It is often challenging to find ways to add adventure to our busy lives. Many of us have a bucket list of things we want to do, but how many of us actually tick those boxes off? How many of us find a way to experience our lives to the fullest?

We don’t all have the same list of desires, but most of us will face a similar set of challenges and deterrents to adding adventure to our lives. I have learned a few things along the way that have helped me and hopefully you will find them useful.

Buy Some Time:

Time is our most valuable resource. Most of us make our living by trading our time for money. I have traded almost all of my time for money at different times during my life. When I was younger I had to give almost all of my free time to work in order to make ends meet. Over the years I have tried to find ways to gain my time back. Some of the most attainable and affordable ways to get some hours back is to outsource some of your chores. We outsource our lawn care and house cleaning. That pretty much gets my wife and I our Saturdays back. Since we both work five days a week, our weekends are precious. A nice side effect we have noticed about getting the house cleaned is the positive effect on our marriage. Most couples will argue about who has to clean what and how often they clean it. We don’t have to worry about it! The house cleaning money is good to buy time and it’s good for your marriage. Ask some friends and family who they know. Somebody will know of a good house cleaner and you can get some time back. Just remember, nobody ever lies on their death bed and wishes they had worked more.

Make a Decision:

How many times have you said, “I would like to do that someday.”? I am guilty of this. Somewhere along the way I figured out that someday is NOT on the calendar. One of my biggest hindrances to adding adventure to my life was just making a decision to make it happen. Decide when you want to do it and ……

Make a Plan:

Once you have decided to tick a box on your bucket list its time to make it happen. Do your research and find out what requirements will need to be met. How much time will you need? How much money will you need? What time of year would be best? Will you need to attend a class or learn a skill? Create a goal date and work towards that date. A plan is very important and it will help you feel ready for your adventure. Planning ahead will also let you have more fun during your adventure. You won’t have to worry what is next or if you have everything you need, because you planned ahead.

Avoid Dream Killers:

Some of us have a very developed sense of adventure and we want to push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. Some of us know the exhilaration of pulling off a new trick or the confidence and sense of accomplishment of beating your fears. For many years I allowed dream killers to rob me of the adventures I desired. How many times has someone convinced you not to do that “dangerous” item on your bucket list? Usually they are coming from a good place. They want to keep you safe and they may consider your adventure to be crazy, stupid, risky, or dangerous. They have a fear or anxiety about your activity and they are trying to apply that thought process to you. Assuming, you have made a good plan and properly prepared, most activities are very manageable and reasonably safe. Learn to recognize your dream killers. Some can be avoided, but more often than not, they are your family and loved ones. They are trying to protect you and keep you safe. Do your best to help them find comfort, but be careful not to give up your dream.

Make Friends:

Unless you are really far out there you can find a group of people that are into the same adventures as you are. Try finding forums on the internet or local clubs to join. You can find a wealth of experience and knowledge from other people. When you have a few friends to share your experiences with it makes your adventure more fun. You can recount the stories and relive your experiences with someone that can truly relate.

Adding adventure to your life and ticking off the items on your bucket list takes effort and the only person that can make it happen is you. Those of us who have made efforts to do so understand the benefits. You will grow as a person and become stronger and more confident every time you meet a challenge and stretch your comfort zone. You only live once, why not live life to the fullest? Get out there and make it happen.

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