One of the goals of this website and blog is to help adventurers, entrepreneurs and explorers find information, kindred spirits, and resources that might ease the journey or offer good advice. Sometimes I do that through posts. But in the Resources section of this website, I list books, articles, websites and other resources I’ve found that I think might be helpful for anyone interested in pursuing an uncharted, adventurous, entrepreneurial or passion-inspired path in life.
One of the blogs listed in the Resources section is one called “The Art of Non-Conformity.” Written by a guy named Chris Guillebeau, it’s part travel blog, part work advice, part … well, you can take a look and judge for yourself. But I hadn’t checked it in a while, so I looked the other day to see if he had any interesting new content posted.
Two recent posts stood out: one on “Redefining Risk,” and one on “The Good Job.” The redefining risk post was a discussion on how to combat fears and prevent the disasters we fear, whether those fears relate to forging ahead with an entrepreneurial business or planning a public event. In “The Good Job,” Guillebeau talks about how the relevant point, in evaluating whether to stay at a job or leave it, isn’t whether the job is inherently good, or at a good company, but whether or not the job is good for you.
The advice Guillebeau gives in the posts isn’t new or unique. But the posts are worth reading, for two reasons. First, it’s always helpful to get a refresher course or reminder on how to combat fear—especially if the advice is based in reality, not just “go ahead! It will all work out fine!” fantasyland. And second … both posts have a number of worthwhile comments attached to them. Worthwhile in the sense that if you’re wondering about leaving a job, or struggling with fears attached to that departure, or starting a new venture (or adventure), the comments offer reassurance that there are many other people in the exact same boat, struggling with the same fears and questions.
Like I’ve often said … sometimes it’s only the strangers and kindred spirits we meet around the tiny campfires we build to warm ourselves, when we’re tired and overwhelmed with the challenges of the journey, that give us the strength and courage to continue. So even if only for that reason, the posts would be worth checking out.
And if you know of any other books, articles or resources I don’t have listed that you think I should … please let me know!!!!!
I don’t think I would put myself in the catagory of an adventurer when it comes to risk taking with jobs, etc.
However I have over the years stepped out into new directions with my profession, and IT IS VERY DIFFICULT ! At least for me. Still the changes I made have worked out for the most part and my only regret is that I did not do them sooner. On a personal level I am 56 years old and just started martial arts training last year. I did it mostly for the exercise, but it has become quite an adventure in its own right.
I was and remain very self consious as I am easily twice as old as any of the other students and am old enough to be a grandfather to some of them, but it has been both challenging and fun….
On a different note, I am at Osh Kosh this year, but no sign of Lane being her.. What is up with that?? 🙁
Jeff