skill of creative adaptation. There may be no greater skill to develop. Three steps to creative adaptation… 1) View the world with sight (through your eyes). See your circumstances as they are. Never better than they are or worse than they are. Just as they are. Easy to say, harder to do. As I was standing on the street corner in Seattle on Day 1 in the pouring rain I thought I was starving. I wasn’t starving. My stomach was hungry. When I thought I didn’t have a place to sleep I suddenly realized I had plenty of places to sleep. They just weren’t the places I was used to. That’s seeing your circumstances as they are. Not worse, not better. 2) View the world with vision (through your mind). See your circumstances as they could be. Hold tight to that vision, but be willing to constantly change your strategy to get to that vision. Once the vision is clear… 3) Act, analyze, adjust… repeat. Act being the keyword here. Stop planning and preparing. And stop creating imaginary “what if” scenarios. Because as the great prophet Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

I told you at the beginning if you do these 3 things you MIGHT be successful. But, if you do the next thing you WILL succeed. And it’s real simple…

Do whatever it takes.

It’s that simple. You’re either willing to do whatever it takes or you’re not. Ultimately, no strategy, plan, or vision will be the answer. It just comes down to you and your willingness to do whatever it takes. The moment you set an intention to accomplish something you immediately create a corresponding challenge. It will show up. When it does, that’s your moment. Seize it. That’s your opportunity to do whatever it takes.

When people ask me how long it will take to travel all 50 states my answer is always the same… however long it takes.
When people ask me how I’ll make money my answer is always the same… I’ll do whatever it takes.
When people ask me how I’ll find a place to sleep my answer is always the same… I’ll do whatever it takes.
When people ask me how I’ll get around the country my answer is always the ame… I’ll do whatever it takes.

No fancy strategies. No 7-steps to success. Just me and my willingness to do whatever it takes. I bet you have that same willingness or you wouldn’t be here. So, I’ll end with this. No one ever made an impact by watching. The clock is ticking. Show the world what you got…

****

I’m exhausted from the last few days of speaking, connecting, and sharing. I need some rest. Going to bed early and hoping to sleep in.

Be well and goodnight,
g-

In today’s world attention is precious. Can you capture it?

This afternoon I crossed paths with the woman who brings non-sucky advice to young people. She gave me some non-sucky advice. I hope I returned the favor.

Afterwards, I headed over to the Starveups Launch Pad event with the inventor of the Journey Gym. He’s also the co-founder of Starveups so I had a free invite. (Rule #1: Hang out with awesome people. They’ll get you into cool places.)

The event kicked off with 75 people sharing their startup business idea with a room full of potential investors, business partners, mentors, and peers. The catch… they had only 15 seconds. 15. Most people can’t explain who they are and what they do if they had all day. If they get it right, that 15 seconds could change their life. Heck, depending on their idea it could change the world. Some did. Some didn’t. Would you?

I wasn’t pitching an idea. But you best believe I took the opportunity to practice. Here’s the latest…

Imagine if you woke up tomorrow with nothing… no house, no car, no friends, no money… what would you do? That’s the premise of my project. I’ve donated everything I own and I’m setting out on a 50-state journey starting with just $10 and my laptop to rebuild my life from scratch. I will document the journey and share what I learn with the hope of being a source of inspiration and education for anyone going through a significant life transition in today’s economy.

I can say the above in 15 seconds. How about you? Can you convey a clear, accurate representation of who you are and what you do in 15 seconds or less? It could make all the difference in the world. The clock is ticking…

Be well and goodnight,
g-

P.S. If you’re struggling maybe you need a little clarity therapy from this guy. He’ll clear things right up.