A Reflection on Year Twenty Three

October 31, 2009 · 59 comments

24 Years are in the book – Happy Birthday to Me! The takeaway? Whatever you WANT to do, you CAN do – you just have to start DOING it. Here’s to whatever the new year will bring!

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  • http://hilife2b.com/blog John

    I’m going to rewatch this video when I’m 24 :)

    You’ve really been a great help to me and everyone else who loves coming to your blog. I honestly feel that I can relate to you (not just because we’re both Chicagoans).

    I wish you the best in everything you do. Success is most definitely in your future.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks John – you will have to make it out to a Chicago Social Media event sometime in the near future. It’s humbling to know that my blog and my words can provide a source of inspiration for others – it’s ultimately why I do what I do. Cheers!

  • http://hilife2b.com/blog John

    I’m going to rewatch this video when I’m 24 :)

    You’ve really been a great help to me and everyone else who loves coming to your blog. I honestly feel that I can relate to you (not just because we’re both Chicagoans).

    I wish you the best in everything you do. Success is most definitely in your future.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks John – you will have to make it out to a Chicago Social Media event sometime in the near future. It’s humbling to know that my blog and my words can provide a source of inspiration for others – it’s ultimately why I do what I do. Cheers!

  • http://mskarenau.wordpress.com/ Karen

    One year can really change everything can’t it? Great reminder that sometimes when we’re not ready, we’re simply not ready, and it’s all about taking steps to progress and make sure we get there. The journey counts too, not just the destination! Thanks for working the inspirational messages, even on your unofficial day off ;)

    Happy birthday! You rock. Just a little ^_^

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Karen – that’s why I really hate the word “excuse” – I don’t think people really make excuses – it simply comes down to you either being ready to take that step, or not. When you are, you’ll do it, when you’re not, you’ll rationalize about why you’re not ready – YOU hold YOURSELF back – and sometimes that’s OK. In the end, you have to believe you’re ready to start moving toward where you want to be. Thrilled to have you as a part of the community here – thanks so much for the well wishes!

  • http://mskarenau.wordpress.com Karen

    One year can really change everything can’t it? Great reminder that sometimes when we’re not ready, we’re simply not ready, and it’s all about taking steps to progress and make sure we get there. The journey counts too, not just the destination! Thanks for working the inspirational messages, even on your unofficial day off ;)

    Happy birthday! You rock. Just a little ^_^

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Karen – that’s why I really hate the word “excuse” – I don’t think people really make excuses – it simply comes down to you either being ready to take that step, or not. When you are, you’ll do it, when you’re not, you’ll rationalize about why you’re not ready – YOU hold YOURSELF back – and sometimes that’s OK. In the end, you have to believe you’re ready to start moving toward where you want to be. Thrilled to have you as a part of the community here – thanks so much for the well wishes!

  • Werner

    Happy Birthday Matt. cant believe you’ve established this blog in such a short time. Keep it up!

  • Werner

    Happy Birthday Matt. cant believe you’ve established this blog in such a short time. Keep it up!

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ Ryan Stephens

    Happy birthday haus. I would’ve told you on Facebook, but that’s sooo cliche. :) It’s been fun watching LWP emerge as a really great blog, resource and most importantly a community. Best of luck in your continued success.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Ryan – part of the success has been the fact that I’ve associated with such well-respected company (yourself included) – So thank YOU for continuing to push ME to up my game. Hope you’re doing well!

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ Ryan Stephens

    Happy birthday haus. I would’ve told you on Facebook, but that’s sooo cliche. :) It’s been fun watching LWP emerge as a really great blog, resource and most importantly a community. Best of luck in your continued success.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Ryan – part of the success has been the fact that I’ve associated with such well-respected company (yourself included) – So thank YOU for continuing to push ME to up my game. Hope you’re doing well!

  • http://www.360degreeself.com/ Tim

    Hey Matt:

    Happy birthday! First off, great beer choice. Second, great message about being ready and having personal momentum. I’m a bit older than you (40), but in the past few years I’ve worked with and met a lot of amazing, smart 20-somethings who I continue to learn from. Anyhow, enjoy your birthday and keep up the great work!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Tim – I think we can learn a lot from each other – there are obviously experiences your “generation” has been through that we are oblivious to, and vice versa. Keep doing what you do, and thanks for reading!

  • http://www.360degreeself.com Tim

    Hey Matt:

    Happy birthday! First off, great beer choice. Second, great message about being ready and having personal momentum. I’m a bit older than you (40), but in the past few years I’ve worked with and met a lot of amazing, smart 20-somethings who I continue to learn from. Anyhow, enjoy your birthday and keep up the great work!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Tim – I think we can learn a lot from each other – there are obviously experiences your “generation” has been through that we are oblivious to, and vice versa. Keep doing what you do, and thanks for reading!

  • http://www.thelifething.com/ JONNY | thelifething.com

    Are you wearing pants in this video? I will be bitterly disappointed if you are.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Now what would be the fun in disclosing that? Have to maintain some level of mysterious around here, right?

  • http://www.thelifething.com JONNY | thelifething.com

    Are you wearing pants in this video? I will be bitterly disappointed if you are.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Now what would be the fun in disclosing that? Have to maintain some level of mysterious around here, right?

  • http://cornonthejob.com/ Rich DeMatteo

    In one year so much can change. Potentially someone can feel lost, and than find themselves within a year, and not that you were lost before, but you’ve certainly found the “new you”. The new you is an engaged, 24 year old man in Chicago with a wife on the way and an incredibly successful blog/community growing heavily. Pretty intense stuff there, and it’s all because of your belief in yourself and the people around you.

    Thanks for the motivation you’ve provided me to push CornOnTheJob to the next level! You’ve inspired me more than you might know, and am glad we had connected.

    Enjoy your 24th year of life. Stay classy, stay “pantless”, and enjoy the ride.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Rich – I’m happy we’ve been able to connect here as well – it’s “relationships” like what you and I have developed that make me realize that a blog can be MUCH more than “just a blog”. Cheers to you buddy – I know you have a long and prosperous road ahead of you!

  • http://cornonthejob.com Rich DeMatteo

    In one year so much can change. Potentially someone can feel lost, and than find themselves within a year, and not that you were lost before, but you’ve certainly found the “new you”. The new you is an engaged, 24 year old man in Chicago with a wife on the way and an incredibly successful blog/community growing heavily. Pretty intense stuff there, and it’s all because of your belief in yourself and the people around you.

    Thanks for the motivation you’ve provided me to push CornOnTheJob to the next level! You’ve inspired me more than you might know, and am glad we had connected.

    Enjoy your 24th year of life. Stay classy, stay “pantless”, and enjoy the ride.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Rich – I’m happy we’ve been able to connect here as well – it’s “relationships” like what you and I have developed that make me realize that a blog can be MUCH more than “just a blog”. Cheers to you buddy – I know you have a long and prosperous road ahead of you!

  • http://jetsetcitizen.com/ John Bardos – JetSetCitizen

    Happy Birthday Matt!

    Congratulations on a year of pants-less-ness, Chicago and your engagement! I look forward to reading more.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks John! Glad to have you as an avid reader around here. Cheers!

  • http://jetsetcitizen.com John Bardos – JetSetCitizen

    Happy Birthday Matt!

    Congratulations on a year of pants-less-ness, Chicago and your engagement! I look forward to reading more.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks John! Glad to have you as an avid reader around here. Cheers!

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com/ Grace Boyle

    Happy birthday Matt! I love milestones and looking back. I definitely think of my birthday as the beginning of a new year, versus the new year (Jan 1) itself.

    Congratulations on all that you have achieved. It’s exciting. Here’s to many more, cheers!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thank you Grace. You are someone who I have always and continue to admire in this space. I have full admiration for anyone who can pack up everything, move cross-country, and end up as successful as you are. It’s clear to me that the sky is the limit to what the future holds for you, and for all of us who continue to push and challenge ourselves.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    Happy birthday Matt! I love milestones and looking back. I definitely think of my birthday as the beginning of a new year, versus the new year (Jan 1) itself.

    Congratulations on all that you have achieved. It’s exciting. Here’s to many more, cheers!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thank you Grace. You are someone who I have always and continue to admire in this space. I have full admiration for anyone who can pack up everything, move cross-country, and end up as successful as you are. It’s clear to me that the sky is the limit to what the future holds for you, and for all of us who continue to push and challenge ourselves.

  • http://www.graduwait.com/ Paul

    Happy B-day Matt. My dad turned 60! on Halloween and it made me feel old. Gee wiz, he’s sixty! I’m 26. Wow we really don’t have all the time in the world here, do we? So you’re right, let’s just go for it. What do we have to lose?

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Paul! We won’t be around forever (even if we’d like to think so) – Instead of “waiting until tomorrow” sometimes you just have to take that leap today. Cheers!

  • http://www.graduwait.com Paul

    Happy B-day Matt. My dad turned 60! on Halloween and it made me feel old. Gee wiz, he’s sixty! I’m 26. Wow we really don’t have all the time in the world here, do we? So you’re right, let’s just go for it. What do we have to lose?

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks Paul! We won’t be around forever (even if we’d like to think so) – Instead of “waiting until tomorrow” sometimes you just have to take that leap today. Cheers!

  • http://worldsstrongestlibrarian.com/ Josh Hanagarne

    Happy birthday Matt! I wrote that guest post today that we talked about. I’ll be sending it over tomorrow as a belated present. I think you’ll dig it. I wrote it while wearing shorts.

    Look out your window! I’m throwing you a surprise birthday parade with singing elephants! Look now!

    Oh man, I hope you didn’t miss it. Those elephants weren’t cheap.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Damn! I missed the elephant parade?! Haha, Looking forward to seeing this guest post that you speak of – thanks for the well wishes!

  • http://worldsstrongestlibrarian.com/ Josh Hanagarne

    Happy birthday Matt! I wrote that guest post today that we talked about. I’ll be sending it over tomorrow as a belated present. I think you’ll dig it. I wrote it while wearing shorts.

    Look out your window! I’m throwing you a surprise birthday parade with singing elephants! Look now!

    Oh man, I hope you didn’t miss it. Those elephants weren’t cheap.

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Damn! I missed the elephant parade?! Haha, Looking forward to seeing this guest post that you speak of – thanks for the well wishes!

  • http://courtney903.wordpress.com/ courtney

    Hear, hear! It’s all about taking life’s cues, and not allowing ourselves to feel guilty because we’re on one path or another. It’s about not regretting the way or the time it took to get where we are. What’s important is knowing what we want and trusting that we are on the right paths. We are. Congrats on an amazing 23rd year. I know 24 will be even more amazing. Happy Birthday again, Matt!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      It has been a wild year Courtney, without a doubt – I can’t say that I know what I want, but I’m taking steps toward discovering myself and where I want to be every single day. THAT’S what it’s really all about. Thank you for the well wishes! It’s been a pleasure meeting you through these online channels. Looking forward to our future collaborations!

  • http://courtney903.wordpress.com courtney

    Hear, hear! It’s all about taking life’s cues, and not allowing ourselves to feel guilty because we’re on one path or another. It’s about not regretting the way or the time it took to get where we are. What’s important is knowing what we want and trusting that we are on the right paths. We are. Congrats on an amazing 23rd year. I know 24 will be even more amazing. Happy Birthday again, Matt!

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      It has been a wild year Courtney, without a doubt – I can’t say that I know what I want, but I’m taking steps toward discovering myself and where I want to be every single day. THAT’S what it’s really all about. Thank you for the well wishes! It’s been a pleasure meeting you through these online channels. Looking forward to our future collaborations!

  • AY

    “Whatever you WANT to do, you CAN do – you just have to start DOING it.”

    I’ve been thinking of starting a blog/developing a personal brand for a while now, but haven’t for various reasons…Aside from the usual/bigger problem of not being (or at least feeling) knowledgeable enough in any field to write about it, there are some smaller technical things that are also inhibiting me from actually taking action. (I know whichever I choose shouldn’t matter as long as I just take action, but still…)

    I was wondering what you thought about starting a self-hosted blog vs using .blogpost/wordpress. On the one hand, a self-hosted blog allows for better customizations, more personal branding, and I feel as though people would take you more seriously. On the flipside, I don’t have much writing experience, and a .blogpost domain would allow me to get more practice before I start getting judged…after all, you only get one personal brand – I’m afraid of screwing it up :P

    On a different note – Happy belated birthday! Yours is a day after mine :)

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/ Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks for coming by AY, and seriously – do NOT be afraid of “screwing up” your personal brand. You should write for YOURSELF first, because you love to write – followed up by writing for your community. If you like to write, even if you don’t think you are very “good” – just go for it. Passion for the craft is the number one priority – and you’ll develop your niche and personal “voice” along the way. I had no idea what this blog would turn into when I started – I still don’t know what twists and turns it will undoubtedly take along the way.

      I ALWAYS recommend that people go the self hosted route sooner rather than later. It’s ultimately up to you if you can make the investment – but it will only run you about $100/year to host.

      If you need any help getting things set up – or just want to bounce ideas around – feel free to send me an email.

  • AY

    “Whatever you WANT to do, you CAN do – you just have to start DOING it.”

    I’ve been thinking of starting a blog/developing a personal brand for a while now, but haven’t for various reasons…Aside from the usual/bigger problem of not being (or at least feeling) knowledgeable enough in any field to write about it, there are some smaller technical things that are also inhibiting me from actually taking action. (I know whichever I choose shouldn’t matter as long as I just take action, but still…)

    I was wondering what you thought about starting a self-hosted blog vs using .blogpost/wordpress. On the one hand, a self-hosted blog allows for better customizations, more personal branding, and I feel as though people would take you more seriously. On the flipside, I don’t have much writing experience, and a .blogpost domain would allow me to get more practice before I start getting judged…after all, you only get one personal brand – I’m afraid of screwing it up :P

    On a different note – Happy belated birthday! Yours is a day after mine :)

    • http://www.lifewithoutpants.com Matt Cheuvront

      Thanks for coming by AY, and seriously – do NOT be afraid of “screwing up” your personal brand. You should write for YOURSELF first, because you love to write – followed up by writing for your community. If you like to write, even if you don’t think you are very “good” – just go for it. Passion for the craft is the number one priority – and you’ll develop your niche and personal “voice” along the way. I had no idea what this blog would turn into when I started – I still don’t know what twists and turns it will undoubtedly take along the way.

      I ALWAYS recommend that people go the self hosted route sooner rather than later. It’s ultimately up to you if you can make the investment – but it will only run you about $100/year to host.

      If you need any help getting things set up – or just want to bounce ideas around – feel free to send me an email.

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