an unusual, exciting, new activity or experience, exploring unknown physical or psychological territory – typically bold, often risky and with no guarantee of success.

I live for adventure. I’ve been to both Poles, climbed mountains, dove to 207 feet depth in Chuuk Lagoon… and enjoyed the ultimate adventures, marriage and parenthood.

But adventures need not be grandiose expeditions. Even a day, or an hour, suffices for some.  What matters is that it excites you and puts you on unknown ground.

Your comfort zone is a danger zone: you’re in danger of missing out on life.

You’re surrounded by potential adventures, if you just take the time to look: around you, and inside yourself.

Too often we overestimate the risk, and underestimate the gratification that lies in store at the end… the satisfaction of having tried and (hopefully) achieved.

Feel trepidation? Good! Aim yourself toward what you fear.

 

If it doesn’t work out as planned or live up to your expectations, just laugh at the adverse outcome and remember:

It’s all part of the adventure. (Brant Didden)

 

Some tips on choosing to be more adventurous:

  1. Get out there! If there’s something you want to do, don’t listen to your own excuses and doubts. Take the plunge. Now.
  1. Be willing to fly solo. It’s an opportunity to meet new like-minded friends.
  1. Don’t over-plan. Paralysis by analysis gets you nowhere. Take that first step, then go with the flow.
  1. Accept that the adventure may not prove what you expected. Don’t let the thought, “It might not work out” dissuade you from giving it a try. Instead, look at it the opposite way: it could work out even better than you think. Only one way to find out!
  1. Tell others your plans. This is a great way to motivate yourself to “get it done.” Plus, it may inspire them to talk about, and pursue, the adventure they have been putting off – or they may offer to join you in yours.
  1. Spend on experiences rather than possessions. Memories last a lifetime.

Go on an adventure! You might find… yourself.

5 DAYS OF CHOOSING ADVENTURE

Day 1:  List three one-day-or-less adventures you’ve always wanted to do in your city or region. Abandon familiar territory.  For each adventure, set a specific date.

Day 2: Ask two friends what local adventures are on their wish list and offer to join them.

Day 3: Spend 30 minutes on the internet searching the phrase “adventures near me.” Choose three that you were completely unaware of and set a date to do each. Feel free to invite a friend, but you get bonus points if you go it alone AND commit to meeting someone new at each event.

Day 4: List three lifetime adventures you crave. Dream big. Be bold.

Day 5: For each item from day 4, write the first two specific steps to get there, and a target date for each step.

… interested in some inspiring tips on 99 other positive choices, and some exercises to get you started?