When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Thrive Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Jess Ann Kirby: Coffee, always coffee.
TG: What gives you energy?
JK: The ocean.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
JK: Laugh often.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
JK: It’s complicated. I have a love/hate relationship with my phone. My business and livelihood is so technology driven, and I love that it’s given me the ability to connect with people in a way that was never possible before, but I also need a break every once in a while. Digital detox is so important.
TG: How do you deal with email?
JK: I’m a bit of a psycho. I don’t like having unread emails, ever. If my unread count goes over 15, I get anxious.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
JK: Go to the beach.
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why?
JK: Very recently actually. I wrote a blog post about it, if you’re interested you can find it here. While the post really talks about self-doubt, I think I got to that place because I was worn down and exhausted. Whether you work for yourself or for someone else you have to practice self-care. Take time off, unplug, do the things that revitalize you and make you feel happy and fulfilled. It’s so important. You’ll be a better person because of it.
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
JK: Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.