Blog | Ryder and Nicole Erickson

Three Reasons You Should Do Things That Scare You

March 15, 2020 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Outdoor Adventure

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Fear is defined as an emotion caused by the prospect of danger, failure, pain or embarrassment. While healthy fear can help protect us from circumstances that may cause physical or emotional harm, irrational fear can lead to avoidance and unnecessary anxiety in situations that pose no real threat. Although it’s perfectly normal to want to steer clear of any and all scenarios that frighten us, that isn’t always the best choice. Here are three reasons you should do things that scare you.

Prove to Yourself that You Can Conquer Challenges

Fear is an obstacle that you can overcome. When you conquer things you previously thought you wouldn’t be able to, you prove you are triumphant. Tackling your hurdles of fear helps boost your self-esteem, increasing your confidence. By regularly facing your fears, you remind yourself that there is no challenge you can’t beat.

Add Adventure to Your Life

Looking fear in the eye is invigorating. Your body responds to anxiety-inducing events by producing adrenaline. In turn, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine, causing feelings of joy. By introducing yourself to frightening, but manageable, situations (i.e. controlled fear), you can safely experience life’s most thrilling moments.

Broaden Your Horizons

Fear can be limiting. People who are afraid of heights may avoid getting on planes. Those who have stage fright usually shy away from public speaking. And if you’re afraid of rejection, you may not apply for the job of your dreams. If you let fear control your actions, you’ll always have a list of things you refuse to do. However, if you push beyond your comfort zone, you’ll broaden your horizons.

The adventure of confronting your fears will encourage you to be present and live for the moment. It will also open doors to opportunities you never thought were possible, giving you a whole new outlook on life. Let these three reasons motivate you to be brave and live life to the fullest.

3 Rituals to Add to Your Morning Routine to Bring Your Family Closer Together

January 15, 2020 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Family

For many families, the process of getting dressed and out of the door can be a bit chaotic in the mornings. Sometimes there’s barely time for breakfast, so there’s definitely no time for family bonding, right? Well, not necessarily. With a few carefully selected routines, you can connect with your loved ones without adding stress to your day. Here are three rituals to add to your morning routine to bring your family closer together.

1.Music

Music is powerful, motivational, and memorable. Not only can it help wake the family up and start everyone’s day on the right note, but the perfect tune can become the “family theme song.” Pick a song that fits the family dynamic and makes everybody want to dance, then start playing it every morning. If you really love music, you can create a whole playlist. If you get tired of your designated theme song, you can always replace it with a new one. After playing it daily, your family will affectionately come to know the song as “our song,” instantly creating warm thoughts of family.

2. A Shared Activity

For some families this activity will be sitting down at the dining room table for breakfast. For others, it will be morning yoga. For families short on time, it may be something as quick as cramming into the bathroom to brush their teeth at the same time. Whatever your family chooses to do, be intentional about sharing a morning activity where everyone is in the same place, at the same time, doing the same thing. On the surface, it won’t feel like a big deal. But years later, you’ll cherish the memory of the laughs you shared during those rushed mornings as you made silly faces in the bathroom mirror.

3. Verbalize One Thing You’re Looking Forward To

This quick practice is simple enough to make a habit of but meaningful enough to make an impact. By stating what you’re looking forward to, you’re starting your day with optimism and isolating the most positive aspect of what’s ahead. By listening to what everyone else in your family is looking forward to, you will learn a lot about the current events in their lives, every single day. This will help you stay in tune with each other, with very little effort. And with nothing more than a one-sentence check-in at the beginning of each day, you’ll have a starting point for a conversation to return to later in the day.

Starting your day with family time is an investment worth making. Use these three tips to build family bonding into your morning routine. Looking back, your children will appreciate the effort you made to weave the importance of family in the fibers of each and every day.

Three Time-Saving Travel Tips

November 15, 2019 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Travel

If travel can be likened to living, then not even a minute should go to waste. Undoubtedly, somewhere along the line, valuable time does get hung up on the logistics of travel. But there are ways to minimize your losses. Here are three time-saving travel tips.

1. Find a Quality Hotel Close to Your Tourist Activities

You won’t believe the amount of time you save by booking a hotel that is centrally located! Instead of spending long commutes in the car to and from activities, you’ll cut down on travel time simply by choosing a hotel nearby. Another way to save time is to prioritize hotel quality when it comes to booking. When you secure a hotel that meets your comfort standards, you won’t have to waste vacation time moving to a new hotel, or staying awake all night because of your room conditions. You’ll get restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on a full day of fun.

2. Get a Rental Car

Although public transportation and popular ride-sharing services may save money, they don’t always save time. Both options also have limitations based on location and time of day. To save time, consider getting a rental car. To start, you’ll be able to hop right off the plane and get started on the road to your hotel. This same convenience will present itself time and time again throughout your trip. You’ll never experience the time-loss of waiting around for someone to pick you up and all the time saved can be used for more important things: your vacation!

3. Make Reservations Ahead of Time

Don’t waste precious vacation time deciding what to do or waiting in line for tickets. Spend all the time you need at home thoroughly researching all the hotspots. Once you settle on your vacation activities, pay for the tickets and book all your events before you ever set foot in your home away from home. Using this method, you can even make dinner reservations at the city’s best restaurants, or take the opportunity to buy fast passes to skip the lines at amusement parks. Because you are doing things in advance, you have plenty of options.

When traveling, every minute counts. Travel should be about enjoying your experience, not spending most of your time waiting around or getting from point a to point b. So, before you set out on your next trip, use these three tips during your planning process to help save some time. You’ll be glad you did!

Three Surprising Life Lessons From Successful People

September 15, 2019 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Uncategorized

People often envision successful people enjoying the good things in life such as happiness, wealth, and power. Likewise, we tend to associate success with admirable traits such as wisdom, hard work, and discipline. Thus, we look at successful individuals and wonder about their secrets. We want to emulate their virtues and know their tactics so we can also savor the sweet taste of success one day. One way to make famous and successful personalities your mentor is by learning about their views on life. However, as undoubtedly interesting individuals, you may even be surprised by the life lessons they give. Here are three surprising lessons from highly successful people you may want to know:

Learn to say no.

You might think that successful people never want to miss anything and so always feel the need to say yes to everything. However, a quote from one of the most successful American investors, Warren Buffett say otherwise. As the quote from Buffett says, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” This quote stresses the need to protect your limited and valuable time. As much as you want to, it will be hard if not impossible to accommodate every request and give in to every demand. Thus, learn to prioritize tasks as you manage your time. Not everything deserves a slot on your calendar and it is alright. In fact, trying to please everybody can even prevent you from reaching your goals.

Failure is a good thing.

With her bestselling novels, world-famous J.K Rowling is surely a picture of success. However, one advice from this British writer teaches the importance of failure. As Rowling said, “Failure is so important. We speak about success all the time. It is the ability to resist failure or use failure that often leads to greater success.” The quote is not encouraging people to fail. Rather, it emphasizes the need to see failure as doors that show wonderful lessons and can lead to great opportunities. Her words teaches us to never lose hope even after experiencing failure. Another successful personality, Oprah Winfrey, backed this refreshing view about failure with the quote, “Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”

Aim for simplicity.

You might think that a brilliant man like Microsoft founder, Bill Gates thinks in a complex manner. However, in a speech he gave during the 2007 commencement exercise in Harvard University, some of his advice is to keep things simple. According to the billionaire, “The barrier to change is not too little caring; it is too much complexity.” His speech implies that the key to solving complicated problems is by thinking of simple solutions.

Almost everybody longs for success and many desire for a faster and easier route to get there. However. there is no exact formula nor a predefined path for success. Yet it will surely involved the willingness and enthusiasm to learn. So take that first step towards success by being open to surprising and novel ideas that can help you reach your dreams.

Three Ideas To Spice Up Your Family Biking Adventures

July 15, 2019 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Family, Outdoor Adventure

Cycling is undoubtedly a popular and well-loved sport. Data from Outdoor Recreation report for 2018 even revealed that it is the third most popular outdoor activity in America. As the report said that there is an estimated 47.5 million bikers in the US, you have a good reason to engage in this activity as well. Since biking is suitable for almost any age, you can make your biking joyride even more special by tagging your whole family along.

Why consider family biking?

Family biking is a great idea because it is a fun and healthy way for parents and children to strengthen their relationships. You would also be happy to know that every member of your brood will enjoy the many benefits that come from pursuing outdoor activities such as biking. For one, biking can tremendously help in maintaining a strong and fit physique. Pedaling on your bicycle is likewise a great stress buster as the simple activity relaxes the mind. However, there is still a chance that your kids (or even spouse) may not show as much enthusiasm with biking. They may see the sport as boring or tiring. To make your cycling escapades a more memorable event for your family, you want to tie it up with other exciting activities. Listed below are a few suggestions:

Explore biking trails.

Biking trails offer a convenient route that you and your family can follow. These spots often feature scenic views so it is a great way to make your little ones appreciate nature. You can likewise turn your biking adventures into lessons on how to protect and preserve the environment. It is advisable to do some research about the trail before the trip so you will know what to expect. However, even with extensive research, the trails can still surprise your family. Therefore, expect a fun biking adventure

Do community service.

To pursue a hobby or a leisurely activity with the whole family is already commendable. However, you can further improve your family bonding sessions by combining it with a purpose. By signing up as volunteers to some biking groups that organize altruistic activities, your family can easily give back to the community. Your family can also opt to organize your own charitable activity through biking.

Mix it with other fun activities.

Cycling is quite a versatile sport because you can easily pair it up with other fun activities. If you wish, it can only be a prelude to other exciting activities such as camping or fishing. Your family can bike your way to a certain park or beach where you can then have a picnic or go swimming. Another idea is to join fun parades by biking. Some states or biking organizations also hold bike festivals from time to time,

Safety reminders

Of course as with any other sports, safety should always be a top priority. You do not want to spoil your biking trips with any untoward incidents so be mindful of precautions you have to take. Using proper biking gear and accessories will help keep your spouse and children (especially the little ones) from getting hurt. It also pays to check if the state or town where your family will bike has certain biking policies that you need to follow so you can avoid breaking any rules.

Family bonding times are essential in fostering a happy and loving relationship at home. Moms and dads who wish to give their children an amazing childhood should make it a priority to plan activities that the whole gang can enjoy together. There are all sorts of activities to choose from but if cycling interests you,, family biking is surely an awesome idea.

3 Ways to Celebrate the End of the School Year

May 15, 2019 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Family

The kids have studied hard and successfully completed another year of school. It’s time to celebrate and let loose! Leave behind the stress of homework and pop quizzes, and turn your sights to something more exciting. No matter your student’s age or personality, the perfect summer adventure is just around the corner. Here are three ways to celebrate the end of the school year.

A Summer Vacation

Theme Park

You can’t go wrong with a classic summer trip to an amusement park.With themes for every niche, you’re guaranteed to find a park that fits your child’s needs. Here are some options:

Beach

Sand castles, crashing waves and endless sunshine. Those are just a few of the perks of making the coast your destination of choice. If your little one had a busy year and is in need of a reset, let the ocean provide a bit of natural R&R.

Road Trip Across the Country

Even though the school year has ended, the learning doesn’t have to stop! What could be more fun (and educational) than a hands-on geography lesson with family? Get your children involved in the process of deciding which tour stops should make the cut.

An End-of-Year Party
- Slumber Party

During the school year, slumber parties are few and far between due to demanding academic and extracurricular calendars. However, summer nights stand in stark contrast to those busy schooltime schedules. Gather the gang and throw a slumber party for the ages. Pull out all the stops and ring in summer with kid-friendly, late night fun. Shadow puppets, funny movies and scary stories are time-honored go-tos that will start the night off right.

Pool Party

Warm weather was made for pool parties and backyard BBQ’s; combine the two for the party of the summer. Increase the fun by giving your little one a bit of creative control over the music playlist, poolside menu or guest list. But most importantly, make sure to prioritize water safety.

Game Night

Gather all the board, video and computer games you can find, then extend invitations to friends and family alike. You can even ask guests to bring their own game collections to share. Add some finger foods and a little music, and you’ve got yourself a night full of fun!

Plan Extracurricular Activities
- Join a Sports Team

P.E. may not be in session over summer break, but your student can still stay in excellent shape. Keep busy and stay fit by checking out local chapters of clubs that host recreational sports (e.g. the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club). With a plethora of teams available, your child is bound to find a sports program that will bring them hours of summertime fun.

Take a Class

Make summer learning fun by allowing your children to take control of their studies. Local community colleges, universities and community centers offer summer courses for kids of all ages. Students will end the summer, even smarter than they entered, by: learning a new language, taking up a hobby or developing a skill.

After a year of tedious study, your children deserve some time to relax. Pick a few of the options above to start summer break the right way.

Start The Year Right With A 30-Day Challenge!

January 15, 2019 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Uncategorized

The New Year calls for big celebrations because it represents a chance to start anew. It is certainly a precious gift that you do not want to waste. The change of calendar year is also a gentle reminder that we all need to move forward in life. It is therefore great advice to start the year with enthusiasm and positivity! You want the year to see a better version of yourself. You want to grow and improve as much as you can!

To do this, you may have to let go of bad habits and replace them with new ones. It is probably the right time to start something that you have always wanted to do like lose weight, learn a new language or write a novel. Setting goals is a good way to ensure a fruitful year ahead. But do you have the will to stick to your goals until they are finally accomplished? One thing you can do to try to make goal setting easier is a 30-day challenge.

Will a 30-day challenge work?

This method is simple and self-explanatory. If you want to change or start something, you just resolve to do it continuously for 30 days. For example, if you want to be healthier you may commit to a goal of engaging in physical exercise such as biking or jogging for 30 days. If you want to acquire new knowledge, you allot time to learn that skill for 30 days.

People who advocate this strategy believe in the notion that when you do something repeatedly for 30f days the action becomes a habit. A book written by Maxwell Maltz, a cosmetic surgeon, suggests that it takes about 21 days to form a habit. Some claim it takes 28 days while a 2009 study says it takes 66 days. On the other hand, a book written by motivational speaker, Jack Canfield says that it takes 30 days to break a habit and replace it with new ones. The number of days required for habit formation may differ, but the main thing here is consistency. You cannot abandon or give up on your goals for 30 days. Therefore, the success of a 30-day challenge lies in you. Do you have the determination not to break your resolve until you are on your 30th day?

Reminders when taking a 30-day challenge:

Set attainable goals.

Do not set too many big goals at once because it may just increase your chances of failing. To minimize failure, make sure that you can confidently finish the challenge you give yourself. The beauty of a 30-day challenge is that it can break down huge tasks into easy, manageable ones. For example, limiting food intake can be difficult for some. To make it easier, you can choose to just cut back on sweets for the first 30 days. Then you can limit fatty foods the next month. This way, you are gradually but steadily treading the road to fitness.

Pick a schedule or set reminders.

The day can get so hectic that it becomes easy to dismiss a goal. To ensure you make time for it, go ahead and jot it on your schedule. If you have a book-writing challenge for example, you can pick the most convenient time of the day to work on your goals. You can conveniently set reminders on many calendar apps nowadays to make sure you will not forget about it. On the other hand, if you want to achieve your ideal weight, visual reminders of your goals will help you stick to it.

Aim for long-term.

If you were able to eat healthier for 30 days, it does not mean that you should go back to your old ways the next month. You can treat yourself to a hearty meal upon completing a challenge as a reward but you should be able to do it in moderation now. Reverting back to unhealthy eating means the challenge did not accomplish anything at all. The ultimate goal of the 30-day challenge is to instill good habits. You should be able to have the discipline and determination to maintain the good habit you’ve acquired.

You have 12 months in a year so how about setting twelve 30-day challenges for yourself? You can succeed in some or fail in others but you will never know unless you try. When you come to think of it, you have nothing to lose in a 30-day challenge because you are only aiming for the best version of yourself. As the cliche goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step.” So if you want to start something, dare to take that first step today!

Cool & Fun Outdoor Tours Around the United States

November 15, 2018 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Outdoor Adventure, Travel

Are you an avid traveler in need of a new way to check out the sites? Do you love the idea of being one with nature? If so, an outdoor tour may be exactly what you’re looking for. There’s no reason that all vacations must fit into a cookie cutter mold of lounging beach-side, visiting museums or taste testing foreign foods. The adventure doesn’t have to stop where the street ends. For every mode of transportation, there is a tour to match. Pick your favorite landscape and see which unconventional tour sounds the most fun to you.

Desert Tour

Desert tours are in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. These tours give vacationers up close views of expansive mountain ranges, picturesque sunsets and a vast variety of wildlife. Guide-led group tours by foot, helicopter, all terrain vehicles, horse, jeep and segways are all available to the public.

Swamp Tour

Swamp tours can be found in bayous of Louisiana and the everglades of Florida. Most tours take place on an airboat. On your tour you will see native wildlife while learning about the ecosystem and history of the land. Under the watchful eye of experienced guides, travelers revel in the unique thrill of catching glimpses of alligators up close.

Boat Tour

Boat tours span across the country in almost any state that has large bodies of water within or nearby. Boat tours include steamboats, cruise ships, jet boats, river boats and canoes. These tours typically showcase the surrounding scenery, its history and interesting facts about the area. On larger boats and ships, dinner is sometimes served as well.

A few notable boat tours are:

Antelope Canyon Boat Tour of Arizona

San Antonio River Walk Tour of Texas

Architecture Boat Tour of Illinois

Maid of the Mist Tour of New York

Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Tours of Honolulu

Helicopter Tour

Because helicopter tours take place in the air, they have few limitations and are available is almost any location. Helicopter tours are popular because travelers enjoy soaking in the breathtaking, bird’s eye views of cities and landmarks they’ve never seen from a different perspective. One caveat to keep in mind is hot air balloon tours similarly offer majestic views from the sky, but don’t typically travel as far or fast as helicopters can.

Cave Tour

Many southwestern states have hundreds of caves just waiting to be explored. But caves aren’t exclusive only to desert terrain. The tropical land of Hawaii offers tours of caves and caverns in the form of lava tubes. Three thousand miles away in Alaska, caves are a shocking shade of blue and formed completely from ice. You can travel to the midwest to find the Rushmore Cave of South Dakota. Depending on which climate you choose to explore, caves can contain bats, mammals, insects, reptiles and much more.

Next time you sit down to plan a vacation, remember to include outdoor tours in your brainstormed list. These tours stretch across various temperature zones, terrain types and vacation goals. No matter your preference, there’s guaranteed to be a tour that meets your needs. When researching, spend a few extra minutes to learn the physical demands, cost and duration of your tour of choice. Once you’ve locked in one, bring your camera along and let the memory making begin.

One Way To Easily Reach Goals & Be A Better Parent: Set Family Goals

September 15, 2018 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Family

Admit it, your goals and aspirations as an individual doubled or even tripled the moment you become a parent. Maybe you want to lose that extra weight by eating healthier and at the same time, you want to save a certain amount of money to enjoy financial freedom. While working on these targets, you are probably concerned about raising smart and responsible children too. Likewise, you wish to create family memories that your kids can cherish for years.

With the many hats that a mother or a father has to wear, parenthood can sometimes feel like a huge burden. Most of the time, defining the goals is the easiest part of the journey. The real challenge starts in the process of accomplishing each one as you may encounter stress and difficulty that can push you to quit.

But cheer up, there is one simple thing you can do to successfully sweep all your targets in one strike. It is as easy as making your goal-setting an important family activity. A research done by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found out that having a partner to work on your targets increases your chance to achieve the goals by 65%. This proves that making your spouse and/or kids your partner, you strengthen your resolve to commit to the goal. Aside from increasing your chance of success, this practice also offers many extra benefits for the whole family:

Enhances Relationships

The act of working together toward a common goal may be more effective in fostering a solid connection within the family than any other bonding activities. As you reach your objectives, you will most likely support and encourage each other every step of the way. The process gives you a chance to communicate and spend quality time, making you more understanding and appreciative of each other. When you finally obtained the fruits of your labor, you may be delighted to discover that it also comes with a priceless reward – a stronger and happier family.

Resolves Conflicts

Each family member has a unique personality that may result in clashes and disagreements. Some families can choose to conveniently ignore conflicts, leaving it unresolved for years. However, when you are working on a common goal, family members have another reason to quickly fix and iron out misunderstandings. This results in harmony that is essential in building a positive environment.

Teaches Valuable Life Skills To Kids

As you exert effort to achieve goals, you show your children the importance of values such as perseverance, patience, and hard work. These life skills that can help secure your child’s future is not that easy to teach using words alone. By making your kids part of your goals, you effortlessly instill those values by example.

Children who actively contribute to the fulfillment of family goals can learn problem-solving strategies and communication skills. It can also boost your child’s self-esteem and teaches them how to cope with stress.

So do you want a healthier lifestyle, financial freedom, responsible kids, a thriving business, and clutter-free home? As long as you set realistic goals, you should not let fear hold you back from weaving big dreams for you and your family. You can achieve all your goals in life and at the same time be the best parent you can be, just start by setting family goals.

How To Gain Respect & Admiration As A Leader: Avoid These Mistakes!

July 15, 2018 Ryder and Nicole Erickson Uncategorized

In an ideal world, leaders lead with confidence and people follow with ease. The said scenario is not always the case in real life though. Due to the various roles that a leader has to fill, the head of an organization can turn from the most loved to the most hated person overnight.

If you feel that your team is suffering from incompetent leadership, you may be guilty of committing the following mistakes:

Lack of Effective Communication

Poor communication can cause many conflicts so an effective leader should clearly communicate his or her expectations for each member of the team. Define specific goals to steer your people towards the right direction. By making sure that everyone is aware of the team goals and expectations, you ensure that no one feels lost or neglected.

Not Practicing What You Demand

One of the first things you will probably do as a leader is to lay out your demands. Among others, you may state that you want your people to be punctual, committed, or hardworking. Be clear about your expectations but also be ready to be the first to practice it. As a leader, you are expected to be a role model and a positive influence on everyone. By leading through good example you can provide proper guidance and earn respect in the process.

Not Trusting & Empowering Your People

Leaders are chosen because of their superior abilities but it does not mean that you are the only one who can do the job well. One of your most important roles as a leader is to generously share your knowledge and expertise to others. So based on their abilities, trust your staff to handle important tasks and guide them along the way. Encourage them to learn new things and hone their skills. This practice will empower your people and motivate exemplary performance. Keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to train your staff to be future leaders as well.

Not Being Consistent & Fair

Leaders have the privilege to set rules and implement sanctions but consistency is the key to establishing a regulatory system that works. Once you set a rule, make sure that no one is exempted from it. Everyone who fails to follow a rule awaits the same sanctions as well. Failure to practice fairness in your leadership style will breed contempt, distrust, and jealousy. It will ultimately destroy the team.

Not Showing Vulnerability

Leadership requires more than expertise in a certain field. The need to display strength of character is likewise equally important. So teach humility by owning up to your mistakes or show flexibility by designing strategies for overcoming failures. Allow your staff to see your weak side but at the same time show how you rise above difficulties

Leadership is a coveted status for many because it comes with many benefits and privileges. However, every awesome perk you get from leading a group has an accompanying responsibility as well. Unfortunately, the opinions of the people under your wing are important factors that can make or break your leadership. So work hard to gain the respect, trust, and admiration of your team. It is a huge challenge but surely not impossible with the pointers above.