Following Through With A Teenage Dream – Day 25

Do something that both scares and excites you. This is day 25 of my 30 day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Video Challenge.

I claim to be a singer…or at least I used to. I was in the choir and jazz choir. I loved it. Then, high school finished and I stopped singing… except in the car. So, I bought a guitar. And all through university I said that I would learn to play it. Learn to play the guitar so that I could sing with it. But, in the corner the guitar still sits….many years later. So, I’ve decided to do something about it. I have now signed up for Blues Guitar lessons at the local community centre. Here goes nothing!

For the next 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)

Special Announcement: Ready for Danger You?

If you’re in Cambridge at the end of August, you’re up for a treat. You can join in with the very first of the Danger You Challenge Series!

Join Danger Lou!

August 27th 2013 – 6pm to 8pm

If you’ve watched the movie and you’re inspired to buy tickets right away:

Eventbrite - Danger You Challenge Series... 1 - Show Up and Speak Up!
This workshop is for you if:

  • You want to build your confidence in small steps
  • You want to create good habits
  • You want to share the experience of taking on challenges with others, in a supportive group
  • You want to show up and speak up – in different aspects of your life
  • You want to be confident to contribute

You will:

  • Take the first step and do something challenging (with people there to hold your hand)
  • Develop a simple structure to help you show up more confidently
  • Get awesome feedback from the community in the room with you on the spot
  • Boost your confidence
  • Take away real usable strategies for overcoming fear next time

**UPDATED DETAILS FOR INTRIGUED ADVENTURERS**

We can now reveal that this first challenge will be a speaking challenge. So if you aren’t confident meeting new people, if you don’t like picking up the phone, if you keep quiet in meetings because you think everyone knows better, if you don’t like being put on the spot or starting a conversation – then this is the workshop for you!

You will:

  • Take the first step in speaking in front of others
  • Practice in a supportive environment
  • Identify a clear strategy to help you get talking, sooner

You will be working with two experienced facilitators including Danger Lou herself.

Spaces are limited. The session is for only 10 people so that you have 1:5 attention and get the most out of the session.

All you need to bring is yourself, and some fear and excitement!

Are you an Intrepid Explorer?

Until August 6th, only Intrepid Explorer tickets are available. This means that if you sign up now, you’ll get the best value AND an awesome title. Who doesn’t want to be an Intrepid Explorer? If you wait until after 5pm (UK time) on August 6th, you’ll miss out on that title. Tickets for Intrepid Explorers are now closed.

Are you an Intrigued Adventurer?

Hey there, adventurer. Up until now, you’ve been watching from the sidelines, keeping an eye on development. You’ve been intrigued! You want a piece of the action but, well, you didn’t want to be first. Well, good new! You don’t have to be! The Intrepid Explorers have leapt in, and now the way is clear for you. Until August 13th, 5pm (UK time), only Intrigued Adventurer tickets are available. If you weren’t ready to jump in as an Intrepid Explorer and you needed more information, now’s your chance!

Ready to jump in? Intrigued adventurer step this way!

Eventbrite - Danger You Challenge Series... 1 - Show Up and Speak Up!

We can’t wait to see you!

We’ll be releasing more information as the event gets closer – but if you wait for more information, the price rises. So what will it be? Are you an intrepid explorer, intrigued adventurer, inspired follower, or last minute lemming?

If you’re not ready to jump in just yet, sign up for the latest Danger You updates below. This also works if you’re not in Cambridge, UK and you’d like to hear about online opportunities to get more dangerous.

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required
Location

Email Format

Lou Shackleton

Change-maker in Chief

Are you a community lover? Come celebrate with us!

Community Lover's Guide to the Universe

Community – what does it mean to you? Community is one of those words that has a different meaning to everyone, and everyone defines their community in a different way. That’s the amazing thing about community – your community is unique to you, because it starts with you and then reaches out based on your interests, the places that you go, the people that you see.

For us, community is what helps you when you ask and inspires you when you’re stuck – and you return the favour. It surprises you endlessly, and enables you to surprise yourself. We love community, and so we’re very proud that our You Can Check It Out Team founder member Ellie McKenny has been editing the Cambridge edition of the Community Lover’s Guide to the Universe – collecting stories by individuals about what community means to them, through the innovative community project they have been working on.

You can read the first stories here. Even better, you can come and meet the people behind the projects, share ideas and ways of working, and enjoy coffee and cake as part of a Community Lovers’ Meet Up during the Romsey Art Festival:

Wednesday 7th August

7pm to 9pm

CB1 Cafe, Mill Road, Cambridge

You Can Bike Too

You Can Bike Too in the early stages back in 2011!

Our project, You Can Bike Too, is one of the stories captured and members of the project team will be going along, together with the people behind the other stories captured too. Anyone who is interested in any of the Cambridge stories, or who is interested in community and doing things collaboratively is welcome! If you’re planning to come please email Ellie to give her an idea of numbers: emckenny@hotmail.com. Unfortunately the venue isn’t wheelchair friendly.

Find full details of the Romsey Art Festival here (another great community event!). You can find out more about Community Lover’s Guide to the Universe and explore the other editions from all over the world here.

You can see what You Can Bike Too is up to lately here.

We look forward to seeing you at CB1!

Lou Shackleton

Change-maker in Chief

Sh*t Happens & I Can't Be Everywhere At Once – Day 24

Today, my good friend, neighbour and unofficial British grandma passed away. I’m not sure what my challenge is for the sake of this video…admitting that not everything is in my hands….that I can’t be everywhere at once maybe. Just being honest about me and my day, I guess. So here’s me saying goodbye to Jean. She was an incredible women who will not be forgotten. I miss you already.

Do something that both scares and excites you. This is day 24 of my 30 day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Video Challenge.

For 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)

Sh*t Happens & I Can’t Be Everywhere At Once – Day 24

Today, my good friend, neighbour and unofficial British grandma passed away. I’m not sure what my challenge is for the sake of this video…admitting that not everything is in my hands….that I can’t be everywhere at once maybe. Just being honest about me and my day, I guess. So here’s me saying goodbye to Jean. She was an incredible women who will not be forgotten. I miss you already.

Do something that both scares and excites you. This is day 24 of my 30 day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Video Challenge.

For 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)

Running My Fear Away – Day 23

Do something that both scares and excites you. This is day 23 of my 30 day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Video Challenge.

I ran, I ran! For the first time in almost 6 months, I went for a run. This might sound like a small feat but for me it is about overcoming fear, anxiety and stopping myself from getting in my own way. So, I ran, and it was great. Yep, I was sore for a day or so but I survived and it felt better than it did 5 months ago!

For the next 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)

Stepping out of my box, literally, at the World Domination Summit

There really is no better way to start believing then to surround myself with 3000 incredible people who are achieving their impossible. 

8 months ago when I bought a ticket to go to the World Domination Summit (WDS) in Portland, Oregon, I had no idea what to expect. If anything, I expected to be lost in the crowd of 3000 other people and to be overwhelmed with information from speakers. Success would be to meet some inspirational people who by telling their stories would help me believe that anything is impossible. Help me believe in me and my dreams.

WDS stage

Picture by Armosa

Fast forward to now and I am winding down from a very busy weekend at WDS. It was beyond what I expected and I will not attempt to summarise everything in one post. Over the next few weeks, months even, I fully expect that the key messages will seep in and I will begin to use them to take some incredible action. I will have more specific learnings and applications from each speaker and workshop. Lou will also have her own reflections from the event. So, for today, here are my main take aways from the event – some overarching themes.

  1. We are all human – nobody is perfect – we’re all just in different places on our incredibly confusing journeys. Even the people I envy, those that appear to have ‘made it’, they are human too. And in fact ‘making it’ doesn’t really exist. It’s not an A to B type of journey. Realising this, I now feel a little better about riding the waves, muddling through and finding my way. (drawing of crazy map)
  2. Most people assume that others are further ahead then they are. I do this with others frequently…but then through conversation, I realise they are usually making it up as they go along too. It’s not necessarily a bad thing but an interesting reflection.
  3. Everything is easier togetherLiving a remarkable life, being different, achieving the impossible, these are all things that are so much easier to achieve together. Being surrounded by 3000 people looking to achieve similar things makes anything seem possible. And when I start doubting it again, I will think of these remarkable people that I met last weekend. I will think of the hugs, the smiles, the tears and the laughter. I will think of what it was like for a portion of these people to dance together to Gangham Style at the closing party with huge smiles on our faces. I will think of my new giant family who ‘get it’.
  4. Be interested, not interesting. I’ve gone away from this weekend thinking maybe, just maybe, I am interesting after all. But more importantly, I am no longer too worried about whether I am or not. I am good at being interested, being curious, asking questions, collecting stories. At the improv workshop on Sunday afternoon I was given this card. And it just makes sense to me. o, I will continue to learn, ask questions, and help others find and achieve their impossible.
  5. Speaking to 3000 people is f*ckin’ hard – I was surprised this weekend with an invitation to do an attendee story. Yep, I found out two days beforehand. Then, just before I found out it was meant to be half the length I had anticipated. My world shifted. I shifted. I adapted. It was bloody hard. I was harder on myself than the audience was. Here’s a first video about the emotional roller coaster that is speaking to 3000 people while standing in a box. To those who listened, who patted me on the back, who then shared your stories with me, thank you. You are the inspiration.

And for now, those are my key take aways, my key themes. Keep an eye out for more, including some follow up videos and challenges for you to step out of your box and tangible examples of how to ask those who are usually excluded for help instead of always asking to help them.

This is also my day 22 video for my 30 Day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Challenge.

Yours from outside the box,

Mel

Accepting the Challenge to Speak At The World Domination Summit -Day 21

Do something that both scares and excites you. This is day 21 of my 30 day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Video Challenge.

The World Domination Summit started today in Portland. So of course, we had to start it cape style with a caped freeze mob where I was once again dressed like the robot of mediocrity. But that isn’t even the scary bit… today, I was asked to tell my story…and not just to one person, or to a camera…but to 3000 attendees on Sunday. OMG!

For the next 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)

For the next 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)

Why is Danger Lou in Portland for the World Domination Summit?

Why Portland? Why the World Domination Summit?

Danger Lou and a robot

DangerLou and her Nemesis – The Robot of Mediocrity

#DangerLou is in Portland because 10 months ago, I took a risk. I knew that I’d seen the awesomeness that is Chris Brogan giving the best speech he ever gave from last year’s conference on vimeo.

I know that it is the conference to get to if we want to kick conformity’s ass and meet people trying to find different ways of living and earning.

I didn’t know that I definitely had the money to go. I did know that it would be very competitive to get tickets. So, I took a risk. I waited for the day and time to apply for a ticket and made myself a deal. If I put my name in the registration page and got a ticket, then I would find a way to get there. If I didn’t, I would be sure to catch up online.

I took a risk and the Universe decided I got a ticket; now, here I am in Portland. I inspired my co-conspirator Mel to take a risk too. So here we are, ready to meet you.

So if you are also in Portland, come and find us. Today, Friday, you may even spot Danger Lou in her cape alongside her nemesis, the robot of mediocrity. And if you are wondering what this Danger Lou thing is about – “Sure, it’s fun but what’s the point?” Then check out the Danger Lou trailer here and remember these three questions and prompts that Danger Lou is keen for everyone to explore and answer:

  1. Do something small that both scares and excites you every day
  2. Every superhero needs sidekicks
  3. Strike a pose – copied from your favourite superhero – it will help you feel like a superhero too*
  4. Define your impossible – what are you stopping yourself from even starting?
  5. Name your nemesis – what’s holding you back?

#DangerLou is about celebrating small risks, being playful and helping each other achieve our impossible Danger Lou is my not-so-secret identity – what’s yours?

What would happen if you answered the questions above? That’s why I’m in Portland. To help myself answer these questions while prompting you to answer them for yourself too. Meeting a whole ton of people who are revealing their superhero powers. And if you need a team of sidekicks, you can join the You Can community and we’ll do our best to keep you laughing and living and taking risks every day.

*Check out Amy Cuddy’s TED talk on the value of power poses and how they can help you.

So let me know – what’s your secret identity? I’d love to hear it, in the comments below…

Day 20 – Being Gentle On Myself

Do something that both scares and excites you. This is day 20 of my 30 day Scare The Crap Out Of Myself Video Challenge.

Today, I forgive myself for being human. You may have noticed that yesterday I didn’t post a video. I have been beating myself up for this, for breaking my routine. But here’s the deal. Yesterday, I travelling from Vancouver to Portland. I then proceeded to book my appointment at the doctor, where I as diagnosed with cellulitis, which is a very frustrating and angry infection. But these are all excuses right? Perhaps…. but today, I forgive myself for making them and let myself continue on growing.

For the next 30 days I will post one video which will describe doing something that both scares and excites me, one learning point, and a take away. Join me through my ‘Hell yeah!’ moments and my ‘Oh Sh*t’ moments for the next 30 days and please do cheer me on!

Why on earth would you do this, Mel?

For Me: To bring some structure back in my life. To prove to myself that I can follow through. To document my journey at this scary time. To feel alive.

For You: Perhaps you are on a similar journey, thinking of making a change or needing to give yourself a kick in the bum to get going. I hope that following my journey will help you feel that you are not alone and inspire you to go out and do things that scare you too. Because in the end, it is by finding and doing something that makes you come alive that we truly start to make a dent in the world. Want to scare the crap out of yourself on film? Start your own challenge and let us know that you do! Share it on twitter with #stcoom (short for scarethecrapoutofmyself!)