Trading Maps for a Compass: How I’m Redefining Adventure in 2025
In 2024, I explored over 15 countries in just 365 days, all while managing a full-time job. It was exhilarating, exhausting, and one of the greatest decisions I ever made. But after a year like that, I’ve realized something profound: real progress happens when you focus on building yourself, not just your itinerary. And that’s exactly what 2025 is about.
Mané Gallo
2/18/20254 min read
Gratitude for the Journey So Far
Travel has been one of the greatest teachers of my life. It’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to embrace discomfort. As I write this, I have 88 countries stamped in my passport, a testament to years of curiosity and exploration.
Last year alone, I traveled more than ever before: over 50 flights (+130,000 kilometers by plane), countless road trips, trains, buses, you name it. These journeys weren’t just about ticking destinations off a list; they were about learning, connecting, and expanding my perspective.
But here’s the truth: no matter how many stamps I add to my passport, external exploration doesn’t automatically translate into internal fulfillment. Think of it like this: a map can guide you to incredible places, but it won’t tell you why you’re going there, or who you’re becoming along the way.
That’s where the compass comes in. A map charts the external world, but a compass points inward—to your values, purpose, and growth. And this year, I’m letting my compass lead the way.
Why 2025 Is Different
Ironically, I started 2025 doing what I do best: traveling. Right now, I’m sitting in a cozy café in Da Nang, Vietnam, 12,000 kilometers away from my hometown. I left two months ago with a clear goal: to build new habits, establish routines, and do it all while enjoying amazing food, great weather, and a much more affordable cost of living. And guess what? It’s working. So far, it’s been exactly what I needed—a reset button for my mind and body.
But here’s the twist: even though I’m still traveling, this trip feels different. It’s not just about exploring new places anymore; it’s about laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. In a way, this journey is my initiation into focusing on the compass while still having a map in hand, if that makes sense.
The shift? In 2024, I was in motion. In 2025, I’m building momentum.
Here’s what that looks like:
Personal Growth
This year is about evolving as a person, not just physically or creatively, but emotionally and mentally. For example:
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating meditation and journaling to cultivate self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Deeper Relationships: Prioritizing quality time with loved ones and nurturing connections that matter most.
Learning New Skills Outside My Comfort Zone: Exploring basic coding, surfing, and learning an instrument to challenge myself in fresh and unexpected ways.
Professional Growth
With AI evolving rapidly and data analytics becoming increasingly relevant, I’m leveling up my skills to stay ahead of the curve:
Deepening expertise in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics through certifications.
Building my personal brand to share insights and value with a wider audience.
Exploring side business ideas like consulting and creative ventures that align with my global experiences.
Call it selfish if you want, but here’s the reality: if I don’t invest in myself now, I can’t possibly give my best to others later. This year is about sharpening my tools so I can serve the world better tomorrow.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from travel is that beauty often lies in the details—the quiet moments, the unexpected detours, the little things you’d miss if you weren’t paying attention. Now, I’m applying that same mindset to my daily life.
For example:
Building strength at the gym isn’t just physical, it’s mental discipline. Every rep is a reminder that progress takes consistency, even when it feels hard.
Adopting healthier eating habits isn’t just about fueling my body, it’s about respecting myself enough to make choices that align with long-term well-being.
Creativity through writing regularly isn’t just about producing content, it’s about processing thoughts, sparking ideas, and connecting with others in meaningful ways.
As I develop these routines into habits (and they become a natural part of who I am) I realize how important it is to give this process a much greater spot in my life. Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when you prioritize the small, consistent actions that compound over time.
A New Kind of Adventure
Does this mean I’m giving up on travel? Not at all. My dream of visiting +100 countries is still alive—it’s just not urgent anymore. I’ve come to understand that adventure isn’t confined to new locations or unfamiliar faces. True adventure is about evolving as a person, whether that happens halfway around the world or right in your own backyard.
In 2024, I followed the map—chasing external milestones and ticking boxes. In 2025, I’m trusting my compass, an inner guide that points toward authenticity, purpose, and growth. Adventure isn’t gone; it’s just shifted focus.
Conclusion: Giving My Best to the World
If 2024 was about exploring the world outside, then 2025 is about elevating the world inside me. This year isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone who will benefit from a stronger, wiser, and more intentional version of me.
To anyone reading this, I’ll leave you with this thought: Growth doesn’t have to be loud or flashy. Sometimes, the most impactful changes happen quietly, behind the scenes, in the spaces where no one is watching. So, wherever you are in your journey, ask yourself: What small, consistent steps can you take today to become the best version of yourself?
So here’s to 2025: a year of following the compass, not the map. Let’s see where it takes us. 🌍🧭
