No More Excuses
For most of my life, I stayed small. I said yes when I meant no. I followed instead of leading. I played safe.
But now, everything changes.
I just graduated, and instead of chasing a job title, I’m chasing something deeper: truth, growth, discomfort, and full presence.
I’m setting out on a journey across the world to face 100 challenges that scare me, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Not for likes. Not for escape. But to come home to myself.
This is my way of choosing life, fully. And I’m inviting you to watch me fall, rise, and grow, unfiltered.
That’s why I’m leaving
“I don’t want a curated life. I want a real one.”
I’m Alex. I’m 23. Just graduated in Applied Psychology. And I’m standing on a cliff edge, not because I’m lost, but because I refuse to take the default path.
I grew up learning to adapt. Not to thrive, but to not get hurt. I was the kid with few friends, the one who said yes too often, even when everything inside screamed no. I was quiet when I had thoughts. Agreeable when I disagreed. I didn’t learn to stand up, I learned to blend in.
That worked. Until it didn’t.
During my final internship, I sat between four white walls, behind a glowing screen, barely interacting with others. And every cell in my body told me: This isn’t it.
Not just “this job”, but this way of living.
I’m not made to shrink behind a desk.
But what am I made for? That’s the question I need to go answer, not in a book, but in the world.
I’ve followed others for most of my life. As a kid, I always went along with my brother’s plans. I rarely voiced my own wants, not because I didn’t have any, but because I didn’t think they mattered. That habit stuck. Until recently.
When I went on a short group dynamics trip with other students, I made a vow: This time, I’ll do things differently.
I took initiative. I connected with people I normally wouldn’t. I didn’t hold back. And for the first time, I felt what it means to show up as myself, no filter, no role to play.
It felt freeing. Real.
But the moment I came home, I picked up the same emotional backpack I’d left behind.
I don’t want to carry that anymore.
I want to live aligned with who I really am, not just now and then, but always.
That’s why I’m leaving.
In late October, I’m setting off on a solo world trip.
Not for a holiday. Not for pleasure.
But to challenge myself, deeply and deliberately, through 100 uncomfortable experiences.
Some physical. Some social. Some emotional. Some painfully quiet.
Every one of them, chosen to shake me awake.
I need variety. I need movement. I need meaning.
Doing the same thing, even if it’s “good”, kills me slowly.
And I’m not here to coast through life, I’m here to build it. Fully.
What’s my biggest fear?
That I go out there and return unchanged.
That I only gain what I could’ve learned in theory, behind a laptop in Belgium.
That would break me.
But I’m not going to let that happen.
Because I won’t be alone.
This journey, while solo, needs witnesses.
People who believe in growth, in discomfort, in transformation.
People who keep me accountable, not through pressure, but through presence.
If that’s you, thank you.
“Authenticity is what I’m after. Not perfection. Not performance. Just the raw truth of who I am, and who I’m becoming.”
Why I’m Doing This?
I don’t want to live a safe life. I want to live a full one. And to do that, I need to stop hiding behind routines, habits and the illusion of security.
I need to feel life again. Fully.
That’s why I’m taking a solo world trip. Not for fame. Not for show.
But to face 100 personal challenges that push me in every direction.
Physically, mentally, emotionally, socially.
Some will be fun. Some will wreck me. That’s the point.
Growth doesn’t happen by doing what you’ve always done. It happens when you step into the unknown with both feet.
Why I Need You
I could do this quietly. Go alone. Come back.
But that’s not the path I’m choosing.
Because I know myself.
I know how easy it is to stay in comfort.
To run back when it gets hard.
That’s why I’m doing this publicly. Because I want to be held accountable.
Not by pressure. Not by guilt. But by presence.
If I know you’re here, watching, believing in this, I’ll keep going.
Even when it’s messy. Even when it’s hard.
Your support isn’t just money.
It’s a signal: “I see what you’re doing. I believe in it.”
And that signal gives me fuel.
What You’ll Get
This isn’t a one-way story. If you’re supporting me, you’re part of this.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- A raw, unfiltered documentary when I return
- An invitation to an exclusive avant-première event
- Honest reflections throughout the journey
- And access to my private Polarsteps travel log after donating
These won’t be pretty highlight reels. They’ll be real.
The good, the bad, the doubts, the breakthroughs. All of it.
Join the Journey
This project isn’t just for me.
It’s for anyone who feels stuck, disconnected or tired of playing small.
It’s a reminder that there’s another way to live. One with risk, with truth, with intention.
If that speaks to you, then join me.
Follow the story. Keep me accountable.
Help me step fully into life, no turning back.
Every euro helps. Every voice matters.
Donate via GoFundMe
You’ll get access to the journey after your support.
Note: GoFundMe adds a default 17.5% tip to the donation. This is optional and can be adjusted manually at checkout.
Be A Part Of The Journey
Thank you for being here
Whether you support this journey financially, emotionally, or simply by reading this far, thank you.
You’re not just watching something unfold.
You’re part of what gives it meaning.
Your presence makes this real. Your belief gives it weight.
And your quiet “yes” on the other side of the screen?
That matters more than you know.
This isn’t just my journey anymore.
It’s ours now.