You know that feeling when you’re so excited about something, you can hardly sit still? Maybe it’s the rush before catching a wave, the thrill of finishing a creative project, or just the pure joy of being in a moment that feels perfectly you. That’s stokedness.
Stokedness is more than happiness—it’s an energy, an enthusiasm that fuels your spirit. And while it’s easy to feel stoked about big things, like a long-awaited vacation or a career milestone, the real magic happens when you learn to cultivate it in the small, everyday moments.
What Does It Mean to Be Stoked?
Being stoked is about being fully alive. It’s the joy of anticipation, the satisfaction of effort, and the contentment of presence rolled into one.
Think about a kid jumping into a pile of leaves. They’re not worried about raking them up later or how many leaves are in the pile. They’re just in it—soaking up the fun. That’s the heart of stokedness: embracing the now with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Why Stokedness Matters
In a world where burnout and stress are constant companions, stokedness can feel like a superpower. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about creating momentum and meaning in your life.
- It makes hard things easier. Tackling challenges feels less daunting when you’re excited about the process.
- It fuels creativity. Stokedness opens your mind to new ideas and possibilities.
- It builds resilience. A stoked mindset helps you bounce back faster when things don’t go as planned.
The best part? Stokedness isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create.
How to Cultivate Stokedness
So how do you invite more stokedness into your life, especially on those dull or stressful days? Here are a few simple ways to shift your perspective and find the joy in your daily grind.
1. Chase What Lights You Up
We all have things that spark joy—those activities, people, or places that make us feel alive. The trick is to make space for them, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.
- Love hiking? Plan a quick nature walk.
- Obsessed with music? Blast your favorite playlist on the drive home.
- Thrive on connection? Schedule coffee with a friend who makes you laugh.
When you prioritize the things that excite you, stokedness follows naturally.
2. Turn Mundane Moments Into Mini-Adventures
Not every day will be a thrill ride, but even the most ordinary tasks can be infused with a sense of fun.
- Turn a trip to the grocery store into a scavenger hunt for ingredients you’ve never tried.
- See how fast you can tidy up a messy room while blasting your favorite song.
- Make cooking dinner a creative experiment by trying a recipe from a different culture.
By shifting your mindset, you can turn “boring” into “playful.”
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Big goals are great, but don’t wait for the endgame to feel stoked. Celebrate every step along the way—whether it’s finishing a tough workout, sending that intimidating email, or just showing up when you didn’t feel like it.
When you pause to appreciate progress, you create a feedback loop of motivation and joy.
4. Be Present in the Process
Stokedness thrives in the present moment. It’s not about obsessing over the outcome—it’s about finding joy in the act of doing.
- When you’re working on a project, lose yourself in the flow.
- While spending time with loved ones, put down your phone and really listen.
- When challenges arise, embrace them as opportunities to grow.
Presence amplifies the little things, making them feel bigger and more meaningful.
The Stoked Mindset
Cultivating stokedness doesn’t mean forcing yourself to be happy all the time. It’s about finding joy where you can, leaning into what excites you, and approaching life with curiosity and gratitude.
When you make stokedness a daily practice, it spills over into every part of your life. You laugh more, stress less, and handle challenges with a sense of adventure instead of dread.
The Takeaway
Stokedness isn’t reserved for special occasions or big milestones—it’s a choice you make every day. It’s finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, the fun in the familiar, and the energy in the effort.
So, chase what lights you up. Celebrate every small victory. Be present in the process. And remember: life isn’t just meant to be lived—it’s meant to be stoked.
