Fans of the YouTube channel Yes Theory — there are 8.6 million of you out there — immediately picked up on the title.
But for the rest of you, it’s about the belief that “life's greatest moments and deepest connections exist outside your comfort zone.”
The guys of Yes Theory are incredibly outgoing and charming. They got themselves invited to a wedding in Turkmenistan. They convinced a stranger in Shanghai to let them host a party for 30 other strangers. These guys are extroverts.
I am not an extrovert. I’m been shy my entire life. Don’t ask me how I had a 25-year career in journalism, a job that required me to approach tens of thousands of complete strangers and ask questions — sometimes quite uncomfortable questions.
There’s a lot of different ways to Seek Discomfort and not all of them need to be as bold as the challenges done by the Yes Theory guys. Maybe it’s solo travel to a foreign country. Maybe it’s learning a new language. Maybe it’s trying open mic night to tell a few jokes or singing “Copacabana” at a karaoke bar.
For me, it’s going to be immigrating to a foreign country at 55. Learning a new language. Living without a car. I’m viewing this as a way to force myself out of my comfort zone. Get out of a rut.
I’m also hopeful this will force me to form closer connections with the people in my neighborhood — my neighbors, of course, but also the men at the hardware store. The bartender at my soon-to-be local. The guy who runs the pizza place around the corner. (Why does he wear Navy whites? I’m going to find out!)
Sure, there’s going to be travel in 2024. Definitely short trips to England, Scotland, Belgium, Germany and France. Maybe a longer trip to Japan and South Korea.
But I think the priority is going to be building those local connections, and embracing so-called Third Places that are widespread in Dutch cities thanks to their urban planning. Will it be easy? God no. I’m still an introvert. But I’m going to give it my best shot.
What are your goals for the new year? For you, what would qualify as seeking discomfort?
VISA UPDATE: The final piece of paperwork — my company’s balance sheet showing our investment — has been submitted to authorities. Approval should happen by the end of the month.
PET UPDATE: The Queen Mary folks gave us a 2 p.m. boarding time, but graciously said we could arrive as early as 12:30 p.m. since we are bringing pets and our hotel check-out time is 11 a.m.
CARGO UPDATE: Our stuff has arrived in Norfolk, Va., where it will be loaded on a cargo ship in a few days. It’s still scheduled to arrive in Rotterdam on January 10, three days before us. That makes me hopeful we can arrange for delivery the following week.