As “The Safari Dude,” I have had the privilege of leading adventures in East Africa and sharing my perspective on life, work, and leadership as an epic adventure. After four years of coaching individuals in their lives and leadership, I have developed a framework that empowers people to become happier and more successful, regardless of how they define success. I call this framework “The Safari Way.”
The Safari Way is built on four pillars: clarity, intentionality, courage, and engagement. By following these pillars, we can create a more fulfilling life that feels like an epic adventure. Let’s dive deeper into each of these pillars and how they can help us live happier and more successful lives.
- Clarity on the Experience You Actually Want
The first pillar of The Safari Way is clarity. Before embarking on any adventure, it is essential to know what you want to get out of it. The same is true for life, work, and leadership. When we have a clear idea of the experience we want, we can make better decisions that align with our goals and values.
Ask yourself, “What kind of life do I want to live? What kind of work do I want to do? What kind of leader do I want to be?” Once you have clarity on the answers to these questions, you can start taking action to create the life you want.
- Intentionality in Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
The second pillar of The Safari Way is intentionality. Once you know what you want, it’s essential to surround yourself with the right people. The people in our lives can make a significant impact on our happiness and success. Choose your companions wisely, and make sure they support your goals and values.
Think about the people in your life. Are they positive and supportive, or do they bring you down? Do they encourage you to pursue your goals, or do they hold you back? Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and you will find that achieving your goals becomes much easier.
- Courage in Making Decisions
The third pillar of The Safari Way is courage. It takes courage to pursue our dreams and make the decisions that will get us there. Courage means having the strength to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential if we want to live a fulfilling life.
Think about a time when you had to make a tough decision. Did you have the courage to make the right choice, or did you back down? What did you learn from that experience, and how can you use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future?
- Engagement in the Ups and Downs that Accompany Every Epic Adventure
The fourth and final pillar of The Safari Way is engagement. Life is full of ups and downs, and we must engage with both if we want to live a fulfilling life. When we engage in the highs, we can enjoy the experience fully. When we engage in the lows, we can learn from them and grow as individuals.
Think about a time when you experienced a high or a low. Did you fully engage with the experience, or did you try to avoid it? What did you learn from that experience, and how can you use that knowledge to engage more fully in the future?
Applying The Safari Way to Your Life
Now that we’ve explored the four pillars of The Safari Way, it’s important to note that they are not just a framework. They are also traits that are present in happier people. Through my research, analysis, and years of coaching, I have found that happier people are clear on what they want, have the “right peeps in their jeeps,” are courageous in making decisions, and accept the reality that life includes highs and lows. So, if you want to be happier, consider applying The Safari Way framework to your own life. Start by gaining clarity on what you want out of life, intentionally surround yourself with the right people, have the courage to make bold decisions, and stay engaged in the journey.
If you’re struggling in any of these areas, don’t worry. The Safari Way is not about perfection but progress. Every step you take towards the four pillars will bring you closer to a happier and more fulfilling life. So, I encourage you to embrace The Safari Way framework and start taking steps towards a happier and more fulfilling life.
Remember, life is an epic adventure and happiness is not a destination but a journey. It’s about enjoying the ride and embracing the adventure. As “The Safari Dude,” I would love to be a “peep in your jeep” and support you on your happiness journey. Let me know how I can help, and let’s get happier together!
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is The Safari Dude. As a professional actuary in human resources analytics, he uncovered surprising factors that enhance employee engagement, and work enjoyment; key elements for effectiveness, enhanced retention, productivity, and organizational success.
Minnesota to Rwanda, nonprofit to corporate, start-ups to Fortune 500 companies he brings to your event thirty years of leadership success. Steve’s personal safari mission is to help great leaders and their teams enjoy an epic safari by getting the right peeps in their jeeps and in the right seats.
