This is a sponsored post. I was compensated by the Ford Fiesta Movement to write this article, but was given creative freedom to decide the manner in which to do it. All views and opinions are my own, and I was given total control. See the introduction to this post here.
It might sound weird to write an article giving 5 “adventure tips,” because that seems to undermine the whole point of the adventure–spontaneity, freedom, and a lack of reservations. However, my goal here is not to give you tips on what to do once the adventure starts, but how to get yourself out of your comfort zone and seek adventure. We were inspired by the Ford Fiesta movement’s adventure mission, and we thought of a few ways to help get others out there and encourage adventure-having.
1. Discover the adventures of others
Sometimes, it helps to learn about the adventures that other people had. For instance, you might want to watch/read adventure movies or books. For instance “Into the Wild,” is a real story about a guy who goes out into the wilderness to find himself because he is fed up with society. “On the Road” is a true work of art about…all sorts of adventures–there’s no way to explain Kerouac’s tour de force. Or, you can always try an adventure of the mind, like in “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse.
Don’t really try to emulate these adventures, because then it’s not your own experience. Just try and find some inspiration. If “On the Road” doesn’t make you want to have an adventure, you might be doomed.
2. Start small
If you’re not an adventure type, don’t sell all your worldly possessions and move to Guam. That’s probably a bad move, man, especially if you’re a homebody-type. Start small. Talk to a stranger, enter an unknown restaurant/bar, drive to a new town, or sneak into a country club. Adventures are all around us, so take small steps before you long jump.
3. Find a companion
For some people, you might want a companion to help either egg you along or keep you from yourself. Companions can make traveling and adventures a lot more fun and desirable, and doing something new with another person helps strengthen that bond.
4. Or, go at it alone
However, some people are most free when they’re alone. If you’re one of those types, turn your cell phone off, get out of range of the internet, and pack a tent. I’d recommend something as simple as going camping alone at a state park–it’s not so out there that you’ll starve to death, but it’s far enough away that you can find some alone time and really clear your mind. I think you’ll find this addicting, and eventually the impetus for further adventures.
5. Don’t think about it
Just go for it. Don’t think about that work meeting, bill, or issue in your life. I’ve never met someone whose life fell apart because of a 3-day camping trip. If you don’t think about the potential (see: nonexistent) problems that could arise, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to take that initial plunge.
