I haven't published a post for about 3 weeks and I suspect that some readers wondered if I had ceased my blogs. It was merely a brief hiatus so I could go on a grand adventure: to Australia, more about this later.

I, along with many other inventors, have written many posts detailing the risks, challenges and many roadblocks to success with an innovative new product.

I decided to write a post on enjoying the fruits of inventing success, the metaphorical victory lap.

What I did and why I did it

On my 30th birthday, I went on a grand journey to Australia. I enjoyed the trip very much and vowed to return for another visit soon.

Soon has taken thirty years as career, marriage, kids, divorce, and life delayed my return trip.

With my 60th birthday rapidly approaching I decided now was the time for a return trip to the land down under. On February 29th, I departed for Sydney Australia. During my nearly three week trip I visited Sydney, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns (and a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef).

I made the trip as a sort of personal manifest destiny, as a reward after working many years to finally achieve commercial success for my product the Wonder Wallet. Also, I felt the trip would clear my head and provide valuable insights to shape the next the chapter of my inventing career.

What I Learned from my Trip

My first insight occurred when I reached Sydney:

When you embark on an epic journey that takes you out of your comfort zone, you will return a different person than you were before. 

Visiting new places, seeing new people, and having new cultural experiences cause you to look at your life and circumstances in new and different ways. That is fantastic for an inventor.

My second insight:

I can become a bridge to connect inventors with great products to deal makers who can get them to commercial success.

I am working to put such an endeavor together right now. Anyone who might like to know more, please contact me.

Lastly, I came up with the RHeRNow factor (I simplify to Rhino):

                     Right Here, Right Now

Throughout my trip I felt every day: there is nowhere else I'd rather be than right here, right now.

If you are truly pursuing your passion as your career, your Rhino factor will be high because most of the time, you will feel you are where you are meant to be: right here, right now. Even if you are struggling (as is often the case), you will have a strong motivation for staying the course through stormy seas.

Yet many people who have otherwise lucrative careers feel empty: while they are paid well with a good job, it leaves them drained causing them to frequently ask themselves: “why am I doing this?” The answer to that question is often unsettling.

What is your Rhino factor?

Are you fulfilled, doing something that genuinely matters to you and serves a greater purpose or is it just a job that pays the bills? Until I became a full-time inventor, my Rhino factor was quite low, now it is quite high. It is something worth reflecting upon. Maybe it is time to make a change.

My Australian walk about was worth every cent because it gave me three valuable insights that will shape my career over the next several years. Hopefully there is some value to you as well.

 

Stay tuned!