For the Anxious Adventurer: How to be a Badass in 3 Steps

1. Find the thing that you want to do but also scares your pants off figuratively or literally.

Examples: Moving for love, riding your bike across the country, starting a company, leaving your job, buying a chia pet, traveling internationally, or signing up for online dating.

2. Have anxious response of your choice.

The reality is that you are most likely frightened for two reasons: A) It matters a whole heck of a lot to you or else you wouldn’t be thinking of taking the risk in the first place. B) Lack of Data – you don’t know how things will turn out. The unknown is only a lack of data, which you will begin collecting as soon as you start your adventure. Bit by bit you’ll learn, you might cry or sweat stress, and you’ll keep breathing your way through it.

Remember your strategies. You know what I’m talking about, hopefully, and if not expect a post about this soon. How do you calm yourself down and re-route your anxious, spiraling brain? Do those things. Remember to say “I’m sorry” because you won’t be your best self and you’re probably going to be a pain in the ass at times. It won’t last forever.

3. Do the scary-as-sh*t, adventurous thing.

Feel free to cry, scream, or get awkward. The primary thing you must not do is run away. Lean in. This could be uncomfortable and scary. Look people in the eye when you cry. I’m serious, it’s a psychological thing that I learned in a non-fiction¹ book somewhere along the way. Doing this reminds us we’re human, accepted, and connected. This is especially important when we’re freaking the F*** out.

Take care of yourself by going on walks, runs etc. Do all the healthy things you can think of right now, but don’t run away. Buy a juice, get a massage, call your people, be honest, write out all the effing feelings. You got this. I don’t care if you’re crying the whole freaking way. You can do this. The only thing that nullifies your BadA$$ status is to not try. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be pretty.

Growth is a painful process. I once did personal training with an intimidating, Romanian warrior woman who wasn’t happy with my workout until I was swearing and/or crying. It hurt but I was always safe and grew stronger. You know what happens to butterflies in the cocoon? They turn into gelatinous, freaking goo before they become a bitchin’ butterfly. Personally, I’d be losing my damn mind while my liver turned to jello.

It’s ok if bravery is swollen eyes, “I’m sorry’s”, and painful steps forward. You’re still a badass. Be a freaking warrior my friends. You got this.