Unlock Your Confidence: The Solo Dining Adventure
How 30 minutes alone at a table can skyrocket your self-assurance
"The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready." - Henry David Thoreau
Imagine walking into a bustling restaurant, confidently requesting a "Table for one," and thoroughly enjoying your meal without a hint of self-consciousness.
Sounds liberating, right?
Here's the thing: that scenario isn't just a fantasy. It's a superpower you can unlock, and I'm going to show you how.
Why should you care about dining alone? Because mastering this skill will:
Boost your self-confidence in all areas of life
Free you from dependency on others' schedules
Enhance your ability to enjoy your own company
Make traveling solo a breeze
Sharpen your observational skills and creativity
In other words, conquering solo dining isn't just about food - it's about becoming a more independent, self-assured version of yourself.
Recently, I was in Denver.
The vibrant RiNo district.
A crisp evening air filled with the promise of adventure – and the aroma of some seriously mouthwatering cuisine.
There I was, fresh from facilitating a staff retreat. The evening's activities had been a whirlwind – sharing my journey from shy kid to courage movement founder, and guiding the team through a Late Nite Art-inspired activity (shoutout to the brilliant Adam Rosendahl for that methodology).
As the night settled in, I faced a pivotal decision.
Option A: Retreat to my hotel room, indulge in a $30 room service burger, and binge-watch Netflix. Safe. Comfortable. Predictable.
Option B: Step out into the unknown. Dine alone in a city I barely knew. Leave my phone behind.
I'll be honest – the burger was tempting.
But something inside me whispered, "Scott, it's time to walk the talk."
So, I took a deep breath, left my digital security blanket (aka my phone) in the hotel room, and ventured out into the heart of Denver.
At first, it felt... weird. Like I was wearing my shoes on the wrong feet. The host's "Table for one?" seemed to echo through the restaurant. I half-expected pitying looks from other diners.
But you know what?
They never came.
This wasn't just dinner.
It was an act of self-trust.
By the time dessert rolled around (because when you're dining solo, you always say yes to dessert), I felt recharged, centered, and ready to tackle the next day's adventure at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Scott, that's great for you, but the thought of dining alone makes me want to subsist on vending machine snacks forever."
I get it.
The fear is real.
But here's the thing: that fear is also holding you back from some pretty amazing experiences.
So, what's the big deal about going solo? Well, it turns out, quite a lot:
It boosts confidence: Every solo adventure is a little victory over fear.
It enhances mindfulness: Without social distractions, you're more present in the moment.
It fosters independence: You learn to enjoy your own company and make decisions for yourself.
It opens you up to new experiences: When you're alone, you're more likely to chat with strangers or try new things.
This Week's Scare Your Soul Challenge: Your Phone-Free Solo Dining Adventure
Here's how you can unlock this confidence-boosting superpower:
Choose your restaurant: Pick a place you've always wanted to try.
Dress the part: Wear something that makes you feel confident.
Bring a prop: A book or journal can be comforting if you're nervous.
Engage with your surroundings: Notice the decor, the other diners, the flavors of your food.
Reflect: After your meal, write down how the experience made you feel.
Remember, this isn't about being antisocial. It's about proving to yourself that you can enjoy experiences on your own terms. It's about expanding your comfort zone and discovering a new kind of freedom.
Will it feel awkward at first?
Maybe.
But will you walk out feeling like a total badass?
Absolutely.
With courage, a touch of awkwardness, and a newfound appreciation for my own company,
P.S. If anyone gives you a pitying look while you're out solo, just smile mysteriously. They don't know you're on a secret mission to become more awesome.
Just for fun: Photos from Denver and Red Rocks!
Ready to bring this level of courage and self-discovery to your organization? Let's create some magic together! If you'd like me to come spread some courageous vibes in your town, drop me a line at scott@scareyoursoul.com.