Breaking routines through travel: A TED Talk with NOVICA CEO, Roberto Milk

In a society that thrives on the “go, go, go” mentality, we often forget to slow things down and take a breather for ourselves. It’s easy to find yourself in a neverending cycle of daily checklists and routines. While these aren’t necessarily negative and are in fact proven to increase productivity, the redundancy can create a seemingly mundane existence. We get so lost in the bubbles of our lives that we forget to look at the humbling big picture of the world. Now, the answer isn’t to eliminate these routines, but rather to improve your routines and then to break them when needed.

Our very own Roberto Milk, one of NOVICA’s co-founders, had the pleasure of teaming up with TEDxOccidentalCollege and sharing his insight on the topic with the TED community. As an entrepreneur who helped launch NOVICA out of his basement, he has had to learn how to balance a busy work schedule while remembering to enjoy what life has to offer. His solution: breaking routines through travel.

Roberto Milk, CEO and co-founder of NOVICA
CEO and co-founder of NOVICA, Roberto Milk
Click image to read the Founder’s story

As a NOVICA co-founder, it is one of Roberto’s passions to travel the world and connect with talented artisans who lack opportunities and exposure. It’s not always easy to find the master behind the piece, as seen in the video, but it’s certainly rewarding. It is through travel that you’re able to identify with the locals, which puts life, and what’s really important, into perspective. You’re able to get a better grasp on their way of life, as well. As Roberto says, “The more immersive it is, the more we benefit.” How true that is.  And parents, yes, taking the kids (when you can!) is one of the best gifts you can give them.

There were several key takeaways from Roberto’s inspiring TED talk. He points out that the travel doesn’t need to be international. If international exchanges and travel are an option, go for it, but it’s not all about going the distance. Domestic adventures and volunteer work are both equally as fulfilling. Take a trip to the town over that you swore you’d check out. Stop by the local soup kitchen or orphanage. By making these small adjustments and altering your daily routine, you’re creating a more colorful life, which is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

As you read this, there might be a chore you should be tending to or an errand you need to run. Do yourself a favor and tune in to Roberto’s TEDxOccidentalCollege discussion, which can be found right below. Take yourself on a quick journey and prepare to be inspired. For this adventure, you don’t even have to leave your desk.

I will bid you adieu with this quote, one of Roberto’s favorites, which is now one of mine as well:

“Once you have hitchhiked across Africa with ten bucks in your pocket, starting a business doesn’t seem too intimidating.” -Reed Hastings (co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Netflix)

Safe travels!

 

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