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This series has been all about taking small, achievable steps to help you become more adventurous. But it hasn’t been about thinking small. Now that summer is drawing to an end, let’s tie it all together. This week, we’re going to think big and act small.
Chances are, you’ve got a big idea for an adventure. Maybe it’s buried in the deepest caverns of your mind, hidden underneath song lyrics, memes, and random trivia. But it’s there. This week, dig it up, dust it off, hold it up to the light, and take a good look at it.
Take an hour and sit down with your idea. Write, map, outline, or sketch your grand adventure idea. Right now, the sky is the limit; you don’t have to figure anything out yet. Don’t worry about scheduling, budgeting, or figuring out any kind of logistics. At this moment, all you need to do is get the rough idea—or the romantic notion, if you will—down on paper.
Once that’s done, look it over. Is this something you actually want to do?
Good.
Now, look at your outline, map, sketch, or rough idea and ask yourself, “What is the smallest, tiniest, most easily achievable version of this idea I can do this week?”
That is your starting point.
Do you want to climb Mount Everest? Find the closest hill you can climb and sleep on.
Want to cycle across the country? Figure out how far you can ride to find a place to camp?
Interested in completing a long-distance thru-hike like the Appalachian Trail? Find the closest place you can take a backpacking overnighter.
Once you’ve figured out that small, most easily achievable version of the idea, the next part is simple: do it. Then repeat the process, finding something that’s just a little bit more challenging. Then do it again. And again.
And again.
These aren’t replacements for the grand adventure you’ve outlined. They’re the ground work. Because if you can’t take the small steps, you’ll never take the big ones. Does sleeping on a hill guarantee that you’ll summit Mount Everest? Nope. But it’s one step closer than sitting on the couch, and each consecutive step takes you even closer.
Small steps help you develop the skills, attitude, and mindset that will help you achieve your big goals. You’ll get fitter, your mental fortitude will improve, and just as important, you’ll have fun.
Just to review, what I’m suggesting here will:
- Help you prepare for a grand adventure.
- Improve your life.
- Be fun.
So, why wouldn’t you try this out?
Summer may be over, but you don’t have to wait until next spring to get started. The steps in the Summer Microadventure Series work all year long.
The most important this to remember is this; start now, not later.