By Scott Masciarelli
Over the years I have worked with many people yearning to put some adventure into their lives. Each was different; however, they shared common themes of desiring excitement, looking to increase energy, and wanting to refresh. They also complained about being unhappy, working too many hours, or realizing that life had become far too predictable and routine. These are all signs that change is needed.
Here are five insights to initiate this change with ease—and all of them are designed to help put adventure into your life.
- Step up and learn something new.
- Become a master of asking, “What am I missing?”
- Discover your own city or town with a newcomer’s mind.
- Take a vacation in an afternoon.
- Plan a major travel experience.
Learning something new is a great way to put adventure in your life. Where I live we receive brochures highlighting adult education classes and workshops at local colleges and community centers. The variety is endless, and each time I skim them I find many that would be interesting. In recent years I have attended classes related to foreign languages, public speaking, personal finance, and renting out a vacation property. What I enjoy most about learning is that the new topics push me outside of my comfort zone. Approaching these classes with a beginner’s mind is exciting and fun. Another benefit is that you are able to meet new people.
Be brave and ask, “What am I missing?” This simple question can create tremendous awareness in any situation. If you are frustrated and bored, ask and be open to receive the answers that come to you. This insight works because it allows you to explore possibilities. By asking, “What am I missing?” and then acting on the answers, you find that doors open and adventures unfold. Taking action is a critical step here, as it is with all of the insights.
Exploring your hometown with a beginner’s mind can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Here’s an example: One of my clients, Janet, is an expatriate from the United Kingdom who lived for years in the Middle East and then moved to Vienna, Austria. She decided to explore Vienna with a beginner’s mind, and it has become quite an adventure. To learn the layout of the city, Janet experiments by taking different subway lines. She gets off at a new stop, walks around the neighborhood, and then finds a coffee shop to read and relax in prior to the trip home. Another way to do this is to take a fresh look at all the local events happening in your area and jump in. There might be a festival, social, or volunteer event that is right around the corner. I have found that when something is easy to do it can be easily overlooked. Remember, putting adventure in our lives does not mean that we have to go around world. Sometimes we can find it in our own backyard.
Take a vacation in one afternoon. This insight is a favorite of Karen, a very successful entrepreneur. She is busy and often finds herself working too many hours in her home office. When she feels the need to refresh her energy, Karen likes to shake things up by going to a five-star resort near her home to spend an afternoon by the large pool. It is a rejuvenating experience: she orders lunch, reads a book, and listens to the steel drum band play. She enjoys being outdoors, having others cater to her needs, and spending time near the water. Karen says, “I feel like I’ve been on vacation for week, and it’s only been an afternoon!”
Planning a major travel experience is my favorite insight. Travel is transformational and can become the perfect catalyst to live an adventurous life as you move from one journey to the next. There are four phases to this insight.
The trip planning phase is where you research where you want to go, learn about the destination, and then commit by booking the trip. This is exciting; it is fun to put an event on the calendar and then work toward it.
As time nears you are reviewing the packing list, purchasing needed items, and getting ready for departure. Anticipation builds until it is time to leave.
Travel is a chance to invite transformation. This is easy to do by setting an intention for the experience. Give the vacation a theme and ask yourself the following questions: What would you like to experience? Where would you like some clarity in your life? During your vacation, let these questions percolate. A new environment is the perfect opportunity to receive the answers. It would be handy to bring a journal to jot down any thoughts or reflections that may surface.
After your return is the perfect time to integrate the new awareness you have created. Notice what priorities may have shifted for you. What were the answers to those questions and your intention? Review your journal entries and pay attention to any doodling or notes that you may have made in the margins. For this reason, I recommend purchasing a quality journal that inspires you to write. Doing so gives your revelations the permanence they deserve.
These insights are a sampler to help you begin exercising your adventure muscles. As you experiment, you will find one or two options that are a perfect fit for you. If it feels good do it. If not, leave it and try something else. You will know what is right for you; it’s the things that make you feel energized and rejuvenated and impart an increased zest for life.
Putting adventure into your life is effortless when viewed as a daily commitment. Pay attention to what you feel. Notice as you begin to desire to see, learn, and do more. You may find that this excitement is contagious and you will become an inspiration for others to start exercising their own adventure muscles. Have fun living your adventure!
Scott Masciarelli, ACC, BCC is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Adventure Travel Specialist who inspires others to live their life as an adventure. As a multilingual, avid world traveler and former expatriate corporate leader Scott has a global perspective which benefits his client’s transformation. Scott believes adventure is a very important aspect of designing a thriving life. His clients are asking “what’s next?” in their career, business and life and are ready to enhance their personal and professional leadership skills. The dynamic combination of adventure and leadership development allows them to create success on their terms. Visit www.clearinsightscoaching.com.
This article is a chapter from the book Transform Your Life! written by 60 real-life heroes and experts and available at Amazon.com, BN.com, www.Transformation-Publishing.com and all ebook formats.