What truly defines an adventurous life? Is it scaling Everest, discovering new species, or charting unexplored territories? For a writer often alone with a keyboard, I used to think adventure was for legends like Amelia Earhart or Jane Goodall. After all, I just do things others have already done.
But then someone asked what makes me adventurous. They were thinking of my travel blog and my experiences as a solo traveler. Things like the shamanic cleanses in Mexico, parasailing in Seattle, road-tripping alone while living out of AirBnBs, or the beekeeping class.
As I thought about it, I realized that my activities are adventurous. Not because no one has done them before, but because I haven’t. And that’s the secret. You don’t have to be a trailblazer to live an adventurous life. You just have to be willing to step into your own unknown. I taught myself to be adventurous, and you can, too, whatever adventure means to you.
What it Means to Be Adventurous
Ultimately, that unknown requires courage. A lack of courage is what stops most people. But being adventurous doesn’t have to be risky, though it always involves courage.
An adventurous person seeks out new or exciting opportunities. The most daring are willing to take risks to try new experiences. We’re endlessly curious and open-minded and desire novelty or the unknown.
Living a more adventurous life can begin simply by deciding you want to. That’s how it started for me. (And let’s be honest: growing up with older brothers who liked reptiles and motorcycles probably helped a little!)
How to Become a More Adventurous Person
Several years before I started my travel blog, I was solidly non-adventure. The reasons were all the usual things: family, money, time, work. I wanted to see more, do things, and go places, but once I had the resources and ability, I was alone, and it was intimidating. So, how could I live a more adventurous life solo?
I had to cultivate my adventurous life with intention. I still do. I started small by saying yes more often, stepping outside my front door, and dedicating time to local exploring.
1. Become a Tourist in Your Own City
Adventure often starts right in your backyard. I began by getting comfortable doing things close to me. Once I started researching, I found so many things to do around my hometown that I’d never even heard of. Locals are often the worst at visiting their own city’s attractions. We always think we can do it “any time,” so we never do.
Things to look for:
- Museums: You probably have several within 20 miles you’ve never visited, right?
- Historical Attractions: Every city has these, and some are pretty cool.
- Parks and Natural Areas: If lucky, you might have a National Park or National Monument nearby. Go, go, go! Explore hiking trails, bike paths, or scenic drives.
- Local Events: Festivals, concerts, and community gatherings can introduce you to new people and experiences.
I’ve been to small towns all over the country. You wouldn’t believe how often I’ve asked locals for tips about the famous attraction, only to learn they’ve never seen it—almost every time. That used to be me, too. But after being intentional about being adventurous, I saw everything within three hours of my hometown. That made me comfortable enough to start going further and doing bigger things. You can be more adventurous like that too.
2. Travel Solo
Traveling alone is a powerful way to step outside my comfort zone and discover true independence. When I travel solo, I do more and talk to more people than I do when I’m with others. In groups, we often stick to “our people.” When alone, I befriend tour guides, bartenders, and the people around me. I have to – I talk a lot, and it’s weird to do it alone. This always leads me to learning, doing, seeing, and knowing more than I would any other way.
3. Learn New Skills
Want to spark creativity and boost your confidence? Start signing up for classes. Yoga, printmaking, a weekend retreat – I could fill this blog with the number of classes I’ve signed up for. Once, I learned to cast a shrimping net. Another time, I raised my hand to cast the sails on a pirate ship. In Arizona, I even went alien hunting. True story!
I’m unsure if I’ll ever use those skills again, but I have them. If we’re ever in a real pickle and need to catch aliens from a pirate ship with a shrimp net, I’m your girl. The point is that dozens of people sat quietly during each adventure when the guides asked for volunteers. It’s not easy, but I force myself to say, “I’ll do it.” Now, I’m the girl who did it instead of the one who watched. That’s an adventure, right?
Whatever you do, just step up and raise your hand. Take a class, learn a language, pursue a hobby, or even learn a survival skill. Heck, learn something useless like how to find an alien. It will spark creativity and boost your confidence and sense of adventure.
4. Embrace the “Yes” Mentality
Some of my best experiences often come unexpectedly. They start because I said yes to something I might have initially declined. Once I promised myself to be more adventurous, I had to get out the door more. Often, that came from accepting invitations.
I found myself at open houses, birthday parties for acquaintances, networking events, and various festivals, workouts, and classes I would have never pursued. I’d have found an excuse to say no. When opportunities arise, even if they seem daunting, try saying yes more often.
- Challenge your routines: Adventure can be simple. Break out of your daily habits. Take a different route to a place you frequent, try a new food, or attend a class you’ve never considered. Bonus points if you think you might not love it! When I lived in Chicago, I tried never to walk the same route twice. I found so many new places to visit. Sometimes, I’d just walk on the opposite side of the street – you’d be surprised what a perspective shift can do.
5. Connect with Nature
Simple outdoor activities can lead to immense adventure. I began my hiking life with near-home camping and quarter-mile flat nature trails. I built up to hiking further and steeper trails. Eventually, there was nothing close to home I hadn’t done. Then, I ventured to the states next door. When I traveled the country to hike, I was experienced and confident in my ability.
I never meant to become a hiker. Being open to my first nature trail and a second led me down this path. Nature and the outdoors are what have led to my best adventures now. Activities like surfing, rock climbing, or even moon biking can provide thrilling adventures. If you lack skill or confidence, take intro classes with groups. That’s what I often do, and it’s just as exciting as a full-fledged expedition.
6. Travel with an Adventure Goal
Sometimes, when I travel, the entire point is an adventure. Soon, I’m going to Peru to hike to Machu Picchu – a goal I’ve planned for a long time. Other adventures will inevitably happen during that trip. Why? Because of my mindset, preparation, and the people in the group I’ll hike alongside.
You’ll seldom find me sitting on a beach. It’s more likely I’ll be hiking the shore, kayaking, snorkeling, or looking for sea mammals and unique beach finds. Remember to connect with adventurous people; they inspire and tell you about new places and things.
7. Embrace Spontaneity and Adventure Will Find You
I used to joke that once I was home and my bra was off, I wasn’t leaving the house again! But a life of adventure requires flexibility and spontaneity. You have to be willing to put your bra back on if something arises. Now, when someone asks me to do something, I don’t allow myself to say no unless I absolutely must.
I’m a planner, and when I travel, I create agendas. But they’re flexible, and I often overpack them so I’m forced to make a last-minute decision. Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected detours and unplanned adventures. I leave blank spaces and have a list of ideas I can spontaneously choose on a whim.
8. Cultivate a Growth Over Fear Mindset
View obstacles as opportunities for growth. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and attending a temazcal ceremony were challenging, but I gained immense mental strength after doing them. They prepared me for bigger adventures and made me realize that fear is a waste of life. Do you know how you overcome fear? Face it. Every time, I recognized fear as pointless.
The more uncomfortable something makes me, the more I know I need to do it. Regularly trying new things has enabled me to conquer fear in many ways—even public speaking. If I can hang off a 300-foot rock wall, speaking in front of people will hardly bother me. Courage in one place is transferable to others.
Living an Adventurous Life
The thing about being adventurous is, at least for me, it doesn’t last. I’m constantly pushing myself to step outside my front door, do the thing, and say yes. It’s when I stop thinking about doing those things that I’ll worry.
Sometimes, it feels harder than it should. But I’ve never once regretted doing something instead of not doing it. I always have a story to tell, a new skill, a great memory to keep. There are a million more times I’ve stayed home alone, and I can’t remember nearly any of those days.
So, instead of just writing about adventure, I will find some. Today, I think it will be a new hike in a preserve nearby. Nothing big, but who knows what I’ll find or who I’ll meet along the way?
What is something you can do to live a more adventurous life?
