When Jack Kautz isn’t helping with the operations at Ironstone Vineyards or part of a real estate deal around Lodi, California he’s probably on his next adventure. And Jack is no stranger to adventures of all types. From running with bulls in Pamplona to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro or competing in a triathlon to hunting around the world, he loves to push himself. 

You can check out scenes from some of Jack’s greatest adventures here.

So, what do Jack’s adventures and physical challenges have to do with everyday life? And what can you take away from them and apply to your own life? 

Before you let your imagination run wild, let’s get something out of the way. Adventure doesn’t always equal danger or risk of life and limb, as a matter of fact, it usually doesn’t. Adventure can be as simple as trying and experiencing something you’ve never done before. It can be exploring a new part of your state or even as simple as trying a new restaurant. 

Ok, so why should you be intentional about adventure in your life? 

Getting Comfortable With the Uncomfortable

When you put yourself in uncomfortable situations it prepares you for the unexpected. You learn how to adjust your mindset to take on life’s ‘surprises’. Because, throughout life, you’ll be faced with decisions and circumstances that require you to press beyond your comfort zone. So, putting yourself in uncomfortable spots when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment’ prepares you for real life.

Facing Failure

The risk of failure is always present when you’re trying something new. And the truth is you’re going to fail. But you have a choice in how you respond. You can walk away feeling the agony of defeat or you can learn from the experience, pick yourself up, and try again. The biggest lesson is embracing the fear of failure and not letting it hold you back from trying something new.

Becoming Courageous

You don’t need to be a superhero or an extreme sports athlete to be courageous. The fact that you are willing to try new things, to be adventurous, will cause courage to rise. The more you put yourself in situations that require you to face your fears the more courageous you become. And the more courageous you become the more prepared you are for whatever comes your way.

You may even find yourself crushing the self-limiting beliefs you’ve held on to for too long and discover you’re a lot more courageous than you ever thought.

Connecting With Humans in Real Life

We all need each other. It doesn’t matter if you are introverted or love being on the stage in front of a crowd, we have been wired for human connection. As you look for ways to experience and try new things make sure you are including others. You’ll not only have the support of others but you’ll be an encouragement to them. Don’t live your life through the screen on your phone, the satisfaction you experience from adventuring with others in real life is always better.

Discovering New Things About Yourself

When you remove your daily routines and responsibilities you start to discover new things about yourself. When life just isn’t about a 9-5 job, paying bills, and checking off the next things on your to-do list you’ll start to realize you’re meant to experience much more.

Are you Ready? 

Have some things come to mind as you’ve read this? Maybe some things from childhood that you wish you had tried? It’s not too late.

You don’t need to start skydiving or rock climbing unless of course, you’re ready to dive in head first. The important thing is that you just need to start. Set a deadline for your next adventure and go for it.

The great thing is that if you don’t care for the experience at least you have a good story to tell. 

And, if you love what you try, you have an even better story and something new that gives you a lot of joy.

Let’s go!!