To be rather than to seem

Show Notes

To be rather than to seem

 

Esse quam videri is a pithy, challenging phrase from Cicero. It translates as ‘to be, rather than to seem’. It flew on Birdie Bowers’ sledging pennant as he trekked to the South Pole with Captain Scott. Birdie was one of the most impressive, genuine humans I have ever read about. I use esse quam videri as an opportunity to turn the mirror on myself from time to time and ask myself some questions. 

• Am I a runner? But do I actually run? Often and far and fast? Or do I just trot around the park a couple of times a week at the same pace as last year?
• Am I a cyclist? But do I actually put in the miles? Or do I just own a nice bike or three? When did I last go for a long bike ride that made me proud?
• Am I a photographer? When was the last time I went out specifically to take photographs, with thought and imagination or learned new techniques to get the most out of my expensive camera?
• Am I writing a book? Am I actually writing, regularly and with ruthless effort? Or am I just a dilettante who enjoys talking the talk but isn’t prepared to sit down and grind out a book rather than grinding coffee beans?
• Am I doing what I love with my life? Is it fulfilling and worthwhile? Am I happy? Or am I merely dabbling with the important things whilst drowning in excuses, mediocrity and blame?

These are the sort of questions I ask myself. When I’m on track, I feel proud of the identity they provide and therefore feel motivated to do more. Yes, I am writing a book. I’m making this thing happen… That feels much better than the times when I’m just pootling about wasting my life.

Too often, I don’t like my own answers. But I try to be honest with myself and acknowledge this. And then I work hard to get back on track for a while. That is the most I ever manage to achieve – veering back and forth between optimism and procrastination, triumph and disaster. 

Esse quam videri. What questions should you ask yourself? I dare you to ask them. Don’t shirk the uncomfortable question. Don’t kid yourself with your answers.

Over to You:

• Esse quam videri. What questions will you ask yourself?

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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