This month marks The Adventure Project’s one-year anniversary. I can barely believe it’s my first year in business already. Launching a Colorado-based adventure business having nothing to do with skiing, river rafting or mountain biking is a crazy – and risky – proposition. The average person – especially here where outdoor adventure activities reign – thinks of adventure as a wild physical sensation. And while it’s true that adventure definitely has that form, it’s also true that adventure can be had around softer, gentler activities. Being vulnerable in new romantic relationships, or being open to authentic connections while traveling, can be considered adventures – especially if these situations put you outside of your comfort zone. And that’s the point of The Adventure Project – to support you in finding your own adventure.
This first year has been its own adventure as I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone many times – in the woods, on the stage and while traveling. The lessons I’ve learned through The Adventure Project launch are applicable to any new experience as every time we say, “yes” to trying something new, we agree to an adventure for which the outcome remains uncertain.
Here are my top 10 launch lessons:
- You can never know it all. Whenever you try something new, no matter how much research you’ve done, you can never know everything. Actually doing it – no matter what the “it” is – is always different than having the experience from an armchair.
- Not everything you put out in the world will be awesome. Sometimes things just don’t work. And that’s O.K. because trying something and failing is better than never having tried at all. And maybe the second attempt (or third or fourth or fifth) will be what sticks.
- Just because something is awesome doesn’t mean it will be a success. What’s amazing to me may or may not be amazing to you. And, maybe that awesome thing just doesn’t have a shelf life. There is no shame in moving on to something similar – or even completely different.
- There is such a thing as too much (insert your own adventure). For me, this is travel. I really can have too much of a good thing. I’m working on finding my balance between traveling and home life. What works for me may not work for you – and that’s O.K. Creating an adventure that doesn’t lead to burn out is an individual process.
- Being around strangers can be exhausting (even if it’s fun). Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a door between you and everyone else. Even a full on extrovert needs time to recharge. Taking time for quiet self care is just fine – and encouraged.
- You won’t always take your own advice. Sometimes we make bad decisions and aren’t exactly the models of our own beliefs or values. Does that make us frauds? No, it just means we’re human beings.
- Sometimes new adventures are lonely. Not every adventure will be a popular one, or, even one that feels supported by the people in your life. But, if it’s one that your heart has been wanting, it needs to come out to play even if it’s a game for one.
- There will always be people more (and less) successful (and adventurous) than you. It doesn’t matter. Live, play, experience your own adventure to its fullest potential. If you are happy with how you spend your time, then that makes for happy living – not comparing your experiences to those you’re reading about online.
- Not everyone will “get it.” And they don’t have to because it’s your life. You need to “get it,” embrace it and grow it if it’s what burns a fire inside of you.
- Always find a way to shut it down. Turn if off. Step away. See, do, experience something completely different because no matter what “it” ends up being, you need time to turn off your devices – and your mind – to flourish.
Remember, life is a personal journey of self-discovery. Finding your own adventure is the best gift you can give to yourself, as it’s all yours!
