2014 was my Year of Adventure. While adventures by definition can certainly be gutsy, sometimes it’s how you choose to experience the adventures that can be even gutsier. I went solo on these adventures, which is scary because it’s a lot easier to be brave when someone is by your side. Here’s a list of my 2014 solo adventures with gutsy ratings (1 being gutsy light to 10 being exceptionally gutsy).
February: Launching The Adventure Project
Some people think the best Valentine’s gift is chocolate and flowers. While both of these are nice, what’s even better is launching a new business by yourself — for yourself. Being a solopreneur means no team brainstorming, no ability to delegate and no net. It’s a gutsy proposition and one that creates opportunities to fail on a grand scale!
Gutsy rating: 10
March: Attending the We Move Forward Women’s Conference, Retreat and Celebration
I happened upon this event while doing research for The Adventure Project and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I invited several friends to join me, but no one accepted the invitation. I could have let the opportunity slide, but instead I said, “yes” to going solo – even though I didn’t know anyone affiliated with the event. This year I’m returning to present, so getting gutsy can lead to future adventures!
Gutsy rating: 6
June: Being a counselor at Camp Grounded
I had never been to camp as a kid, so imagine the gutsy factor when I showed up at this summer camp for adults alone, knowing no one, ready to take on a counselor role! Extra gutsy points for the digital detox aspect, as I couldn’t even phone home for support. Getting big time gutsy means embracing opportunities for growth.
Gutsy rating: 9
July: Attending my first World Domination Summit
Imagine 3,000 people gathering in downtown Portland to discuss world domination by way of service, adventure and community. Now, imagine being there alone knowing only one of the 3,000 people attending. Overwhelming? Yes! Worth the scary factor? Also yes! Even gutsier was hosting an attendee improv meet-up as I didn’t have any domination buddies to pad the room.
Gutsy rating: 7
July: Attending Life of “Yes” Sleepaway Camp
Show up in Chicago and be whisked away in a white unmarked van to an undisclosed location in Wisconsin to do who knows what with a group of strangers. No problem because everyone goes solo! This is probably the least gutsy thing on this list because when everyone’s doing it, you’re all on the same playing field and magic happens quickly.
Gutsy rating: 5
November: Presenting & performing at the Applied Improvisation Network World Conference
I’ve always thought that performing in front of the public is way easier than performing in front of peers as the public is amazed to see anything unscripted unfold before their eyes. However … in front of peers who know the art? That’s where the scary comes in as they know what’s good – and, what’s not. Yikes! So performing, and presenting, in front of an international group of talented improvisational, professional peers is a nail biting experience – extra deodorant required! Add a gutsy point for going solo to an event where all but 1% of the attendees were strangers.
Gutsy rating: 8
Getting gutsy is all about stepping outside your comfort zone to reach your goals and live a life that makes you truly happy. This post is my entry for Jessica Lawlor’s Get Gutsy Essay Contest. To get involved and share your own gutsy story, check out this post for contest details and download a free copy of the inspiring Get Gutsy ebook.
