I have a rule that you should never find yourself complaining about the same thing a year later. If you are complaining about something today that you complained about one year ago, then you are wholly responsible for that problem.

I am often asked how I live the life I do. You know what, I just do it. The only real rules on this planet are the laws of nature. Within those boundaries, you can define the life that you want, and travel is the best way to see the many different lifestyles from which to choose. If you are dissatisfied, change.

What you believe is made up of your experiences and the boundaries with which you surround yourself. You’d be astounded how quickly you can change all that. There are days I wonder, “what if I just didn’t get off at the bus stop I usually do?”, or “what if I just kept driving to the coast instead of driving to work?” You know what happens? You learn that the world doesn’t fall apart. The world could care less what you do. It is on you to define what you do with the world.

Several years ago, a friend tried to convince me to quit my job and travel the world. I was bored with my work and certainly wanted more from my life but the thought of up and leaving petrified me. As a result of my indecision, I was left behind as she traveled to Europe for a 3 week house sitting gig in Italy. I decided then that I wanted a lifestyle of travel, but I knew that I had to ease my way into it. Despite how it appears, I am not spontaneous. Much thought and planning goes into what appears to be a free spirited lifestyle.

That summer, I calculated how much money I wanted to have stashed away and decided in one year I would be ready to go both emotionally and financially. Having this goal and sharing it with friends escalated my excitement as the year progressed. Knowing a year in advance that I was going to quit my job was a lot easier than just quitting on a whim.

When the time came to quit my job, it just felt right. I had met my savings goal. I gave notice at work and to my landlord. I considered storing my furniture but realized it could be easily replaced from Craig’s list, so I sold it all. I got rid of my car so I wouldn’t have any insurance payments. I boxed what little was left and put it in a small storage facility.

It was these preparations that generated the response I give to anyone who asks me how I did it, “Quit your job, and get rid of everything you own.” That’s it. You can always reacquire things if you miss them. There are always jobs out there. People warned me that Portland had a 9% unemployment rate, but that actually inspired me. I figured I was smart enough to be part of the other 91%.

In August of 2013, I quit my job, and like most people who look back, I never find myself missing it. I’ve had many jobs since then. I volunteered in exchange free room and board. I started a business. And I eventually landed myself a job with a company that allows me to pick the days I want to work each week, to take six months off every year, and to spend all my working hours in the outdoors. I know it’s not the job for everyone, but I wouldn’t have found it if I hadn’t broken out of the job I’d trapped myself in for years.

Little by little I continue to challenge limitations I’d spent a lifetime creating. Each time I leave my comfort zone, I find I am still alive and even freer of boundaries I had once thought unquestionable.

So now, as I prepare for my fifth extended trip abroad, I can tell you with absolute certainty that you can change your life, and for even the most grounded, it shouldn’t take more than a year. Start planning, start saving, and get ready to live the life you’ve always wanted. The first step is to believe it’s possible, and to quote Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”