“My name is Steve, and I am an addict.” I am addicted to doing epic shit.

Young Me--Can u tell it was the 90's?

Right out of college, I seriously looked into running a small resort in the Caribbean (which I never ended up buying).

Several years later, I started and failed in my first (different) business.

Most recently, I decided to write, publish and promote my first book–on my own.

What Is an “Epic Shit” Addict?

An epic shit addict is someone (generally a dreamer/big picture thinker) who is addicted to the chase for everything “epic.”

Do any of these statements sound familiar?

“I’ve got to find my passion…I know I have a greater purpose in life!”

‘I just have to find the right thing–the thing that really matters–to apply myself to.”

“My problem isn’t commitment. Once I know what I’m supposed to do, I’ll be 100%, ‘all-in’!”

Are you chronically discontented with your reality…even when that reality shifts?

I got bad news for ya…you might be an “epic shit” addict!”

How Do You Know if You’re an Addict?

Do you constantly strive to do more work that “matters”?

Do you struggle to find a way to integrate your life’s purpose with your career and livelihood–no matter what job you have?

Are you always waiting for, searching for, or trying to build a powerful and connected relationship with the “right one”?

The Flip Side of Achievement

In Western culture, we struggle to work hard for everything.

We are determined.  We are persistent. We are go-getters.

As over-achievers, we have become deeply dissatisfied with life. We’re constantly striving for “epic-ness” in order to prove something to ourselves (or others).

We want to find our “epic” purpose.  (i.e.  ”What I was meant to do.”)

We want an “epic” career.  (i.e.  not the one I have now)

We want to chase an “epic” adventure.  (‘cuz Chris Guillebeau is doing it)

I Think We Got It Bass Ackwards!

I’m not saying don’t be disciplined.

I’m not saying don’t nurture a vision for what is possible.

I’m not saying don’t be determined.

What I Am Saying…

The need for “more” (i.e. the addiction to all things “epic”) comes from the darkest place in the human mind–the place of lack.

Don’t look for “epic-ness” to define you.  By all means, do epic shit, but do it because it is an expression of your own unique power and presence.

Even if you scale the tallest peaks on earth or travel to every country or visit all the continents, you will be disappointed.

Create your life from this space instead: I need nothing.

Then go out and conquer the world…but I have a feeling that you may find that you no longer have anything to prove.

Who Are You, Really?

This morning I watched an interview with Deepak Chopra in which he said that his goal is to “do less and accomplish more…and eventually do nothing and accomplish everything.”

My head nearly exploded.  Especially as a spiritual teacher myself.  My heart/intuition/soul says, “yes, yes, YES!” when I hear something like this.

But my mind rolls its eyes, lets out a loud, sarcastic sigh and says, “Okay, now let’s be realistic.”

Realism blinds us to the power of what is possible.

If you will recognize the following simple truth, it will change everything!

You–the real, powerful, infinite you–reside outside of your body.  It is merely a tool by which you express yourself in this space/time continuum.

Your body is the room that defines the space of your life, but it is not the light, air and energy that fills that room.

You are the power.  You are the life force.  You are the spirit.

The 12-Steps

Empowerment comes from community. Feel free to let me know if you’re an epic shit addict in the comments below. What are some of the crazy things you’ve chased?

Have you been able to overcome the need for more striving and struggle or are you still working on it?

Please share this post on Facebook or Twitter if it has been helpful.

Also, I made you a cool downloadable copy of this 12-Step as a PDF so you can print it and hang it up in your home or office. Just click here.