Project Amsterdam: 2 Years in 2 Weeks (+ Video)
Glen / 
63 Comments / 
November 10th, 2009 / 
Subscribe via RSS
I found myself browsing around on Facebook yesterday which is probably because I’m coming to the end of my 6 week challenge. I noticed under my profile picture the ‘Videos of you’ section and decided to click on it to refresh my memory about what is there. The first video was of myself and a friend, Candice, in a bar not long after I arrived in South Africa.
I remember this night so perfectly, as if it was last week, and was completely shocked to see it dated: November 2007. Knowing it has been two years since that video was taken makes me realise how fast life can fly by without us even noticing and how the next two years will be pretty much the same.
It got me thinking about what I’ve managed to achieve over the last few years. Looking back, I’m actually proud of myself and my accomplishments. From leaving the country and moving abroad, to quitting my job and now working for myself full-time, I’ve crossed off quite a few items on my goals checklist.
For the last two to three years, my whole life set-up has been focused around one main goal: earning a living online so I can go anywhere in the world for as long as I want. I’ve been making enough money to support this lifestyle for quite a while now, but what’s even better is that I’ll be doing this journey with one of my best friends, Diggy.
Our plan is to go to:
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona
- Stockholm
- Paris
- Prague
- Berlin
- Bangkok
- Milan
and probably a few other places I’ve missed off the list. Our base for at least 2 months will be Amsterdam though, where we’ve (I saw ‘we,’ but I mean Diggy) sorted out an awesome two-bedroom apartment. Diggy is joining me on this adventure for 3 months, but my plan is to continue for about a year. I do have some UK returns planned (for example, for my Mom’s 50th) but the next 12 months will be mostly spent on the road.
“You’re So Lucky”
People tell me all the time (mostly via email) how lucky I am about being able to do this. How some people are tied down with their job, kids and so on and don’t have this opportunity. The first thing I say is that when I started learning how to build websites and make money online, millions of other people had the chance to do the same.
Millions of people my age could have worked hard to “get this down” - but they didn’t. They didn’t put the time and effort in to get what they want out of life. I will spare you the label of being ignorant, but if you think I’m lucky, then maybe you’ve just seen too many scams promising you overnight riches or success.
It has taken me over 2 years of hard work to get to this point, and I’m going to start reaping those rewards in two weeks. You don’t see the nights when I was up at 1am (when I had a full-time job) finishing off a 3,000 word blog post or building minisites in industries I didn’t care about. You don’t see where I turned down nights out with my friends so I could finish projects to get me to where I want to be. You didn’t see me quitting college not sure if I would be back in the UK with no job and no qualifications.
Because I turned down a few nights here and there, I don’t have to turn down a night ever again. My job works around me, not the other way around.
Your Own Mission
Wherever you are now (Point A) and wherever you want to be (Point B) is more than likely going to involve a lot of work. Seriously. I’m sorry if I’m the one presenting you with this harsh reality for the first time, but it’s the truth. Show me a few people out of the billions on this planet who have experienced overnight success and I’ll take it back.
Not only will it involve hard work, but you’ll face a lot of hurdles along the way. As Randy Pausch wrote in his book, The Last Lecture, these hurdles are simply there to prove how badly you want something. They’re there to keep out the other people — not you. The list of hurdles I’ve jumped or risks I’ve faced are endless, but just like you can, I found a way to get past them.
If you really want to completely turn your life around, there are just 4 steps involved:
- Do what you love. No excuses. I don’t want to hear them
- Keep doing it despite criticism and doubts from people around you or society in general
- Be willing to make sacrifices (nights out, heavy spending, social status and so on)
- Read no.2 again. It’s crucial
I’ll leave you to fill in the gaps; one of them is action.
Video of This Post
I’ve said pretty much everything I’ve written here in video form (I did the video first, without rehearsal) which I hope you enjoy.
If you can’t see the video, click here to go to the post.
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
Awesome video Glen!
Totally cool, inspirational and motivational.
You worked hard for it. Be proud of it. Help other people do the same!
3 Weeks
Can’t wait!
3 weeks for you
Just 2 for me
Thanks man, appreciate it.
Hey Glen, I hope I’ll still able to join you and Diggy in Amsterdam. If I’ll not able to make it I’m sure we’ll meet again in the future because I really want to travel and as you know I’m working hard to be able to do it one day. Great post.
Of course man, that would be awesome.
As long as you don’t mind me calling you Oscarito!
Great post for motivation!
Hope you have one hell of a time in Amsterdam
Cheers,
Jonas
PS. That weather doesn’t look that bad!
Thanks man!
I promise I will
Pfft, you weren’t looking hard enough
- Glen
Hard work combined with passion, drive and motivation pays off…and you are a fine example of that Glen. Congrats!
Glen - great article and even a better video man. It’s nice to get a feeling of who you are in person.
So…I just want to say congratulations. It’s evident that you work your ass off and it shows. I recently purchased Cloud Living and it’s clear that you put a tremendous amount of time and effort into that product. Even more than that, it’s clear that you want to help people out.
I look at where you are now and use that for motivation for where I want to be two years from now. I wish I would have started 10 years ago when I was your age, but I didn’t (side note: dude, if you think the past two year flew by…just wait. Time only flies by quicker as you get older. I remember days like that from 10 year ago that seem like they were yesterday!!)
At any rate…I’ve started now. I’m taking action. I want to help people out and I enjoy what I’m doing. I think the journey is all part of it and I wholeheartedly agree that that the blood, sweat and tears make you appreciate the outcome even more when you do get to where you want to be.
Thanks for sharing your story and have a kick ass time in Amsterdam. It’s a great city!
been some of the places on your list and all i can say is: HAVE FUN. You TOTALLY deserve it. YOu’ve provided extreme value so it’s only fair you reap its rewards.
Proud of you dude.
brian
p.s. it’s always sunny in LA and the girls are hotliciousactular
Just wanted to wish you good luck for your journey Glen!
It sounds awesome and reminds me of the time a few years ago when I quit my job and went off to America for a few years!
Just quickly, you mentioned that you worked your arse off building minisites in industries you didn’t enjoy…
Did you have any success with these sites and was it worth the effort or would you have preferred to focus on niches you are passionate about?
Loving the video though and you’re buzzing about the trip so go live your dream and keep us posted on the Cloud Living lifestyle!
Ian
Hey man,
Thanks, I’m really looking forward to it.
Yes, I did have success with a couple of the sites (most, but not all) but I do not work on them anymore. I either sold them or let them die because rankings dropped and I lost passion or something of that nature.
Will do!
- Glen
Hey Glen.
It is cool to see you again here. If I didn’t start doing videos lately too, I wouldn’t appreciate this as much. It is something great that we are able to do to know each other better.
In the past I would think something like “oh great this guy Glen gets to go do all this entertaining material”, but then I realized, like when I go to the park and no one else has as much energy, or when I go run around the quiet neighborhood and activity and energy is low there as well, I actually desire to have a Glen there, for example. I think you get what I’m saying.
Part of what you said reminded me of E-40 in one of his songs saying that once he started getting money his friends would ask him for $1000, just as a favor, and he would tell them he worked hard to make it.
Glad to see this. This also reminds me about my plans for my 3rd video.
Hey Armen,
Glad you like the video!
I think I get what you are saying: someone else who is lively, ready to go, and can push you to take action?
If I’m off base there, feel free to correct me.
Look forward to your next video!
- Glen
Hey.
Yeah you got it right there. That sure is what I am saying. Sometimes there will be only one or two people in a room of twenty people that will bring energy and memorability to what happens in that room. Those one or two people also push others to take action or make things better, like you said there. Without those one or two people in the room, it turns into a generic gathering like the line at a bank where people go through one by one with no liveliness involved.
My plan for my next video is to discuss various writers and there is a high probability you will be in there~
Awesome, Glen.
I definitely needed to see this post, as I’ve been slacking and starting to lose my way for the past week or two. I too don’t believe in luck and whatever anyone gets, they deserve, for the most part. You definitely deserve this trip and I’m wishing you the best … have tons of fun and we all look forward to hearing about it. (You too, Diggy … if you’re reading this.)
Now… back to kicking butt for me. Cheers.
Haha, thanks Valerie.
Don’t worry, I am human and slack myself. But, when I do slack, I don’t make excuses for the situation I’m in and take responsibility. I think that’s also important.
Keep well!
- Glen
No matter how I many times I hear it I always get a nice motivational boost when someone says “do what you love”. Writing and building websites I care about is the best damn thing in the world, but it’s still tricky to ward off doubtful thoughts.
Any accomplishments are worth it, whether big or small and from what it looks like you have filled a big dream of yours. Excellent work (and your Diggy, WOW!!! that is all I can say about that)
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the comment!
What’s that about Diggy?
Hey this is another comment on here that made me laugh. I had to point that out.
I’m proud of you my brother. People tell me I’m lucky too, and I tell them what you’ve just said in the video. We work our asses off.
I have known you since you were running ViperChil as an Internet Marketing Agency, and I have seen you do it all. I remember the day I read your first post on PluginID too — I was in my apartment in Rome lacking motivation to work on one of my sites. You helped me keep going.
Peace!
Hi bro,
Of course man, I’ve known you for about 4 years now
Crazy shit!
You rock
Quoting Randy Pausch, very classy, he was awesome. Have a great trip!
Inspiring stuff, Glen. It’s so cool to hear your story and how far you’ve come in just 2 years. This just motivates me to go make my new blog, and just own it, hammering out good, valuable posts. But making money online is not a huge goal for me… I just use my blog as an outlet for expression. I know I’ll find something I love to do (already have plenty of interests lined up), so I don’t have to worry about falling back on affiliate marketing.
Cheers!
Glen, Glen, Glen:
Congrats to you!! It does take long hours and hard work. Stay safe and soak up everything you can on your journey. (Diggy too.) Hope you include pictures on your future posts of your travels.
I truly enjoyed your post and your video. I found your message(s) to be timely, inspirational and motivating. Not merely just a “Lightbulb Moment” but perhaps with a little bit of an explosion there as well! Anyway Glen - THANKS!!!
Cheers. . .
It’s fun to hear about your (2 year long) overnight success ;-D
Enjoy the road!
Glen, I found this to be one of your most truly inspirational posts…I especially liked #2 & #3. Props for mentioning Randy Pausch of Last Lecture Fame & the brick walls!
Interesting blog Glen,
Although I don’t necessarily agree with everything you said you must spend at least a month or so in Bangkok. I have been here for around 2 and a half months, it’s awesome. If you want to have an insight to the life and the cost check out the “Day in the life of a traveling entrepreneur” posts on my site.
It’s useful if you say what you don’t agree with
Great video! Well done.
I think the problem with the “you’re lucky” thing is this: We percieve many things as “overnight success”, even when they aren’t. For example, if someone came across your newly relaunched ViperChill blog, they might think: “Wow! This guy came out of nowhere and he already has thousands of readers and subscribers! What a lucky bastard!”
To them, it would look like you started a blog, and got thousands of subscribers just like that.
That’s because for a new visitor to ViperChill, it’s not really apparent that this isn’t your first blog, it’s not the first time you’ve built a network online, it’s not the first of anything. Actually, it’s more like the cumulation of years and years of experience.
And I think it’s the same with almost every kind of success. By the time someone is so successful that they show up on our radar, they’ve probably been working their ass off for years. We just never see any of that.
Cool video, i am working on my goal of “Cloud Living” so this should inspire me on my way.
If you should stop by in Belgium, let me know, we can have a Belgian beer. Or if i go to amsterdam (i have an italian friend who’s maybe going there) i’ll come pick your brain haha.
It’s great to hear about your adventures. I love what you wrote in the “You’re So Lucky” part. People don’t often realize that when people have great opportunities (like the one you have here) it’s because they MADE them. Good for you and all of your hard work!!
Nice video
I came back from Amsterdam yesterday, man you guys are going to have an awesome time, I’m so jealous!
Enjoy it, as you said, you deserve it.
Glen, you ARE lucky. Very lucky.
You’re lucky you were born where you were, that you were given the upbringing that you have, that you have a strong mental foundation and subconscious inclinations to achieve and go after the things that you want in life (91% of people feel “stuck” in some way and have a major subconscious “block” that prevents them from going after what they want, out of fear or uncertainty). You’re lucky that you understood that there even WAS money to be made in internet marketing when you first got going (lots of people simply didn’t even *realize* that, and maybe still don’t).
But that doesn’t detract from the fact that you’ve taken action. You probably had lots of uncertainty/fears etc., but you faced the fears and took action anyway. Lots of people have a hard time doing that, for various reasons.
But yes, you’ve “created” your own luck, because you worked at it.
But most importantly, you’ve SHARED your thoughts, inspirations, methods and insights with others, and shared the energy and spirit that took you there, and that’s what makes your story great.
And honestly, I think that’s the difference that counts when it comes to creating a better world and a better life.
That makes US lucky to have you around
Thanks, DJ! –Have a blast travelling. You are going to see some amazing things and meet phenomenal people. (And make sure you DO get to Argentina eventually–it’s incredible).
Thanks,
Dave
“Dream and give yourself permission to envision a You that you choose to be.” -Joy Page
Hey Glen,
If you give yourself permission to be awesome than you can truly do whatever you want.
Most people come up with excuses for why they aren’t living the way they want to. They give away power to external sources, like society, family, friends. They don’t think they can do it, that a job they dislike is “just the way it is.” So when they see people living so far outside their perceived reality, they think they’re “lucky.” Sometimes, they think they’re breaking the rules and actually dislike them.
But there really are no rules. The only thing you HAVE to do with your life is to be happy. Do what you want. Live how you desire. Bring value to yourself and others on your own terms, not by checking off a pre-determined box on a compromising “career” sheet.
Glen, your point #2 is crucial. Live for yourself, not for others. It’s your life. You have to get away from those that don’t resonate with you once you start living life based on passion, not what you’re “supposed” to do. Find others who you do resonate with (like Glen Allsopp), and you’ll have friends you can maximize life with, not to mention have act as a support system.
I’ve been doing the points you mentioned. I’m not at your level yet income-wise, but I’ve already started my location-independent living doing what I love (writing, making music, building my website Lifebeat). Chicago, Boston, US Virgin Islands - the list is only starting
I’m working hard, and articles such as this just encourage me even more. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story thus far.
Congratulations on hopping up to this platform in your life (Mario-style). It’s only going to get better the more coins and stars you collect, get that cape, and fly up to the higher and greater platform.
Thanks again for sharing your inspiring tales, and I look forward to meeting you someday somewhere in Europe (I’m itching to return to Amsterdam myself),
Oleg
Glen,
As a college athlete, I can understand where you are coming from. No one ever sees all the work that you put in to for something you love. I remember running around my workout area on a Friday night to get better while all my college friends where out drinking. Keep up the good work! You are an inspiration!
Vince
wish you a great trip and come home safe. I haven’t been on your blog for a long time, but I see you’re a great guy and you love everything you do.
Great video, btw I wanted to do vids on my posts but no webcam, only audio and pics for now.
again wish you peace and love and all the best
When I am scared, I know that I am probably on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. That is when it is so important to keep going.
Have fun in Amsterdam, Glen! Bon voyage, and all that goes with it!
–Bill
http://www.LitBoy.com
Thanks a lot for that inspiring post/video !
it’s all a beautiful journey, it doesn’t matter where you’re at now,will or have been. do your best at anything
Awesome video, Glen! You look much more relaxed… the unedited versions are much more appealing.
So excited for you and Diggy… and can’t wait to read about your adventures along the way. I needed you boost of inspiration about working hard, and continuing with your goals… so true.
Karen
Thank you Glen, I really needed this today. The video really brings your words to a whole new level…hearing the passion that you have for this stuff really gives me more of a kick in the ass to keep on going.
The comments you made about the hurdles are so true…if being successful was easy, everyone would be. If it seems like the difficulty or setback is not worth the effort to overcome, it is probably not something that you want bad enough.
Thanks again, Amsterdam…I want to go there some day…have a blast man.
~Ross
Nice video glen,
you absolutely right on the luck part. People sometimes don’t want to admit it is hard work because it is a quality that they lack themselves. Therefore when they see someone’s success as luck, they feel a bit better with their lack of effort and focus. It’s the truth.
Anyways, I hope you have a great time with your bud Diggy, and get all the girls from all the countries in Europe you guys are visitin’.
Steven
faceboooooook
tine and weir
Hey glen nice video, I enjoyed the inspirations you always bring to us people
Two words…. “frickin awesome!”
I guess you’ve heard enough congrats by this point, so I’ll just say “safe travels”. I believe you when you said you worked hard to get where you’re at….I’m beginning to feel the sacrifices that must be met to succeed at Internet Business, but watching you has been inspiring…. there is a pot of gold at the end of this digital rainbow it seems!!!
Also, I just bought a copy of Cloud Living last week, SWEET read. I think you’ve followed a key law of success with everything you’ve done…”Going the extra mile” or “Providing more in use value than what you receive in cash value”. The result does pay off in the long run.
Keep being an inspiration Glen.
Cheers,
Hey Thanks…It’s a good post… there are very few people who dare to do what they love to do to earn a living… You did it !…So, you deserve the best… You are truly an inspiration for people like me who want to do what I love to do…will atleast give a try without worrying for the failure… Thanks, again…
I really like the reminder about working hard at what you love and going for it! You have obviously worked your butt off for a long time to get where you are Glen (I like the ‘you are lucky’ section.) Looking forward to hearing more from you and Diggy on your travels …have an awesome time!
Jen
Hey Glen,
Nice post. Btw, when you’ll hang out in Prague, let me know, we could go have some tea and stuff.
Hi Glen,
I enjoyed this post; you speak a lot of truths here. And good for you, for embarking on this adventure as a result of the rewards you’ve worked so hard for.
And I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I’ve never seen you on video before, and it broadened perception of you. The only image I’ve ever seen of you was on your twitter avatar, which doesn’t really do you justice.
Thanks for writing this and reminding everyone that success and rewards don’t come about from “dumb luck” (well, usually not) and that the sweetest success is success that’s earned.
Cheers to you!
Miche
Hi Glen,
It is great to see you enjoying the fruits of your labour. Most people only see the good side of the story and they had failed to see how much hard work that successful people had put in before getting their results. Anyway, enjoy your trip to Amsterdam and do share with us some pictures and videos on your trip there.
Cheers,
Vincent
You’re not the first to tell me that it takes work to succeed. Realized this on Friday and it was told to me last Saturday”You sow what you reap”. This Friday it hit me and I was like ” Awww man”.
I am terribly lazy so it was hard for me to hear that.
I too am currently own a small piece of internet pie that I plan to turn into a stream of income. I just have to get off my butt and promote it.
I am your age and I must say congrats to you! Too many students, in America anyway, are stuck in the whole got to college to get a degree so I can buy things mentality. Ugh. So not for me.
Have fun doing what I plan to do in two years from now.
Faith Emmanuel
Congrats, Glen! I don’t even know you man, but I feel very happy for you after watching your video. And thank YOU so much for keeping it real. Success takes time and work. I get a little tired of seeing the nonsense that “all you have to do is think positive and money will come to you.” Yes, we need positivity, but we also need to DO a lot of stuff. I’ve never met a successful person who hasn’t worked hard.
Anyway, enough of my tangent! God bless buddy, have a great trip. And congrats one more time!
Really great post Glen. I read somewhere that the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is that successful people are just willing to do things other people are not. Successful people are willing to go that extra mile and do anything and everything to make their goals a reality. Thanks for confirming that is indeed the case. Happy Travels.
You are my biggest inspiration Glen. I wouldn’t have any idea about Internet marketing if it weren’t for you. Thank you so much for sharing your case study on HQHow.
The truth is I didn’t have any success after following your case study and I quit just after a few weeks. I know… I was just plain stupid back then. I know your method works but I just didn’t have the patience and the perseverance to make it work.
Today everything is different. I have a totally different mindset and like you I will become a successful Internet marketer even if it kills me.
I made my first sale back in September and hopefully I’m going to receive my first ClickBank check this month. Right now my goal before January 2010 is to earn a consistent $27 per day.
I owe everything to you Glen. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Have fun in your trip!
Your video was so inspirational! Great job with everything, I hope you have a blast traveling
Congrats on all of your success man, have a great trip!!
What’s up man? I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and this trip is exactly what you deserve. It helps that your talking about it too because it sets an example for all the others with big goals out there and that they too can reap the benefits if they refuse to give up on their dreams.
Anyways, have an awesome f**king time over there. I hear Amsterdam is the weed capital of the world…ya know…if you’re into that sort of thing ;]
Kickass video by the way.
Great post, great video, great chatting with you earlier, Glen - you rock!
Very best of luck with the trip. Look forward to hearing about your adventures as they unfold.
Love it man.
You’re my hero buddy!
Come to Bangkok. We’ll kill it!
Wilding.