5 Tips to get the most from your next adventure

Life is a treasure hunt, and we’re all searching for it. There’s no map, and most of us don’t know what we’re searching for. Some of us are told by others what to search for. And others are lost. However, there’s a rare bunch who find treasure wherever they go. I call them ‘light walkers.’ They make or bring light to every path they take.

In my travels, I’ve learned a few lessons to help me find life’s treasures and how to appreciate them a little more. I always carry a pen and notebook, just in case one of these thoughts comes to mind. Some of my brightest ideas arrive while hiking. Similar to being on an airplane, mountain time is quiet and feels like a faraway place from the business, and unnecessary stresses society inflicts on us. It’s only fitting I wrote this piece after hiking in the Swiss Alps.

Here are five things I’ve learned about myself and how I use these treasures:

1. “I AM JUST A SPECK.”

We’re all specks in this infinite universe. We can be afraid and fearful, or we can choose to be the best version of ourselves. If you’re stuck in a rut or feel like your momentum is slowing, change what you’re doing, and do your best to look at your current situation with a fresh set of eyes.

It’s up to you to choose how you impact those around you. You may not be able to affect everyone, but if you can change one person’s life, it might impact more than you could ever imagine.

2. SLOW IT DOWN.

The only time you should race is when you’re in a race. If you’re not competing, slow it down. Play the long game and enjoy the journey rather than aim for fast progress in the short term.

Here’s what happens if you take it slow:

• You’ll avoid burnout and manage yourself better.
• I’ve made deeper connections when I stay in one place, as opposed to trying to visit as many places as possible.
• Being a ‘semi-local’ is a lot more fun than being a tourist.
• The best adventures come when you’re not in a rush.
• It creates ‘balance’ in your life.

It’s a cliché, but I believe in ‘quality over quantity.’ And it rings true if you make a conscious effort to live both deliberately and with intention. Live boldly and live big, but don’t live your life in a rush.

3. THE PEOPLE YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ARE EVERYTHING.

More than anything else, I value my friends and family most. They’re who I can bounce around crazy ideas, drink tea with, and most importantly, they inspire and challenge me to be the best possible version of myself. In my travels, I’ve become selective with who I choose to spend my time. Our surroundings influence us, so it only makes sense to be surrounded by who’s best. There’s no time for mediocrity, and my friends don’t stand for mediocrity. They’re positive, driven, kind, caring, loving, open-minded, and creative. It’s those traits that lift me to who I am today.

I recently saw a quote that summed it up: “If you look at the people in your circle and you don’t get inspired, then you don’t have a circle. You have a cage.” — Unknown

The people you spend your time with is the most important investment you’ll ever make.

4. I’VE GROWN MOST WHEN I’M CHALLENGED.

There are many ways to challenge ourselves: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. When I push myself physically, I not only stretch physical limits but also crush what I previously thought was possible.

After completing my first ultra-marathon in Bali, I left Indonesia feeling invincible. I pushed way beyond my comfort zone, and I had a new outlook on life. My perspective wouldn’t have changed if I didn’t push myself to a place I’d never been before. What’s easy is comfortable, but you’ll never know the fruits you will bare till you look deep into the places and activities that require more of you.

5. “IT’S THE ONE-PERCENTERS.”

We endlessly plan and schedule our days, but it’s that one percent in between that’s most important. Keep an eye out for the little kid smiling from the bus window, the single flower blooming in an empty field, or the waiter who gives you an extra cookie with your coffee; these joyful moments should never be undervalued.

And you never know when you might make someone else’s day; it pays to go above and beyond. I often journal these moments, and they make me smile. It’s those who appreciate ‘the one-percenters’ that find the treasure in life.

Always pack your smile and fill your pockets with gratitude, don’t be afraid to work hard and love hard on those that fill your circles.

Big Love,

Josh Lynott (@joshlynott)

Joshua Lynott is the author of Why Don’t You?: Thoughts Worth Thinking. He’s a sunset-loving Millennial who broke wide open society’s stronghold of expectation by exploring the world and expanding his life horizons. From tiny remote islands to big bustling cities, Josh photographs everyday life across the globe in a captivating manner. In doing so, Josh discovered a life of absolute passion and boundless energy. His infectious spirit underpins every encounter, every photograph, and every word.