Fun & Travel
It doesn’t matter whether you are an entrepreneur or aspire to be one. There are places you must visit for inspiration and motivation. Much of it can be drawn from others who have built businesses and empires from nothing. To see pictures and video of these locations is one thing; but to be there, seeing and smelling the humble beginnings and the hard work it took to become successful; is a whole other experience.
Palo Alto & Silicon Valley
Some of the greatest business stories have come out of the Silicon Valley. From Hewlett Packard to Google; many of these companies got their start in the humblest of beginnings: garages. Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe that you have to start big with lots of money; when in fact it’s better to start with little capital. It forces you to become resourceful and creative to go against bigger competition.
Though you might not be able to go inside; drive by the offices of various companies. You’ll soon realize that these “offices” are more like college campuses.
The Lincoln Memorial
Abraham Lincoln may not have been an entrepreneur but he accomplished many things and has dispensed some of the greatest advice.
“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”
President Lincoln is not the only reason to visit the memorial. The second is symbolic. Every large fortune starts with a penny and on every penny is the Lincoln Memorial. As an entrepreneur, you need to realize that you aren’t going to strike it rich right away. No matter how many “overnight” success stories you’ve heard or read about; these stories aren’t totally truthful.
Hollywood & Beverly Hills
Nothing epitomizes taking a big risk like Hollywood and nothing epitomizes success like Beverly Hills. The film industry was originally started in New Jersey but many film makers decided to take the risk and move westward to California.
Beverly Hills is a testament to what hard work and determination can get you. Though it may seem like an exclusive town, it really isn’t. Anyone can live there if they have a strong enough will and desire to.
Philadelphia
What’s more inspirational than the city where the United States of America got its official start? Entrepreneurs have flourished because of America; the first country that truly let them pursue their dreams.
Las Vegas
If you can take a moment and step out of the hustle and bustle of Vegas, then you can really learn about the history of the city and soak in some of its success. Years before any casino; Las Vegas was just a dusty, boring town. It’s hard to believe the destination it has become. But those first entrepreneurs who built hotels and casinos envisioned it.
Despite Las Vegas’ success in the past, Steve Wynn knew it could be even bigger and better. He took a big risk when building The Mirage. Many didn’t believe a themed casino would succeed. Steve proved them wrong, and with his risk, he revolutionized the Las Vegas landscape and the gambling business.
Bureau of Engraving & Printing tour
There’s more to life and entrepreneurialism than money. A tour at a Bureau of Engraving and Printing location will show you that money is nothing more than paper and ink. As an entrepreneur you don’t want to be pursuing just paper. You need to have another purpose and you need to assist as many people as you can by helping them achieve their dreams.
There are two locations that the Bureau of Engraving & Printing lets you tour; one in Washington, DC and one in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information please visit this link: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/locations/index.cfm/3
A car dealership
This may seem strange to include in this article but almost everyone has a dream car. And what better way to increase motivation than to be next to your dream car but knowing you can’t afford it? You’ll get the feeling of being so close, yet so far away. To the truly motivated; this is all they need to start taking action towards their goals.
Most bucket lists are filled with activities such as skydiving and visiting the Great Wall of China. But there’s many fun and exciting things that are often overlooked. Sometimes it is because the activities are small and sometimes it’s because they are strange or seem unfeasible to the average person.
Here is a list of 50 unconventional things to do in your lifetime. You may find a few to add to your bucket list.
1. Search for UFOs and aliens in Roswell, New Mexico.
2. Go on a ghost tour.
3. Race a car or motorcycle on the salt flats of Utah.
4. Walk on a boardwalk at 2 am.
5. Be in a movie, whether as an extra or as the star.
6. Pan for gold in a mountain stream.
7. Watch the sun rise and set in the same day.
8. Go outside and dance in a rainstorm.
9. Become a viral video star.
10. Take the tour of Disney World’s underground tunnel system.
11. Camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
12. Have a credit on IMDB.com.
13. Be in a talk show audience.
14. Help someone help their self.
15. Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group.
16. Inner tube down a river.
17. Run a business.
18. Visit a food factory.
19. Go camping somewhere that has no contact to the outside world.
20. Help family members achieve their goals and dreams.
21. Watch all the top rated films of all time.
22. Take a spontaneous road trip.
23. Write an article for a newspaper or magazine.
24. Fail several times at something.
25. Make an oil painting.
26. Work at a zoo or aquarium.
27. Create a website.
28. Work a job you hate.
29. Get to know yourself and those closest to you.
30. Hunt for treasure.
31. Confront at least one of your big fears.
32. At least attempt to tackle every dream and goal you’ve ever had.
33. Befriend an enemy.
34. Make friends with very successful people.
35. Take one day to just watch the clouds and take one night just to watch the stars.
36. Travel for a full year.
37. Raise a Seeing Eye puppy.
38. Read all your favorite books again.
39. Work less, live more.
40. Vacation on a house boat.
41. Find what you were meant to do.
42. Live without email, IM, or your cell phone for a week.
43. Join a peaceful protest for a cause you support.
44. Be on a TV news program for something positive.
45. Watch a movie being filmed.
46. Stomp grapes at a vineyard.
47. Create an invention.
48. Get your name and biography on Wikipedia.
49. Learn how to drive a tractor.
50. Do all your favorite things from childhood: skip rocks, build a tree house, go fishing, whatever, but have fun!
With the excitement for the new Indiana Jones movie mounting I thought I’d reflect on some life lessons Indiana has offered besides the timeless entertainment and action.
1. Study up first
Before Indy set out on any adventures he was a professor with plenty of knowledge about archeology, history, and foreign lands. If you’re interested in starting a new business, new career, or even a new hobby, you should hit the books first. Read as many books, magazines, and internet articles as you possibly can. Learn from others and their mistakes, so that you can avoid the same pitfalls.
2. Know your weakness
“Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?” Indiana knew exactly what his biggest fear and weakness was. Know what yours are as well. Learn how to work around them or conquer these fears.
3. Have your own image
The whip, hat, and the rest of Indy’s outfit is unique to him. When you see it, you instantly think of him. Don’t conform to everyone else. Have your own style, opinions, and personality.
4. Keep your eye on the prize
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana is approaching the golden idol. He’s unaware of anything around him. He sees his goal and nothing is going to stop him achieving it, not even a giant rolling boulder. Even when things get tough in business and/or life, you have to think of the future and what you’re going to get from your struggles. Entrepreneurs become successful because they keep the thought of being free to do what they want in their mind. Medical students make it through all those years of education because they know they’ll be helping ill people in the future.
5. Be ordinary, yet extraordinary
Even though you should have your own style and be unique, you can also appear to be ordinary. You don’t have to be superhuman to accomplish larger than life tasks. Have super strength within you to continue even when life gets tough. Indy certainly wasn’t a superhero. He was just a guy with some knowledge and skills that helped him get what he wanted.
Photo by Gaetan Lee
The Simpsons is the longest running sitcom in American Television history. 
It’s a show that has entertained people for decades but there’s more to The Simpsons than most can see. There’s underlying themes about the world and life.
Try Different Things
Whether it’s a different career path or just a new hobby, it’s good to try new things. It makes life interesting. How many jobs has Homer tried? He’s been everything from a professional tennis player to a farmer. Even though he always seems to end back working at the nuclear plant, Homer gives everything a try.
Don’t Take Everything So Seriously
The Simpsons is a comedy so it’s supposed to be funny. But why not turn even the toughest events in your life into something positive and fun. It’ll ease your pain, frustration, and help you move on much faster.
Listen And Don’t Listen To Your Family
Marge, Lisa, Bart, and the rest of the family, even speechless Maggie, are always criticizing Homer. They do this because they worry about him and want the best for him. Your family may do the same to you, but it doesn’t mean that you should always listen to them. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut and go with something. Homer does.
Get Help From Others
If you want to be successful in life you’ll need help from other people at some time. Whenever Homer comes up with a crazy idea he almost always gets a group of friends to help out. They’re not always successful but they stand a better chance together. So will you. Find people that can help you financially or just help motivate you.
There’s plenty of political and philosophical undertones in various episodes of The Simpsons but there’s less noticeable lessons about life you should take note of.
Photo by star5112
I’ve decided to compile a list of what I think are some of the most motivational and inspirational places for anybody who wants to change their life. I have not visited all of these places but they motivate me to achieve a lifestyle that allows me to easily travel.
These are in no particular order.
Biltmore Estate - with 250 rooms and at 175,000 square feet it is America’s largest home. It was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II. For entrepreneurs and those in the business world this displays what type of rewards you can treat yourself to for your hard work.
Photo by Go Card USA
Ellis Island - for most Americans this is the first place that their ancestors ever saw when coming to America. They didn’t know what the future was going to bring except that they had an opportunity to change their lives.
Photo by tiseb
Dubai - so many spectacular buildings and structures stand in Dubai. This city shows that imagination is truly more important than knowledge as Albert Einstein said. I’m sure many of the engineers and designers had visions of what certain structures were going to look like but weren’t sure how it was going to be created.
Photo by Pete the painter
The Great Pyramids - this is an obvious one. Incredible to think that these were built without the use of machines, computers, or advanced tools, and in the desert!
Photo by Paul Mannix
The Great Wall of China - equally as stunning as the Egyptian pyramids.
Photo by d’n'c
Earth - you can look everywhere to find inspiration and motivation. It all depends on how you view things. Some people may walk through a park just to get exercise while others take the time to look at the environment around them and admire each little detail.
What places give you inspiration or motivation? Have you visited a best keep secret that you’d like to share? Post a comment.
