The Doorstep Mile

All adventures have several distinct phases. The first is my favourite because it is enjoyable, exhilarating and very easy. This is the unrolling of a big map and your blossoming daydreams. It can take place by yourself with a mug of tea and a packet of biscuits, or with a beer in the pub where the volume and audacity rises with every empty glass.

Show Notes

Tea and biscuits

All adventures have several distinct phases. The first is my favourite because it is enjoyable, exhilarating and very easy. This is the unrolling of a big map and your blossoming daydreams. It can take place by yourself with a mug of tea and a packet of biscuits, or with a beer in the pub where the volume and audacity rises with every empty glass.
This dreaming stage is where I pour all the vague reasons for why I want to do something into an actual, real idea. A dream becomes a plan. From the comfort of my kitchen, I picture my life changing as I trace the route of my adventure across the map. It is fun to dream happy thoughts without the struggle of actually doing anything. 
This is the point we have reached in our journey together. I'm afraid that the next phase is more gruelling. Because ahead of us lies the arrival of doubt and the onslaught of negative barriers.
This is the stage when most people fall by the wayside. You might not even have finished your biscuit before your own doubts arise. It is a jagged landscape crowded with dreamers, and few persevere long enough to enjoy the glorious views on the other side. It is time brush off the crumbs, fold away the map and roll up your sleeves. If your mission of living more adventurously is to succeed, you need to make through the rocky patch ahead. 

OVER TO YOU: 
  • Why do you want to live more adventurously?
  • How are you going to live more adventurously?
  • What are you going to begin?
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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