How Traveling Makes You a Better Content Creator

I’ve always been a big Pixar fan.

Whenever I’m watching one of their movies, I think:

“How do they come up with this stuff?”

One day, I was reading a book about how Pixar got started, and I came across a fascinating insight.

Pixar has a philosophy for their animators:

• Travel more.

If they’re trying to create a desert-like world, the animators are encouraged to visit deserts.

They immerse themselves in the real world to create compelling imaginary ones.

Whenever animators were stuck, their managers would tell them to travel more.

“You can’t create if you don’t consume enough.”

There’s a lot of wisdom in this strategy.

The ability to travel and create goes hand in hand.

How I Feel After I Travel

It doesn’t matter where I travel, whether nationally or internationally.

After a trip, I feel like a million bucks.

There are so many micro-experiences that I’m eager to talk about.

For example, a few years ago, I went on a cruise.

I met so many new people and had some unforgettable moments.

One day, I tried karaoke for the first time.

I was called on stage to sing the Backstreet Boys.

I thought everyone would laugh at me because I’m such a bad singer.

But instead of laughing, they joined in!

They hyped me up, and we all sang together.

The trip was memorable.

When I got back, I thought I’d write blogs about karaoke.

Nope!

Instead, I found myself writing about traveling, having fun, and meeting new people.

I kept getting these spinoff ideas from that one trip.

When we immerse ourselves in a new environment, we start thinking differently.

And thinking differently is the essence of creativity.

Does Your Trip Type Matter?

I think doing something unique is the key, whether it’s staying within your state or venturing internationally.

Even a staycation can inspire creativity if you do something new.

For instance, I live in Tampa.

If I wanted to travel without breaking the bank, I’d drive to Kissimmee, just a few hours away.

No flights needed.

The process of driving, seeing the sights, and spending time with people all counts as part of the travel experience.

Don’t actively look for ideas while traveling…ideas will find you.

You’ll try new experiences, and they’ll stick with you.

For example, when I went to Mexico, I tried snorkeling.

It was a funny experience because our instructor was in such a rush.

It was windy, and he was rushing us through the waters, barely giving us time to enjoy the scenery.

Usually, I snorkel without an instructor, but this time we needed one.

I managed to keep up, but my girlfriend at the time was annoyed.

She yelled at him to slow down so we could actually enjoy the experience.

That interaction was unexpected and hilarious.

I’m laughing as I write this.

It taught me a few lessons:

• Let beginners be beginners.
• Don’t let your expertise ruin someone else’s experience.
• Some things are better without instructors or teachers.

All these micro-lessons came from a simple snorkeling trip.

Make Traveling a Priority

In 2017, I traveled constantly.

Hawaii, Chicago, Philadelphia, Mexico.

Then, for five years, I barely left Florida.

At first, I thought I had been stagnant during those five years.

But then I realized I wasn’t.

I was creating movement in other areas of my life, like getting my projects off the ground.

The same might happen to you.

Maybe you started a business, had kids, or focused on a relationship.

It’s easy to neglect traveling during busy phases of life.

You might even view it as unnecessary.

But that’s the wrong mindset.

Traveling offers countless benefits:

• Meeting new people.
• Trying different foods.
• Seeing monumental buildings.
• Organizing your day effectively.

Most importantly, traveling creates memories.

You’re never too old to explore.

Create Content About Your Travels

As I get older, I see more value in taking pictures and videos.

If you’re going to invest in traveling, I recommend getting a GoPro.

Something about having a GoPro makes you want to document your journey.

Some people prefer using their phones, which is fine too.

Whatever you use, just make sure you capture the moments.

Looking back at old pictures and videos can inspire you for years to come.

If you’ve been feeling uninspired lately, take a break.

Then take a trip.

By the time you return, you’ll feel more recharged than ever.

That’s a guarantee.

For more insights into storytelling, check out The Art and Science of Storytelling

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✨Paperback/Kindle

✨Audiobook

– ArmaniTalks