Difference between revisions of "Have an Adventure"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Finding Your Adventurous Self === | === Finding Your Adventurous Self === | ||
| − | #Define adventure for yourself. People tend to think of an adventure as something hazardous or dangerous; if that gives you pause, perhaps think of it as “something enjoyable, unique, and a departure from your routine.”<ref>http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-to-live-mini-adventures-on-a-small-budget.html</ref> | + | #Define adventure for yourself. People tend to think of an adventure as something hazardous or dangerous; if that gives you pause, perhaps think of it as “something enjoyable, unique, and a departure from your routine.”<ref name="rf1">http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-to-live-mini-adventures-on-a-small-budget.html</ref> |
#* What qualifies as an adventure depends upon you -- your perspectives, desires, experiences, and so on. One man’s adventure may be another’s routine. Don’t worry about how others may define it; if it feels like an adventure to you, it is one. | #* What qualifies as an adventure depends upon you -- your perspectives, desires, experiences, and so on. One man’s adventure may be another’s routine. Don’t worry about how others may define it; if it feels like an adventure to you, it is one. | ||
#Seek inspiration. Even if it is up to you to determine your own adventures, examining the adventurous lives of others can help clarify your own goals, desires, and limits. | #Seek inspiration. Even if it is up to you to determine your own adventures, examining the adventurous lives of others can help clarify your own goals, desires, and limits. | ||
| − | #* Read famous real-life adventure books and stories.<ref>http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0404/adventure_books.html</ref> Examine them not only for the activities described but the transformative experiences of the author/adventurer. | + | #* Read famous real-life adventure books and stories.<ref name="rf2">http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0404/adventure_books.html</ref> Examine them not only for the activities described but the transformative experiences of the author/adventurer. |
#* Talk to friends and family. You may gain not only ideas and inspiration but a better appreciation for someone you think you already know so well. Who knows, your dull great uncle Stu may have had some fascinating adventures back in the day. | #* Talk to friends and family. You may gain not only ideas and inspiration but a better appreciation for someone you think you already know so well. Who knows, your dull great uncle Stu may have had some fascinating adventures back in the day. | ||
#* You’ll find that what others define as an adventure varies as well. Is it base jumping? Visiting a foreign country with a pocket dictionary, no itinerary, and no return flight scheduled? Going to an open mic night and trying your hand at stand-up? Camping out at a national park? Quitting your job? There’s no shame in “borrowing” one of their adventure ideas if it strikes a chord with you. | #* You’ll find that what others define as an adventure varies as well. Is it base jumping? Visiting a foreign country with a pocket dictionary, no itinerary, and no return flight scheduled? Going to an open mic night and trying your hand at stand-up? Camping out at a national park? Quitting your job? There’s no shame in “borrowing” one of their adventure ideas if it strikes a chord with you. | ||
#Imagine. What do you dream about? What activities do you do when you fantasize about being able to do whatever you want? Do some adventure brainstorming, and put no limits of practicality or feasibility on your ideas at this point. | #Imagine. What do you dream about? What activities do you do when you fantasize about being able to do whatever you want? Do some adventure brainstorming, and put no limits of practicality or feasibility on your ideas at this point. | ||
| − | #* Ignore the “be realistic” voice inside your head. That’s part of what keeps you from having adventures.<ref>http://deepexistence.com/how-to-make-your-life-an-adventure/</ref> | + | #* Ignore the “be realistic” voice inside your head. That’s part of what keeps you from having adventures.<ref name="rf3">http://deepexistence.com/how-to-make-your-life-an-adventure/</ref> |
| − | #* Draw up a “to-try” list. Rank them from most achievable to most challenging if you desire. Mark them off as you attempt them.<ref | + | #* Draw up a “to-try” list. Rank them from most achievable to most challenging if you desire. Mark them off as you attempt them.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Know why you say “no” or “not now.” If you feel that you’ve become “boring” with age, it may be that you crave the comfort of predictability in your hectic life. Mix that with the all-too-common fear of failure and you have a recipe for a non-adventurous life.<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/23/adventure-weekdays_n_5515293.html</ref> | + | #Know why you say “no” or “not now.” If you feel that you’ve become “boring” with age, it may be that you crave the comfort of predictability in your hectic life. Mix that with the all-too-common fear of failure and you have a recipe for a non-adventurous life.<ref name="rf4">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/23/adventure-weekdays_n_5515293.html</ref> |
| − | #* Do you delay or avoid following your adventurous dreams out of fear of the worst-case scenario? Confront it head on and write up a “worst-case list” for each adventure. Once you’ve written them out, rationally consider just how remote they are.<ref>http://affordanything.com/2011/09/28/the-poor-mans-guide-to-adventurous-living/</ref> Compare them to your risk of being in a traffic accident on your way to work or getting cancer, if you must. | + | #* Do you delay or avoid following your adventurous dreams out of fear of the worst-case scenario? Confront it head on and write up a “worst-case list” for each adventure. Once you’ve written them out, rationally consider just how remote they are.<ref name="rf5">http://affordanything.com/2011/09/28/the-poor-mans-guide-to-adventurous-living/</ref> Compare them to your risk of being in a traffic accident on your way to work or getting cancer, if you must. |
| − | #Don’t fear your fear. Courage is the mastery of fear, not the elimination of it.<ref | + | #Don’t fear your fear. Courage is the mastery of fear, not the elimination of it.<ref name="rf1" /> Fear is part of what makes an adventure an adventure. |
| − | #* Master your fear not only of undertaking an adventure, but of failing at it. You know the saying about the journey being more important than the destination? Well, taking on the challenge of learning to surf is more important, and personally rewarding, than whether or not you can stay on your board and ride in a big wave.<ref>http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/12/11/every-man-needs-adventure/</ref> | + | #* Master your fear not only of undertaking an adventure, but of failing at it. You know the saying about the journey being more important than the destination? Well, taking on the challenge of learning to surf is more important, and personally rewarding, than whether or not you can stay on your board and ride in a big wave.<ref name="rf6">http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/12/11/every-man-needs-adventure/</ref> |
=== Getting Out There (and Back) === | === Getting Out There (and Back) === | ||
#Plan for the unplanned. Don’t wait for the perfect time to take an adventure, because the perfect time will never come. That’s just an excuse people make for not going. | #Plan for the unplanned. Don’t wait for the perfect time to take an adventure, because the perfect time will never come. That’s just an excuse people make for not going. | ||
#* Do a little less planning than you’re comfortable doing. Pack your suitcase as normal, then force yourself to repack using a suitcase half the size. Go on a drive with no destination in mind and no GPS. Go skydiving without updating your will. | #* Do a little less planning than you’re comfortable doing. Pack your suitcase as normal, then force yourself to repack using a suitcase half the size. Go on a drive with no destination in mind and no GPS. Go skydiving without updating your will. | ||
| − | #* Erase your expectations.<ref>http://tinybuddha.com/blog/6-ways-to-live-a-life-of-passion-and-adventure-right-now/</ref> Don’t assume you know what will happen when you take a trapeze class or go abroad as a disaster relief volunteer. You’re going to be surprised regardless of how much you think you know about what to expect. Embrace this uncertainty. | + | #* Erase your expectations.<ref name="rf7">http://tinybuddha.com/blog/6-ways-to-live-a-life-of-passion-and-adventure-right-now/</ref> Don’t assume you know what will happen when you take a trapeze class or go abroad as a disaster relief volunteer. You’re going to be surprised regardless of how much you think you know about what to expect. Embrace this uncertainty. |
| − | #Say “yes.” When presented with an opportunity, seize it. The next time someone asks you to do something that you would reflexively turn down, accept the offer instead.<ref | + | #Say “yes.” When presented with an opportunity, seize it. The next time someone asks you to do something that you would reflexively turn down, accept the offer instead.<ref name="rf4" /> Go to that NASCAR driving experience at the racetrack. Sign up for your community theater’s next musical. |
#* Don’t be ridiculous, however. If someone asks you to help them rob a bank or swap spouses for a month, that may be a little too much adventure. Set boundaries based on any physical limitations or essential responsibilities you may have, but set the bar a little further out than you typically would. | #* Don’t be ridiculous, however. If someone asks you to help them rob a bank or swap spouses for a month, that may be a little too much adventure. Set boundaries based on any physical limitations or essential responsibilities you may have, but set the bar a little further out than you typically would. | ||
#Seek support networks. No one said an adventure has to be a solitary affair. Backpack across South America or go whitewater rafting with a friend. | #Seek support networks. No one said an adventure has to be a solitary affair. Backpack across South America or go whitewater rafting with a friend. | ||
#* Join an adventure club. You’ll get ideas and support for your adventures, as well as some beneficial peer pressure to get out and do things. | #* Join an adventure club. You’ll get ideas and support for your adventures, as well as some beneficial peer pressure to get out and do things. | ||
| − | #* When you’re out adventuring, do find ways to keep in touch with loved ones.<ref | + | #* When you’re out adventuring, do find ways to keep in touch with loved ones.<ref name="rf7" /> Just because past adventurers had to “go dark” for long stretches doesn’t mean you must. Let them experience a little of the excitement of your adventure, and in turn give you support to keep at it. |
| − | #Make mistakes.<ref | + | #Make mistakes.<ref name="rf7" /> Put your mastery over your fear of failure into action. Assume that you will not be a good skier at the start. Don’t be afraid to visit France because you’re sure that those snooty Parisians will scoff at your terrible French. Maybe some of them will, but so what? Muddle through it and keep going ahead with your adventure. |
| − | #Choose to “swim” when you could “sink.”<ref | + | #Choose to “swim” when you could “sink.”<ref name="rf7" /> Don’t give in to your “I knew I couldn’t do it” impulse when things get difficult. Do not quit on your adventure because it’s tough -- it’s supposed to be. |
#* If you get booed off the stage at that open mic comedy night, go back the next time and start with a crack on the crowd’s lousy booing technique. (Nobody said this was “How to Do Stand-Up Comedy.”) | #* If you get booed off the stage at that open mic comedy night, go back the next time and start with a crack on the crowd’s lousy booing technique. (Nobody said this was “How to Do Stand-Up Comedy.”) | ||
#Celebrate your adventure. No matter how successful your attempt at bull-riding, be proud of your achievement and enthusiastic in recounting your adventure to others. | #Celebrate your adventure. No matter how successful your attempt at bull-riding, be proud of your achievement and enthusiastic in recounting your adventure to others. | ||
| − | #* Remember, the adventure itself is more important than the result.<ref | + | #* Remember, the adventure itself is more important than the result.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#* Line up your next adventure. Don’t rest on your laurels. Strike while the iron is hot. Prepare to hit another item on your “to try” list while still basking in the glow of the last one. | #* Line up your next adventure. Don’t rest on your laurels. Strike while the iron is hot. Prepare to hit another item on your “to try” list while still basking in the glow of the last one. | ||
#* The best way to make the most out of having an adventure is to have another adventure. | #* The best way to make the most out of having an adventure is to have another adventure. | ||
