Show Notes
An invitation to the party
A company once invited me to their offices to give a talk about my favourite books. They suggested I talk for half an hour or so about six books I loved. It was a literary version of Desert Island Discs. It sounded interesting as well as a deliciously hard selection to make. I like books. I’ve read more than six. I’m quite happy about giving talks. I replied, ‘hell yeah!’
So why did I feel unusually nervous on my way to the event?
I was worried because I was not an expert. I am not a ‘Literary Critic’. I found Ulysses boring and loved the Da Vinci Code. I did not belong in the lofty world of book reviewing. Despite having written several books of my own, I never think of myself as an ‘author’. What right did I have to pontificate about Good Books?
I have every right.
But I only realised this several minutes into my talk. At first, I felt a fraud as I stood up and clicked into my PowerPoint presentation. I mumbled and avoided catching the boss’s eye.
If I am ever asked to do a similar event again, I will do a better talk. It would be more concise and articulate. More professional, perhaps, for I fear my ramblings were a little amateur.
[A quick detour: the etymology of the word ‘amateur’ derives from being a ‘lover of’ something. That does not mean it is worse than being a professional. The spirit of the enthusiastic amateur is a vital component of this book. Do what you do because you love it. Or do what you do to the best of your ability and learn to love it. From this love and repetition will stem confidence, competence and momentum.
So don’t play down the role of the amateur. Indeed, turning ‘pro’ – getting paid – can at times take the fun and simplicity out of what you are doing.]
Anyway, back to my stuttering PowerPoint. At some point in the talk, I noticed I was no longer nervous and began to relax. The audience was actually interested in what I was saying. They were listening carefully. Most had never read my choices of book or heard about some of the stories.
Therefore I was more of an expert than I’d appreciated. I knew more than my audience. I had feared raised eyebrows, but the response was much more positive. At the end of the talk, a cluster of people gathered round to ask questions or thank me for introducing them to new books. And I tucked into the evening’s free beer and canapés with gusto.
So now let me invite you to the party too.
‘Come on in! You’re very welcome. Whatever it is you are hesitant about, let me invite you to start. If you’re already on the way, I give you permission to continue at full throttle.’
It’s up to you now to decide if you’re going to turn up and shine. Whichever world you want to be a part of, just show up and get dancing.
Dithering on the edge of the dance floor looks and feels so awkward (I know that only too well…) But everyone loves the person who thinks ‘to hell with it’. The one dancing under the lights like a loon, with all their heart and soul.
Begin to the best of your amateur ability. Work hard at it. Get better at it. Enjoy it. It’s going to be a hell of a party. You have a choice. And you have permission.
In the next part of the book, it is time to begin.
OVER TO YOU:
- Which party do you want an invitation to?
In case you are curious, here are the six books I chose to speak about.
- The Worst Journey in the World (an example of the historical expeditions that originally got me interested in adventure travel.)
- As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning (an example of superb travel writing.)
- Moondust (the greatest ever adventure and a nod towards the future of expeditions.)
- Arabian Sands (the inspiration for the first adventure film I made.)
- Feet in the Clouds (an example of UK endeavour and living adventurously for 'normal' people.)
- For Whom the Bell Tolls (an example of exemplary adventurous fiction.)
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What is The Doorstep Mile?
Would you like a more adventurous life?
Are you being held back by a lack of time or money? By fear, indecision, or a feeling of being selfish or an imposter?
Living adventurously is not about cycling around the world or rowing across an ocean.
Living adventurously is about the attitude you choose each day. It instils an enthusiasm to resurrect the boldness and curiosity that many of us lose as adults.
Whether at work or home, taking the first step to begin a new venture is daunting. If you dream of a big adventure, begin with a microadventure.
This is the Doorstep Mile, the hardest part of every journey.
The Doorstep Mile will reveal why you want to change direction, what’s stopping you, and how to build an adventurous spirit into your busy daily life.
Dream big, but start small.
Don’t yearn for the adventure of a lifetime. Begin a lifetime of living adventurously.
What would your future self advise you to do?
What would you do if you could not fail?
Is your to-do list urgent or important?
You will never simultaneously have enough time, money and mojo.
There are opportunities for adventure in your daily 5-to-9.
The hardest challenge is getting out the front door and beginning: the Doorstep Mile.
Alastair Humphreys, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, cycled around the world for four years but also schedules a monthly tree climb. He has crossed the Empty Quarter desert, rowed the Atlantic, walked a lap of the M25 and busked through Spain, despite being unable to play the violin.
‘The gospel of short, perspective-shifting bursts of travel closer to home.’ New York Times
‘A life-long adventurer.’ Financial Times
‘Upend your boring routine… it doesn't take much.’ Outside Magazine
Visit www.alastairhumphreys.com to listen to Alastair's podcast, sign up to his newsletter or read his other books.
@al_humphreys