Burn the ships 🚢

Now that Halloween is over and it’s officially Mariah Carey season, our team celebrated by updating our travel gift guide for 2023. You can check it out here.

In the meantime, I’ve been reflecting on certain changes I’ve been needing to make. Ships I’ve needed to burn.

I’ll explain more below.

Hey, this is Kelsey, and you’re reading the SiteSee newsletter. Expect an email from me every week filled with tips for living a location-independent lifestyle and the gear to get you there.

Travel Story✍️

This week’s story is less about travel and more about life.

I revisited a blog post from one of my favorite authors, Derek Sivers, on why he decided to “burn the ships” by renouncing his American citizenship.

While I wouldn't suggest taking that approach, what inspired me was his determination to get rid of any potential escape route, compelling him to fulfill his lifelong dream of living abroad.

The expression "burn the ships" originates from the story of a military commander who had a hundred men arrive on enemy shores. Upon landing, they faced a thousand enemy soldiers waiting on land. As soon as his men disembarked, he commanded them to burn the ships, removing any chance of retreat.

What I love about this concept is that it can be applied to anything.

Just two days ago, I met up with a friend who is pregnant with her second child. She mentioned how she wanted to have a natural birth and that after discussing with her doula, she decided to give birth at a birth center rather than a hospital.

“Knowing that the epidural is an option means you’re more likely to take it.”

Removing that option entirely means she’ll have to push through the pain when the going gets tough.

And since chatting with her, I’ve realized I have some of my own ships to burn. 

Specifically with SiteSee.

For quite some time, I’ve been wanting to create long-form video content. However, I have a huge block with showing my face and getting on camera. And for the last year, it’s been easier for me to hide behind my author bio. 

People still recognize it’s me without having to really see me. 

But Google search is changing. And it’s time I start looking at different mediums beyond just writing articles. So I’ve decided to hold myself accountable by sharing with you all what my goals are for next year. 

I've made the decision to launch a YouTube channel and revamp our social media channels by the start of 2024. My plan is to produce videos centered around reviews, packing guides, and travel recommendations, with a goal of posting one video per week.

Now do I know the first thing about creating and editing videos? 

Hell no.

But I’m smart and I’m driven. And I’ve been down this road before to know that it’s gonna be a bit messy before I really start to get the hang of it.

However, I’m confident that with consistent effort and time, I’ll eventually master it.

So I want to ask you, do you have ships to burn? How will you hold yourself accountable by burning them?

If you really want to make radical change, avoid providing yourself with an easy way out.

Eliminate the escape route entirely.

Burn the ships.

Gear Check🧳

Compression socks are like skincare routines. I had no idea everyone had one until I was late into my 20s. 

So let me be the first to tell you: people are wearing compression socks on long flights. And you should, too.

Why? They help increase circulation to prevent swelling in your lower legs and feet which wards off leg fatigue and reduces the risk of blood clots. 

To avoid pulling a Logan Roy from Succession, I’ve personally been loving these ones from Bombas. They also just released compression socks made from a Merino Wool blend. If you know a thing or two about travel, you know Merino Wool is the superhero of all travel fabrics.

Plus, they make great stocking stuffers since it’s kinda one of those things you hate buying for yourself, but love when it’s gifted to you.

Airport Reads🗞️

• My bestie has the best taste in music and made me a groovy Spotify playlist (plus, it’s dedicated to my janky diving socks from our freediving trip).

• I love learning about the psychology of money and just ordered the book Die with Zero by Bill Perkins.

• Speaking of money, I love this podcast episode of Tim Ferriss and Morgan Housel discussing his new book and the correlation between money and happiness.

Last Thing✨

Thanks for being here! Before we part ways, I wanted to share a writing prompt.

Each morning, I read a journal entry outlining my vision for my life a year from now. Following that, I usually spend around five minutes journaling in response to this question:

It’s crazy how effective it’s been in keeping me focused on my goals. I bet it’ll do the same for you.

Onwards,

Kelsey

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