Just recently I was thinking about the year ahead and had an interesting insight. In full disclosure, I’m not 100% sure what I have gotten myself into. What have I signed myself up for when I chose to write a book and step headlong into leveling up my speaking efforts? What am I thinking? At some point did I completely forget about what happened in front of that audience in middle school while singing a duet with Jenny K.? No. No, I most certainly have not forgotten about that terrifying moment when I completely embarrassed myself and swore to never speak, or much less sing, in front of an audience again. Never.
BUT here’s the thing. First, it’s not about me. Nothing I’m up to right now is about ME. It’s about my mission to give power and purpose to the pain of my past and help others reconnect with themselves and live happier, more fulfilling lives from the inside out. There’s an epidemic of anxiety and overwhelm sweeping our country and I feel strongly compelled to do everything I can to help reverse the course of this terrible trend. If openly sharing my story of being a completely overwhelmed father helps, then sure, let’s do it. AND, in full disclosure it scares the hell out of me at the same time.
I have noticed a tendency of avoiding something that I really should be doing to engage more fully in this pursuit. TV interview? Sure. Loved it. Podcast interviews? Yep. Happy to. Bring it. Other talks on a variety of different topics? Yep, nervous, but definitely willing to step into it. Deliver my new signature talk on my own methodology and message? Insert image of me dripping in sweat. Here’s the thing…Fear will never take us to where we want to go. Anxiety. Worry. Doubt. Same thing. We can either align our actions behind our vision and trust it will all be better than okay, OR we can shrink in fear and never accomplish our most meaningful goals. There are two paths: Fear and Trust.
When we practice the Living Adventurously Mindset and Methodology, we establish a deeper level of trust in ourselves and others. There are plenty of other benefits, but when we are at the crossroads of life, or simply a choice to make, it is important to remember to anchor in that deeper level of trust you have been cultivating day in and day out. Think of all you have accomplished. Think about the challenges you have taken on and overcome. When you connect with and exercise this TRUST in yourself and your higher power, you create the catalyst for everything else you want to be, do, and have in your life. Strengthen your self-awareness and discipline here and watch the ripple effect happen in other areas of your life. Trust me when I tell you I’ll be remembering this next time I try to escape, shrink, or hide from all I really want to accomplish and all the lives I so passionately want to impact. It’s time to level things up another notch! Let’s Go! Here’s to an amazing 2023! Here’s to the Practice of Living Adventurously Daily!
Godspeed-
Andy (Adventureman Student)
