I was at the Minnesota Twins game last night with Doug, a good friend of mine.
We were fortunate to see them win in extra innings in a very exciting fashion. I was pretty excited, but Doug (as he always is) was fully engaged in the moment, celebrating and high-fiving me and the loud strangers behind us.
This simple act of being fully present and taking those few moments to deeply engage in celebration was transformational to me.
This was a reminder of how I struggle to pause and celebrate positive events. Don’t get me wrong — I am happy they happened — but that is different than allowing myself to feel the full weight of the moment.
How is this for you?
When good things happen in your life, work, and leadership, I want to encourage you to take a pause and just let it soak in — to internalize that good feeling.
If you’re like me, you have no problem internalizing the negative; so to offset that I have found the need to be more intentional about internalizing the positive.
What are those positive things in your world you need to internalize?
One of those things for me is my upcoming book. I have been sharing information about it, but I want you all to know (as the “peeps in my jeep”) that I am frickin’ excited about it — and I want to give myself latitude to truly enjoy the journey and celebrate its creation! 🎉
Next week, I will start selling tickets to my book launch events which will happen when the book becomes published. This is filled with mixed emotions for me. I am so excited about the book and would love to have as many people as possible celebrate with me through the launch events — but I am also always so worried about people liking me that I’m afraid to offend you by sending you these self-serving emails.
But, ultimately, I am trying to build a community grounded in a shared goal of finding greater success and happiness in our life, work, and leadership — what I call “The Safari Way.” So if that’s not for you, I totally understand; feel free to unsubscribe with no hard feelings.
I want to be left with a jeep full of peeps who are encouraging each other forward; celebrating victories together; and riding through the Serengeti of life with the top down and wind blowing through our air (or where our hair used to be). 😁
So, in summary…
1) Let’s celebrate our victories more
2) You are invited to celebrate with me when launch events are announced next week
3) Tell me how I can celebrate with you or support your dreams!
I know this is sent to an email list, which feels impersonal, but I do review it regularly to see who is on the list and to feel a personal connection with each of you.
Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and for being part of this community looking to live The Safari Way!
Until later,
Steve Fredlund, The Safari Dude
Life is an adventure. Make it epic.
Shoot me an email, connect on LinkedIn, subscribe on YouTube, consider coaching, find me at a conference, or whatever makes sense in your world.
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx presenter, and bestselling author of Do the Unright Thing: Memoir of a People Pleaser. After decades as an actuary, executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder—including leading humanitarian efforts in East Africa—Steve discovered that doing everything “right” doesn’t always lead to fulfillment or impact.
Drawing from that journey, he developed The Courage Advantage™ philosophy—centered on the everyday courage to move beyond expectation, lead with authenticity, and live in alignment with what truly matters. Through his engaging stories, humor, and practical insights, Steve inspires audiences to find greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment in both life and leadership.