The Happiness of Pursuit

1. Embrace Your Calling: Pursue a Quest That Ignites Your Passion

"Everyone has a calling. Some have a high calling, some have a low calling. Everybody is called but few are chosen. There's a lot of distraction for people, so you might not ever find the real you. A lot of people don't."

Discover your purpose. A true calling challenges and thrills you, often requiring sacrifice but producing its own rewards. It may not make sense to others, but it resonates deeply within you. Your quest could be anything from visiting every country in the world to producing the largest symphony ever performed.

Listen to your inner voice. Pay attention to ideas that draw your interest, especially those you can't stop thinking about. When you feel excited about something, even if it doesn't make sense to others, you've likely found your quest. Remember, your calling might not require you to walk the earth in silence for seventeen years like John Francis, but it should challenge you and bring a sense of purpose to your life.

2. Count the Cost: Plan and Prepare for Your Journey

"Before anything else can be done, you have to sort out the many practical details and obstacles that lie in your way."

Assess the requirements. Break down your quest into manageable steps. Consider the time, money, and other resources needed. For example, visiting every country in the world might require specific visas, methods of transport, and strategies for visiting hostile or closed countries.

Create a roadmap. Set subgoals and milestones to track your progress. This could include visiting every country in a specific continent or mastering a particular skill. Remember, having a clear plan doesn't eliminate spontaneity; it provides a foundation for your journey.

• Estimate the toll: TIME, MONEY, OTHER COSTS, UNKNOWN FACTORS
• Break down big goals into smaller, achievable tasks
• Set deadlines and create accountability measures

3. Cultivate Self-Reliance: Believe in Your Vision

"You must believe that your quest can be successful, even if no one else does."

Trust your instincts. Many questers face opposition or skepticism from family, friends, or society. Laura Dekker, who sailed solo around the world as a teenager, had to sue her own government for permission. Remember, if you don't believe in your quest, it's unlikely anyone else will.

Embrace calculated risks. Understand that pursuing your dream often involves stepping out of your comfort zone. While it's important to be aware of potential dangers, don't let fear of failure or criticism hold you back. As Laura said, "I know about sailing. I know what to do if a storm breaks. But people are a mystery that is a lot harder to deal with than high seas."

4. Overcome Challenges: Embrace Misadventures as Learning Opportunities

"Choose your failures, and have the right kind of disasters."

Learn from setbacks. Misadventures and failures are inevitable parts of any quest. Instead of letting them discourage you, use them as opportunities for growth and learning. For example, Mark Boyle's initial attempt to walk from England to India without money failed, but he used that experience to refocus his efforts on living without money in his home country.

Stay flexible. Be prepared to adjust your plans when faced with unexpected obstacles. Sometimes, the best way forward is to change direction. Remember, it's okay to modify your quest if your heart is no longer in it, but make sure you're not giving up too soon due to temporary difficulties.

• Ask yourself: Are my original motivations still valid?
• Consider: Will changing course lead to long-term happiness?
• Reflect: Can I create small rewards to keep myself motivated?
• Evaluate: Am I letting others down by quitting, or am I being true to myself?

5. Find Joy in the Process: Love Both the Journey and the Destination

"Execution was easy. Once I got going, it was pretty much just 'wake up and walk all day.'"

Embrace the monotony. Many quests involve long periods of repetitive action. Nate Damm, who walked across America, found that the execution was simply about putting one foot in front of the other each day. Find ways to appreciate the daily grind and the small victories along the way.

Measure progress. Use numbers and milestones to motivate yourself. Whether it's countries visited, miles walked, or tasks completed, tracking your progress can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you moving forward. Remember, every step brings you closer to your goal.

• Break your quest into smaller, measurable chunks
• Celebrate milestones along the way
• Find meaning in the daily routine of your quest

6. Create and Share: Let Your Quest Inspire Others

"I want to be remembered as a person who wasn't afraid to start things."

Document your journey. Share your experiences through writing, photography, or other media. This not only helps you process your own journey but can also inspire others. Tina Roth Eisenberg, for example, turned her side projects into successful ventures by consistently creating and sharing her work.

Build a community. Your quest can attract like-minded individuals and supporters. Engage with them, share your stories, and allow their encouragement to fuel your progress. Remember, your journey might be personal, but its impact can extend far beyond yourself.

• Choose a documentation method that suits you (blog, social media, journal)
• Share both successes and challenges honestly
• Engage with your audience and build a support network

7. Transform Through Your Quest: Allow Personal Growth and New Perspectives

"I've just grown from a boy with an inclination into a man with a focus. It all started with a dream, but then I followed that dream. Following the dream made all the difference."

Embrace change. As you progress through your quest, expect to be transformed. Many questers report increased confidence, independence, and a broader worldview. Be open to these changes and allow them to shape your journey.

Expand your vision. Often, the initial goal of a quest leads to even bigger dreams and aspirations. As you gain confidence and experience, ask yourself, "What else can I do?" Allow your quest to be a springboard for further growth and new adventures.

• Reflect regularly on how your quest is changing you
• Be open to new opportunities and directions that arise
• Use your experiences to fuel future goals and dreams

8. Prepare for Homecoming: Plan Your Next Steps After Completion

"They ask a complex question, but seek a one-sentence answer. It's akin to inquiring, 'In seven words or less, describe your relationship with God.'"

Process your experience. Take time to reflect on your journey before jumping into new projects. Many questers find it challenging to articulate their experiences to others or to readjust to "normal" life. Allow yourself space to integrate your quest into your new reality.

Find your next challenge. While it's important to celebrate your accomplishment, many questers find themselves asking "What's next?" Be prepared for this feeling and start considering new goals or quests that can build on your experiences.

• Develop a few key stories or anecdotes to share about your quest
• Take time for personal reflection and processing
• Start brainstorming new goals or challenges for the future
• Consider how you can use your quest experience in other areas of your life

Last updated: January 22, 2025