We were lucky to catch up with Ali Sullivan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ali, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from years of seeing how life unfolds, often in the most unexpected ways. After eight years of traveling, I’ve learned that things won’t always go according to plan—missed flights, last-minute changes, or the occasional wrong turn are all part of the journey. Instead of focusing on the setbacks, I try to see each moment as an opportunity, even if it feels inconvenient at the time. Maybe that delay that frustrated me saved me from something else down the road. This perspective has taught me that even the hardest moments can reveal something good if I’m open to it.
Life has also shown me its share of loss, and through that, I’ve learned that sometimes the most important thing is simply to keep moving forward. No matter how bad things seem, there’s always a chance for things to improve, to turn around, or to be even better than before. This mindset has helped me stay resilient, no matter where in the world I am, and it’s why I try to approach life with a smile and a positive outlook.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My home base has always been in Ohio, though I’ve been on the road for almost eight years now. My journey has taken me to nearly 40 countries across four continents, and dozens of US States. This passion for travel and exploration led me to create two brands that capture different parts of my journey: Ali’s Happy Desk, which I started in 2020, and Ali’s Happy Adventure (@alishappyadventure), launched in 2023.
Professionally, I wear a few different hats—I work as a Virtual Assistant, Writer, and Creator. My work allows me to blend my passion for storytelling with skills that help others grow their businesses or projects, which I find incredibly rewarding. In the last two years, I also began working with hostels, and it’s been an exciting shift. The hostel industry has like minded perspectives on travel and community, and I’m looking forward to exploring what else this avenue has to offer.
Aside from my business ventures, I’m in the process of writing a book—a project I started six years ago and am thrilled to see finally taking shape. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m looking forward to sharing it when it’s ready. I’m always open to new experiences and enjoy trying out new roles and skills without losing focus on my existing responsibilities.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, there are three qualities that have been absolutely essential to my journey: not caring what others think, not being afraid to fail or try new things, and having determination combined with big dreams. These have shaped both my professional path and my lifestyle in powerful ways.
The first—not caring what others think—is freeing. The life I lead isn’t typical, and that often brings a lot of opinions from others. But over time, I realized that other people’s doubts or judgments don’t have to affect my choices. My advice to others is to really focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled rather than seeking approval. Pursue what you want with conviction, knowing that it’s your life to live.
Not being afraid to fail or try new things has been just as important. Any time you try something new, you’re going to feel like a beginner, and you might even fail a few times. But those early “failures” are where real growth happens. If you’re just starting out, remember that the first steps are often the hardest—and the most awkward. Embrace that phase, and give yourself grace as you practice and improve. It’s all part of the process.
Finally, having dreams and being determined to make them a reality has given me purpose. Too many people let go of their dreams as they get older, believing they’re unrealistic or impractical. My advice is to hang onto those dreams with both hands, no matter how big or out-of-reach they might seem. If you want something badly enough, you can work toward it step by step. Stay focused, stay determined, and remember that it’s never too late to create a life that truly excites you.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether it’s better to focus solely on your strengths or work on becoming more well-rounded. It really depends on the kind of life you want to lead and, most importantly, what makes you happiest. For me, happiness comes from a balance between building on my strengths and exploring new interests. Both paths offer something valuable, and each has its pros and cons.
When you stick with your strengths, there’s a clear path to becoming an expert. The advantage here is that you develop deep knowledge in your field, allowing you to make a real impact and become a trusted figure within that niche. However, this can sometimes lead to burnout or boredom, especially if you’re someone who craves variety and new experiences.
On the other hand, embracing new experiences and areas outside your comfort zone opens you up to undiscovered talents and passions. You never know what you’re capable of or what you might fall in love with unless you give it a try. Sometimes, stepping into the unknown can surprise you in the best way possible.
So, my advice is to think about what kind of lifestyle will make you happiest. If building expertise in one area fulfills you, go for it! But if you’re energized by trying new things, allow yourself that freedom. Ultimately, you’ll thrive most when you’re doing what truly excites you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alishappyadventure.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alishappyadventure
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ali.sullivan.397/
- Other: Business website: https://www.alishappydesk.com/
Image Credits
Ali Sullivan
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