How to Find That Work-Adventure Balance

We often believe we need to choose between work and adventure, but the truth is that for most of us, work enables our adventures. Even those of us who have made adventures our professions need to differentiate between the work aspects and our own leisure and enjoyment, which can often be blurred. So how do we create the balance? Here are some practical tips:

1. Set an Adventure Objective

Adventure trips are often goal-oriented. Simply joining a trip could be a goal in and of itself without the trip itself being something like Kilimanjaro. Having a goal creates a sense of purpose and something to aim for. This goal gives meaning to the daily grind and can even inject work with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. The first piece of advice is to always have an adventure objective ahead of you that gives you a “why.”

2. Plan Your Adventure in Advance

Set your adventure further away in the future. The more time you set your sights on your objective, the more beneficial it can be. The lead-up to an adventure can often bring as much benefit as the adventure itself from the perspective of balance. It gives you time to prepare your mind and body, which can bring your life into a sense of balance. Many people focus on their health and fitness as part of their preparation for an adventure. This focus not only improves physical well-being but also enhances mental health, creating a holistic sense of balance in life.

Moreover, having a clear goal on the horizon can bring a renewed sense of purpose into your daily work. Knowing that your work is enabling you to achieve your adventure goals can transform your perspective, making your professional efforts feel more meaningful. This shift in mindset can be beneficial for everyone around you, as it can increase productivity, motivation, and overall job satisfaction.

3. Understand That Adventures Have a Start and End

Remember that an adventure trip has a start and an end. Going to the mountain without ever coming back is not a good thing, both literally and metaphorically. Too much of anything can be harmful over time and detach us from the reality in which we live. Always remember that we go on adventures to come back different. This implies that coming back and living our lives in the communities we exist in is very much part of going on an adventure in the first place. So, in a sense, the very objective of an adventure trip is to bring balance into our lives, and we shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing that one life is more real than the other. We need the air, the adventure, the purpose, and the achievement, but we also need the responsibility, the means of living, and a sense of productivity and contributing to our societies.

4. Reinstate Routine Quickly

Always try to get straight back into a routine when you come back and not wait too long before setting the next objective. The reason is that we can often swing the pendulum in the opposite direction after big experiences, especially when we realize that the people around us may not understand the profound experiences we had on our journey. Setting new objectives and bringing back our routines can prevent that from happening and restore that sense of purpose quickly. Having said that, it is perfectly normal to go through a post-adventure malaise. It will pass. But it passes quicker if you consider this approach.

5. Stay Connected with Adventure Friends

Stay in contact with your new friends from your adventure. No one will appreciate your experience in the same way that the people who were there with you will. This is often why the bonds of friendship we make in one week on an adventure trip can eclipse lifelong friendships. Find each other out in the world and make time for each other in your daily lives. It helps bring back some of that adventure energy into balancing your daily work life. People who choose to go on an adventure are often people who are ready to take risks and make changes. You will find that these are also the same characteristics that define entrepreneurs and go-getters in the workplace. In fact, on our own trips, we have seen friendships turn into new ventures, enterprises, and work opportunities. Don’t discount the value of the people you meet on these adventures. Yes, they are incredible friends with whom you will share amazing experiences, but they may also bring immense value to your work life, directly or indirectly.

Balancing work and adventure is not about choosing one over the other. It’s about integrating both into your life in a way that they complement and enhance each other. By setting goals, planning in advance, understanding the cyclical nature of adventures, quickly reinstating routine, and staying connected with your adventure community, you can find a fulfilling balance that enriches your professional and personal life.