Every year, some time in the dead of winter, four of my best friends and I go some place warm for a few days, and take in the tropical sun at an allinclusive Caribbean resort. I have noticed that, at many of these hotels, there are people on staff whose singular
job is to make sure that the guests participate in fun activities. These staff members walk about the grounds with big smiles, coaxing guests to take part in beach volleyball, step aerobics, dance contests-- you name it. Quite often, the guests resist. They have this
idea that they don't want to do anything except roast in the sun, and drink cocktails. No silly group activities for them. So, these grinning, cajoling activity directors have to be relentless as they wheedle lazy vacationers out of their lounge chairs to do something fun.

I found the whole process rather amusing to watch, but it also left me to wonder: Why do they do it? Why do these recreational directors bother to get their guests into activities? Why not just let the tourists drink themselves stupid and roast like sirloins in the sun? I did a little investigating and discovered that these activity programmers know something we tourists would rather not cknowledge.

The truth is that sitting around doing nothing day after day is rather dull, and guests at these resorts are more likely to enjoy themselves if they get off their duffs and do something. Anything. The people who get active are more likely to be repeat customers. The inert people just get bored, and upon returning home from vacation, they will not remember having such a good time
and they are less likely to come back. It's good for business, therefore, for these activity planners to drag these tourists out
of their complacency and force them to enjoy themselves.

Why then, do the tourists resist the fun activities if experience says that lying around is, in the long run, not really all that terrific? If I had my guess, I would have to say it's because people are quite often afraid of looking foolish in front of others. It is rather like the proverbial high-school dance, where the girls line up against one wall and the boys on the other. They would rather be together dancing, but no one wants to imperil their vulnerability by taking the first step across the floor. Like a bunch of clumsy teenagers at a sock hop, many of us wait out our lives, hoping to be noticed without taking risks, hoping to be happy with out making an effort, hoping to be satisfied with life without really trying.

I believe it was Earl Nightingale who said, “Most people tip toe through life safely onto death.” Most of us envy those who have adventures and live life to the fullest, but too often we are afraid to take the necessary risks ourselves. So we get stuck in our comfort zone and live out our lives on the sidelines, wishing for adventure and then wishing it away again when it comes our turn to take the field. Everything worthwhile in life requires some kind of risk. Even on vacation, we just might have to risk our indifferent posturing in order to have some fun. For anyone who wants to truly live, who honestly wants to experience all that life can offer, my advice is to get rid of that sheepish teenager mentality that dominates your life! Get out from under your fears. Go and do something really silly on a beach somewhere, and stop worrying about what other people think. Life awaits you! Seize the day! Be one of those crazy people who go home at the end of the week knowing that they actually had some fun in the sun. It's the only way to travel. Copyright © 2002 All Rights Reserved, (905) 272-8289 www.thedreambuildersinc.com

Life is a Beach By Michael McGauley Michael McGauley, B.A., DTM, is a motivational speaker, seminar leader and personal coach. He is the President and founder of The Dream Builders Inc., a company that delivers workshops and seminars across North America with he
mission to help companies and individuals in their quest for excellence. For additional articles or to book Michael for your next event,
visit www.thedreambuildersinc.com, email mike@thedreambuildersinc.com, or call 1-866-878-8289 “Most people tip-toe through life safely to death...” Earl Nightengale