Greetings Fellow Adventurers

Topic 1 of 7: Put an adventure on the calendar

For years, my wife and I have had season tickets to the STL Repertory theatre. Pre-committing to attend the plays provided a forcing function. A forcing function is "a catalyst that changes your default behavior in the future by aligning your short-term incentives with your long-term goals." Without the theatre event being on the calendar we would be more likely to repeat our normal routine at home and miss being exposed to new ideas and interesting social circles.

I also use adventure as forcing function. If I do not have an adventure that I am working toward, I find the daily tasks (i.e., exercising, eating right, and getting good sleep) to routine and uninspiring. But, if I have an adventure on the calendar, the daily chores now have a purpose. For example, I have on the calendar a trip to try to summit Mt Rainier at the end of May. I want to show up at the trailhead ready to get the most out of the adventure. In addition, I relish the anticipation of the adventure. It is exhilarating to think about the challenge of the unknown especially if the adventure is with friends who share the same excitement. Thus, adventure becomes the "why" that motivates my daily tasks because they are now a central part of the adventure. Maybe you can add a future adventure to your calendar. One good option ... our Colorado Alpine weekend this September (see below).

Shown above are Michael, Joe, Ashton, Linda, and Bill during our 2022 Colorado Alpine weekend. See our photo gallery for some other member adventures and here for previous newsletters.

Topic 2 of 7: Books and Ideas

The Infinite Game

Two sessions:

Wednesday April 5th: 12 Noon Central RSVP and info

Wednesday April 5th: 7:00 PM Central RSVP and info

We discuss the ideas of (1) finite and infinite games, (2) just cause, (3) trusting teams, (4) worthy rivals, and more. This book is both innovative and relevant across personal and professional domains.

It is not necessary to have read the book to participate. For those interested in a summary, I created a video summary that you can watch at your leisure.

Topic 3 of 7: Books and Ideas

The Psychology of Money

Friday April 21st: 12 Noon Central RSVP and info

We discuss the ideas of (1) never enough, (2) wealth is what you don't see, (3) you'll change, and more. This book is both innovative and relevant across personal and professional domains.

It is not necessary to have read the book to participate. For those interested in a summary, I created a video summary that you can watch at your leisure.

Topic 4 of 7: Hiking / Rucking trek in Forest Park

Join us for a hike/ruck in Forest Park on Saturday 4/22/2023 Info and RSVP

Rucking is hiking with a weighted backpack. Many find that rucking is better that walking/hiking for gaining fitness. And, compared to jogging/running, there is a reduced risk of injury. It is a great way to get in shape for your hiking adventures this summer. You start with light weights and build up as you gain fitness. See Dr Peter Attia's discussion on the benefit of rucking.

Looking down the road (no pun intended) we plan to have a rucking event in the STL area this fall. Plans include a family picnic and all sorts of random fun. Details to come.

Topic 5 of 7: Member meeting 5/11/23

May 11 at 7:00 PM Central: Join us for a Zoom member meeting. We will discuss member adventurers and plans for 2023. Hope to see you then.info and RSVP

Topic 6 of 7: Colorado alpine weekend and 14er event

Join us in Colorado for our third annual Alpine weekend. For those who want a challenge, we will try to summit a 14er (maybe more than one). But if that is not your thing, there are many types of hikes and options for other alpine activities (including a session by Armando on nature meditation). And of course there will be socializing. This is MAC's signature event. Put it on the calendar.

Join us for an Info session (open to all -- even if you cannot make it this year) or to RSVP on the adventure.

Topic 7 of 7: MAC Upcoming trips

Lots of upcoming trips and events in 2023. Here is a list of some that are being planned. Join us -- it will add to your balance sheet of life.

Info and RSVP

• Devils tower - October Helga organizer

• Innsbrook Resort MO - Susan and Sarah organizers

• Grand Canyon Backpacking - Nick and Ron organizers

Info and RSVP

About us: MAC is a learning organization. We help members increase wellbeing with active outdoor exploration, life-time learning, like-minded community, and healthy habit development. It is a whole-person perspective built on the proposition that adventuring happens one step at a time and is most appreciated when done with other like-minded people.

Thanks for your interest in this MAC newsletter. Click here for previous newsletters.

Please let me know if you

• have anything you would like included in the next MAC newsletter

• would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list or you know of someone who would like to be added

I can be reached at Ron@MedallionAdventureClub.com or a text in MAC Slack. 

To Adventure

Ron King

Medallion Adventure Club