I resigned from my previous job at the beginning of 2003 to spend some time travelling, observing and thinking. Over that time I ‘lived’ and thought in a number of countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Phillipines, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China. I thought about people, how they lived, what they did and eventually about the importance of a little device that most people in the west ignore. Mobile phones.

When I left my cushy yet frustrating job I had no idea what on earth I would do next. I was angry, disillusioned and basically apathetic about everything. Upon returning I found that I had a renewed interest in everything and a unique insight on which to move forward. It did however require a signifcant change in lifestyle as my wife and I basically lived off of our savings during that period.

The key for me was to let life guide me – trust in fate. The times when I tried to force an idea or a specific direction I often found I ran into roadblocks.

Lastly, in order to think (process) you need sufficient experience (input). Do new and different things while you are thinking. Without these you’re only rehashing old thoughts.