I always thought if I'm "happy" (read comfortable) here, why should I change?

Now I believe the hardest it is to commit to a change we can't take out of our mind, the more critical they are to us.

These were the 2 most difficult choices I've ever made, and both defined who I am now.

#1: Leave my country, family, and friends behind

I was one of those guys who never thought about exploring the world.

I liked the comfort of the standard path. I had a nice job, a girlfriend, friends, and family close. Theoretically, nothing to complain about; at the same time, I hated how little autonomy I had at work.

I wanted something new, but I was afraid.

One day a friend talked to me about spending a year in Ireland.

It didn't even make sense. Ireland? Why? Anyway, I thought extremely hard about it. It was scary and everything I told everyone I would never do.

I left.

My family was surprised, and my ex's family hated me for leaving her. I don't blame them. I felt like shit.

This was the first step to everything I lived through for the past 15 years.

#2: I declined a promotion I worked for years and quit

I've had an excellent job in Dublin and worked very hard for a promotion, which was finally offered to me.

And there I was, thinking about it, sure something was missing.

I felt like a robot; I woke up, went to work, finished my tasks, and went home to relax and enjoy my life a bit—no surprises, no excitement, nothing to keep me there if it wasn't for the money.

Out of nowhere, a friend contacted me to start a business building iPhone apps.

I knew nothing about it. I didn't even have a smartphone and was proud of it.

As we started talking my curiosity grew. After struggling a LOT, I took the leap of faith and committed. Quit my job, lost my visa, and went back home to Brazil.

All of those choices were excruciating. I felt stupid and reckless both times.

But here's the thing:

Being forced to make these choices ultimately got me where I am today.

I met tons of new friends, learned a lot about different cultures, started four new businesses, and spent nearly ten years traveling as a digital nomad with my fantastic wife.

Wife which I met in Dublin.