Dare to be Successful

Today’s guest post is from Danielle Fontus, a writer, adventurer, and curator of awesome social experiences 

Don’t we all want to be (more) successful? Would you believe me if I told you that having more fun and enjoying life can actually make you more successful?

We’ve all heard the traditional Life To Do List: get a job, get a promotion, get a place of your own, get to six figures (and then first million) by (insert age here). So many people work tirelessly to accomplish these things that should make them happy, but do they really make them happy?

In The 4-Hour Workweek Tim Ferriss says, “People don’t want to be millionaires–they want to experience what they believe only millions can buy…The fantasy is the lifestyle of complete freedom it supposedly allows.” So why not create those millionaire feelings in your life in a way that you can with what you have?

Let’s redefine success. It’s not about the numbers in your bank account or your job title. We can all think of someone who has a great job and is still miserable or someone who makes a lot of money but really has no time to enjoy the benefits of it.

I like to focus on another Life To Do List. What life experiences do you want to indulge in: bask in the Brazilian sun on your skin, be in awe of the Japanese sunrise or amazed by the Australian way of life?

Let’s take it a step further. What about those things you don’t see yourself doing because (you can admit it) you’re scared: like skydiving, snowboarding, eating crickets? In Secrets of Six Figure Women, Barbara Stanny says “A stretch in any area of life, regardless of where, has a ripple effect in other areas as well. If you can’t quite get yourself to volunteer for that tough assignment, try signing up for art class or running a marathon, anything that puts you out of your comfort zone.” Those who are willing to take risks and make bold moves for adventures will be more likely to do so in their careers as well.

Maybe you’re initial reaction is fear. And that’s fair. Everyone experiences fear, but Stanny suggests “Just don’t let it stop you…You’ve got to be willing to be uncomfortable.” If you think about it, fear and excitement are very closely related. Honestly, a little fear probably means you’re onto something good. Using fear (read adrenaline) as fuel to go for something bold will push you to grow, maybe even more than you thought possible. Then you’ll think “If I can jump into a waterfall in Nicaragua, I can definitely jump into this new project or position at work.” Being satisfied by both your social and career lives, success will certainly be more fulfilling.

Because I want you to be more successful, I dare you to do these 3 things today:

1. Write down your Life To Do List. It’s as simple as starting with “I’ve always wanted to…” and remember to include the things you’re kind of scared to do. It would be even more rewarding to dedicate an entire journal to this list and write entries when you accomplish them. Imagine how you will feel when you read it and see how much you’ve grown between now and then.
2. Share your list with someone. (Feel free to share in the comments below.) Not only will it get your even more excited and hold you accountable, but you might also find someone to join you on your adventures, which will make it that much more fun.

3. Do something today! Even if it is as simple as trying a new food, nail polish color or lipstick. Make today different, and you’ll fall in love with trying new things.

If you don’t know where to start or want someone to share these adventures with, you would certainly benefit from the She Dares Experience.

Danielle Fontus formed the She Dares Community (http://www.shedares.com) for women like herself, who dare to do what other women don’t. An adventurer at heart, she sought other women to share her experiences with. Whether adventure is already your middle name or you need a little hand holding, Danielle invites you to participate in the She Dares Experience.

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