Say yes to everything (within reason)

Last summer, I got invited to go on a camping trip with someone I hardly knew.

This wasn’t a small trip. \~30 people were sharing this one large site. I recognized a total of 2 people.

But, against my better judgment, I had nothing else going on and I decided to check it out.

As you can imagine, the beginning was tough. Awkward small chat as far as the eye can see. And I couldn’t escape the awk bc we were out in the wilderness.

Yikes.

I figured fuck it, might as well embrace the fact that nobody knows me and start talking to everyone I can. It turned out to be fantastic! I managed to make new friends, play guitar with a crew that jams, and found a guest for my podcast.

So many wild adventures came from this one night I showed up, all because I decided to show up.

Now, when I’m nervous about going to social situations (networking, parties with randos), I think back to this memory as a point of strength. It proved that I did it once I can do it again. Really helps the nerves.

Kinda like the David Goggins “cookie jar” concept.

If you expose yourself to more and more social random situations, you can be more confident in the little everyday ones. Say yes to all social situations that come your way, even if you hardly know the people. It’ll make you a more interesting, adventurous, and confident person.