You’ve heard a lot about The Dusty Camel and Ian Mangiardi, both on this site and in Appalachian Trials.  Ian played a huge role in my thru-hike preparation, and ultimately, the book.  For this I am forever grateful.

But the catalyst to all of the AT goodwill began even before Ian took the reigns of Zach’s pre-trail therapist.  It was Josh Turner of Camping Gear TV who got the ball rolling, not only by putting me in touch with Ian, but also introducing me to many of the sponsors of his show (including Hi Tec, Eureka!, and Innate Gear).

The good folks of Camping Gear TV have dealt another bout of good fortune to the Good Badger (three goods, one sentence – the grammar equivalent of two girls, one cup.).  They decided to let me talk about living in the woods for a half year.  On video.  And they posted it.

If you’re into the outdoors in any capacity, I highly recommend subscribing to Camping Gear TV (either through RSS, Facebook, YouTube and/or Twitter accounts).  If REI and Santa made a superbaby, this superbaby would be Camping Gear TV.  In other words, they give you awesome camping equipment for free.  Get some.

- Side Note of Awesomeness -

Guess which book recently got a positive endorsement from Tim Ferriss (read the comments), author of New York Times NUMBER 1 Best-Selling The 4-Hour Workweek and The 4-Hour Body?  Hint: I wrote it.  The cover is currently getting a slight makeover.

I have this friend…

This friend is a diligent worker.  This friend shows up to work earlier and earlier every year.  This friend leaves work later and later.  This friend  eats a very abbreviated lunch at their desk.  This friend handles urgent work e-mail on the weekend (and most e-mail is urgent).  This friend has lost touch with many friends and family.  This friend has fallen into the trap.

This friend’s name:  WAY TOO MANY FUCKING PEOPLE. 

I understand, you work these hours because you have to, not because you want to.  The alternative could very likely spell unemployment, Ramen, mass transit, and 1-ply toilet paper.  The few extra hours at the office are worth not wiping with wax paper.  On this, we agree.

Here’s where we might not agree: compromising your sanity for the sake of your livelihood. 

Working eighty hour weeks is unacceptable*.  It’s unacceptable because, believe it or not, it’s avoidable.  That’s right, there’s a very real chance that you can work fewer hours, while not only keeping your job, but excelling (not the Microsoft kind) in the process.

* = If you’re working your life’s passion, there are no thresholds, limits, or constranits.  In this situation you aren’t working, you’re putting in time to get to where you’re supposed to be.  You aren’t living for Friday.  You aren’t suicidal on Monday.  The feeling is totally different.  This scenario is ideal.  

The Why

But before we tackle the how, we must confront the why.  It may seem silly to ask the question “why should I work fewer hours?”  The answer is obvious: because working more blows harder than the fat kid extinguishing his birthday candles.  There are a million things you’d rather do than sit in conference room watching three just-above-totally-incompetent humans restate each other in their own words.

But the fact of reality is that people are creatures of habit.  Once you start stringing together a few excessive work weeks, excessive work weeks become the norm.  Although it’s not desirable, it’s what we’re used to.

But there is a very compelling reason why you shouldn’t be working eighty hour work weeks: it’s raping your soul.

You get to work at 7, leave at 7 (the other one), while failing to give yourself a minute of reprieve in between.  You eat lunch at your desk!!!  Forget the fact that your digestion suffers while stuffing your face over e-mail.  Forget the fact that sucking your lunch down in 4.5 bites will do little to satiate (the purpose of eating).  This is a matter of principle.  Work shouldn’t feel like suffocation, whereby the day’s end marks your release from the stranglehold.   It’s time to take a stand.

“I vow to eat lunch outside, under the sun.  I vow to grant myself an hour to enjoy the day.  I vow to start taking care of my mental health.” 

Maybe you’re too much of the nose-to-the-grindstone type to be convinced that an hour away from e-mail is acceptable use of your time. Sixty minutes away from your desk would breed more anxiety than relief.  For you, there is a much more convincing reason to go clear your mind, it will make you better at your job.  Are you more productive when you’re happy, refreshed, and not a slave to a set of unhealthy routines?  I know I am.

Assuming your work involves any degree of creativity or big picture conceptualization, the worst thing you can do to your productivity is abuse your sanity.  A clear mind is a creative mind.  You already make attempts to preserve your sanity through Facebook, YouTube, or Shit[insert any noun]Says.  The problem with using Facebook as your tool for sanity preservation is that Facebook isn’t satisfying; it’s easily accessed and a better alternative to what you’re supposed to be doing.  If you replaced every minute spent perusing your Newsfeed with real fulfillment, you’d be happier and more productive (A causes B).

But again, this is a principle stand.  The goal of life isn’t attached to a dollar sign.  The goal of life is happiness (you would spend said money in hopes of achieving happiness, but misery doesn’t have to be the price tag – and money is rarely the answer).  Happiness is mental health.  Mental health is taking care of yourself.  Taking care of yourself means NOT EATING YOUR TRADER JOES WRAP AT YOUR FUCKING DESK.

The How

Okay, here’s the $803,055 question (I’ve never understood the reference quite honestly, which won’t prevent me from butchering using it).  How do we maintain, if not improve our productivity in the process of working fewer hours?

I thought you’d never ask.

The answer starts with taking a step back.  Every day, you’re given a set of tasks.  You’re given a set of metrics to measure your productivity of said tasks.  You do the tasks, you’re given more tasks.  The cycle repeats.  That’s a job.

That’s also the trap.  Who makes the rules for what you’re supposed to be doing?  Your boss?  Your boss’ boss?  Here’s an interesting fact about your boss and your boss’ boss.  They’re people- and likely no smarter than you.  Maybe they went to school for longer than you.  Maybe they’ve been at the company for a few extra years.  But, odds are, they weren’t born with a pre-disposition to be the unquestioned authority of what you do.

The point is – your job isn’t merely to do the tasks assigned to you.  Your job is to make as big an impact at your company as possible.  In most cases, that will fall outside the scope of your “job description”.   The person who best knows how to make the greatest impact at work is you.  You bring a unique set of skills, a unique perspective, and unique energy to your company.  Don’t mask that.  Find the inefficiencies.  Fix them.  Make it known that you’re shaking shit up.  Take chances.  If anyone above you has any brains, they will take notice.  They will notice your creativity.  They will notice your leadership.   They will notice your innovation.  You know what they won’t notice (or more likely stop noticing)?

That you took an hour at the park to enjoy your lunch.

Work smarter.  Not harder.

Be happier.

This website didn’t used to be about me.  Sure my name is in the URL.  And yeah, the “about me” page contains more info about me than any person should know.  But the content of the posts were always marketing best practices, technology tutorials, and how to get your cat on Oprah-types-of-insights.  The subject changed, but it was consistently not me.

And then I went on a hike. 

Although I tried to make the focus of my writing the trail’s culture, I started to leak into the posts.  I never liked the idea of writing about me, too many people do it, and, in my opinion, very few do it well.  I didn’t want to fall into that category.   But in order for a hiker’s journal to have any context, it’s important to get to know the hiker.

So, I opened up.  One thing led to another.  I finished the trail.  I wrote a book.  I made a lot of noise about said book.  And now here we are…

Normally, I wouldn’t find a post updating you on the status of my life worth writing, but I am also cognizant of the fact that there are now people who care about the Badger behind the screen.  I’ve received enough e-mails inquiring about a life update to make this theory seem less delusional.  Although, far be it from me to let delusion prevent action.

So if you don’t care about a Zach Davis State of the Union, now is the time to click the “x” box in the top right corner.

….

You’re still with me?  Good.  I always liked you best anyway.

Here’s what’s new in the world of the Good Badger.

1) I have a job

As it turns out, writing two blog posts a month isn’t enough to pay the bills (or even to buy the pen that signs the check).  So instead of living at home forever, I decided to go the route that doesn’t end in suicide and join the working world.

I have accepted a position as the Marketing Director for Tech Cocktail, an emerging technology media company.  In a nutshell, my job is to be me- for them.  Pretty sweet.

More specifically – I write.  I cover startups.  I organize events.  I create and manage digital projects.  I meet and interact with millionaires and poor people who will soon be millionaires.  I learn a lot.  I send a tremendous amount of e-mails.

At this point, you might be asking yourself…

Aren’t you falling straight back into the technology suckhole you were so desperately trying to escape?

Although the conditions are eerily similar to where I was before leaving for the trail (working remotely, no strict hours, many projects), I have learned my lesson.  I know now that in order to my job effectively I have to intentionally build in a fair amount of fuck around time into my week.  The reason I’ve been slow to post here, is because my free time has largely been spent on hikes, exploring, and being social.  Fool me once, Appalachian Trail thru-hike.  Fool me twice, shame on me. 

As to the technology issue, yes, I am surrounded by all things tech on all levels at all times.  I like technology, and judging by the amount of interactions we have on Facebook, so do you.  I’ve learned that technology is not the enemy; it’s only our usage of it that can be at fault.  When it’s time to Tech Cocktail (a new verb I’m experimenting with), I am in a vortex of Tweets, cloud-based collaborative platforms, software, and keystrokes.  When it’s time for Zach to recharge, he is in the mountains, he is with friends, or playing basketball.  His phone is no where to be found (unless you look in his middle console or bedroom – this is not an invitation to rob him). 

So far, it’s been good (healthy and sustainable).  Plus, I like my job.  I like the people I work with.  I believe in the company.  I was fortunate to have options, and I chose based upon the above characteristics.  But most importantly, as I already stated, I get to be me.

My position involves having a fairly visible online persona.   For most who too share this digital semi-spotlight, it’s important that they speak through their work mouth – which roughly translates to constant self-censorship.  I’ve never been good at that and I have stopped trying.  In other words, I can tweet the occasional hippo having a crazy explosive diarrhea fart, and not worry about losing my job.  That’s important.  Once you start compromising on hippo farts, it’s all over.

2)  I moved to San Francisco

I moved to San Francisco.  Because I work remotely, I can live anywhere (with wi-fi access, that is).  San Francisco was my top choice.  Why?  Yosemite, Sonoma, Napa, Big Sur, John Muir Woods, Tahoe, Pacific Ocean.  Oh and the city is pretty neat too.  If you live in the bay area and like to drink beer, we should coordinate.

3)  I will write another book

Someday.  I have already decided.  Probably not this week, or this year, but before long.  You made the entire process a lot of fun, and I’m already itching to make the next one better.  But for now, I am focusing on Tech Cocktail’ing and getting lost in the mountains when I can.  If you want to be the first to know when the next idea drops, the Good Badger e-mail club is for you.

4)  Thank you

That’s not new, or even a thing really, but still very important and true.  Your Amazon reviews have made the book launch a glowing success.  I am proud of the early reception of Appalachian Trials (the best Appalachian Trail book ever written by a Badger), and you are the reason for this being so.  I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heat.

That’s it.

Stay good,

Zach

Hi team,

I just wanted to let you know that Badger’s Appalachian Trail book has its own website.   If you’re so inclined, check it out, let me know what you think, maybe get a book or seven (one for Snow White and six of her dwarfs- Dopey doesn’t get one until he cleans his act up), maybe “like” the page, maybe tweet it, or Google plus it.  Or maybe do none of that.  That’s up to you.  I’m just giving you options.

The new Appalachian Trials website was designed and developed by Adam Nutting of Hiking the Trail.  You should check out Adam’s site because he gives you free gear.

Also, as a little bit of a change in procedure- this website will slowly be transitioning away from all things Appalachian Trail.  There is now a dedicated Appalachian Trials blog that will be taking over that role in due time.  It’s still a bit rough right now, but I promise you, it will eventually be awesome.  And let this be a warning to 2012 thru-hikers, pay attention to this blog over the course of the next couple of weeks.  Just trust me, k?

the Good Badger will return to its regular scheduled programming, which roughly translates to whatever is on my mind for the day.  I may still chat about the AT, but I may also try to get you to move to San Diego.  You just can’t be sure.

Also a little update with the status of the book:

You guys are amazing.  We already have 10 reviews.  That really, truly means a lot to me (as you likely already know).  If you have read the book and wouldn’t mind taking 89 seconds out of your day to share your thoughts with Amazon, that would bring a smile to my face.  Also, I’m hopeful Amazon will soon link the print and e-book page so all reviews feed into one.  ARE YOU LISTENING AMAZON!?!

That’s all we have for now.

Bear hugs,

Zach

HOLY HOT DAMN

Five words:

Appalachian Trials, Available in PRINT

“Sorry, I couldn’t hear you, can you say that again please?”

Sure.  I said…

MOTHER-F*#(NG APPALACHIAN TRIALS, AVAILABLE IN MOTHER-F(&!NG PRINT.

“Sorry it sounded like there was golden joy sauce pouring directly into my ear cavity.  Maybe you can say that one more time?”

Appalachian Trials: A Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, as of today, February 8, 2012 is available in print.

Here’s a short video on why you might enjoy reading it.

Read the first chapter for free

To make good on my promise, for those who purchased both the Kindle version, as well as the print version by February 15, 2012, I will send you a signed copy of the book, on the (Good) Badger.  E-mail me both of your receipts at theGoodBadger@gmail.com, and I will dedicate your book in any way you like (I’m a pretty good artist.  And when I say good, I mean laughably bad.  I’m the Nickleback of artists.  But some people like Nickleback.  Those who don’t, can at least laugh at them.  That’s the equivalent of my artistic ability.)

For those who may have noticed, the Amazon sell page isn’t completely filled out yet.  Apparently that takes a few days (Amazon’s doing, not mine).  Eventually, all of you fine folks who left wonderful reviews for the e-book version (by the way, THANK YOU), will show up on this page as well.  Again, you are doing me a huge favor by doing this.  I’m sincerely truly, truly grateful for all the wonderful words you guys have left thus far.   To be clear, I would never ask you to leave a dishonest review.  Appalachian Trials only wants to earn your 5-star review.

I’ve consumed a lot of coffee so I’m going to continue to ramble. Feel free to jump ship to the Appalachian Trail book page whenever you want.

So some of you may be wondering why the reviews matter so much?

Honesty = Best policy.

Aside from being a heavy ranking factor in Amazon’s search algorithm, it’s what fellow Amazon shoppers use as their gauge for making a purchase.  I will paint out each of the following scenarios for you:

Scenario 1 – Only a few reviews:  Badger gets few reviews on his book revealing a mixed opinion on quality.  Some think it’s garbage.  Some think it’s compost (which is only slightly better than garbage).  Appalachian Trials dies in its tracks.  Zach’s aspirations to become a word writer on published paper dies along with it.  He’s forced into the only other career path available to him (eye brow model: see intro picture).

Zach has many great years flexing his forehead muscles on the catwalk and on prominent billboards, but his true passion for life, expressing the insanity that lies behind the eyebrows, never gets fulfilled.  He grows bitter and recklessly decids to spend all of his eyebrow wealth on purchasing the first HondaCopter (Honda’s first car/helicopter hybrid).  Because Zach is impatient, he arrogantly believes he can fly his HondaCopter without formal training.  Turns out he can.  Right into a tree.  Zach survives, but must spend the next half year in a hospital bed.  The nurse brings him some reading material to help pass the time.  It’s the latest New York Times Best Seller -  Pacific Unrest – A Psychological guide to hiking the PCT.

NOOOO!!!!!!!

Scenario 2 – Lots of happy reviews:  Zach makes a modest living talking about HondaCopters and making lots of awesome new friends in the process.  The end.

It’s up to you.

But in all sincerity.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for everything thus far.  You don’t have to do anything, I’m already indefinitely grateful for all of the support I’ve gotten.  You guys have made this an insanely fun journey.  Without you, I would be a paralyzed eyebrow model.

Thank you.

Also, I would like to give special thanks to the following people.  Without you, this book would either not exist or exist in a much shittier fashion.

Co-Editor: Michele Weiner-Davis

Some may refer to you as the best-selling author of Divorce Busting, I of course, refer to you as “mom.”  Although we often did not see eye-to-eye on this process, you refused to quit on me- even when I was an intolerable ass (see: often).  Thank you.  I love you.

Co-Editor: B. Hanson MacDonald

B- to put it bluntly, you are fucking amazing.  Not only did you make this book a much, much, much, much more polished version than the one I handed you, but your consistently kind feedback and passion for this project fed right back onto me.  You deserve so much credit in this.  Thank you!!!

Cover Design: Paula Murphy

Paula, flat out, you’re a genius.  You too had to put up with my volatile mind-changing antics, but in the end, the finished product is one that makes me very proud.  I hope you feel the same.  For those looking for some highly professional and creative design work, PLEASE check out: branditarians.com

Website Design (coming soon): Adam Nutting

Although you haven’t seen it yet, we have a new website for the book coming out very shortly.  It was designed by Founder of Hiking the Trail, Adam Nutting.  Adam gets shit done.  Adam is a great support.  Adam is a great guy.  Thank you for everything thus far Adam!  (side note: more big news coming out of the new site – stay posted!)

Contributors: Ian Mangiardi, Aubby Duggan, and Miss Janet Henley

Ian- I’m done talking about you.  The only name that exists in the book more than my own, is yours.  I kid.  You are a living manifestation of benevolence.  Without your help, it is quite likely I would have joined the 70% of hikers who fall short of Katadhin.  Without your help this book wouldn’t be possible.  Thank you.  (Side note: check out Ian’s site The Dusty Camel.  He has an amazing PCT documentary coming out later this year – I got a sneak peak.)

Aubby (Cayenne) Duggan – Your story adds an emotional layer to this book that would otherwise be missing, but even aside from that, I am truly glad our paths crossed on the trail.  I am very proud of you for sticking to your goal.  You are a badass and a kind soul.  Thank you.

Miss Janet – It is spirits like you that make the AT the surreal experience that it is.  Aside from the wonderful words of wisdom you offer in this book, the countless others that you help along the AT makes you a trail angel in every sense of the word.  Thank you.

By clicking here, I acknowledge that I will be linked to the greatest Appalachian Trail book ever written. 

Last note, this book is written for:

1. Aspiring thru-hikers
2. Those on the fence about hiking the AT
3. Those who want to know what goes on inside of the head of an AT-thru-hiker
4. Those following loved ones on the trail.
5. Those looking for inspiration to accomplish a major accomplishment in their life

Although the book will make you laugh (I hope), it is by no means a comedy.  It is also not a “Zach Davis hikes the Appalachian Trail“, although there are stories about my hike.  The most accurate description is the book’s subtitle: A Psyschological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail.  If you’ve enjoyed this website, you will enjoy the book, but I wanted to be clear about our expectations here.

I am fielding suggestions for the next book

Good chat.

Love,

Zach

After months of writing, editing, formatting, fighting with myself and others (mostly myself), and designing, the day has finally arrived….

Appalachian Trials is here!!!

Assuming “here” means “available in e-book form”

So the print version is still a little ways away (days, not weeks), but the Kindle Version of Appalachian Trials is up & active:

APPALACHIAN TRIALS on KINDLE

Reasons to buy the Kindle (e-book) Version:

1. The hyperlinks are active (you click, it goes)
2. There are pictures (including the angry turtle and a homeless clown)
3. It’s available now

Reasons to buy the Print Version:

1. It’s a MOTHERF*#&@*NG book.

Reasons to buy both:

1. If you buy the e-book, and you like it enough to actually buy the print book, I will send you a signed copy of Appalachian Trials.  Seriously.  E-mail me at theGoodBadger@gmail.com, and provide the recipe ts for both purchases, and I will send you a signed copy of Appalachian Trials (on the house, and only for a limited time.  I will get more specifics once we launch the print version).  You can then giveaway your original copy to the person in your life who most enjoys yellow books.
2. Because you want to encourage Zach to write more books.
3. Because you bet on the Giants winning last night.

As for e-mailing me both receipts to get a signed copy of Appalachian Trials, there’s probably a way to forge that.  To protect against such a scenario, I will kindly request that you: “please not do that“.  I’m not some a profit-at-any-costs, mega-corporation.  I’m a dude with a computer and (occasionally) a beard.

And the early feedback on Appalachian Trials….  We had a few people dig into it yesterday (Sunday)….

Tom K. says: “….so far, your book rocks.”

Jill B. says: “I’m totally finishing this tonight, such a good read!”

B. H. MacDonald says: “Some chances only come along once in a lifetime. I was given the incredible opportunity to edit this book. It was absolutely my ‘once in a lifetime’ professional event.   Anyone who knows me understands how much I value words and writing…. I owe a tremendous debt to you, Zach Davis, for trusting me with your words. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this chance.  Friends: please like this book and remember Zach’s name. You won’t regret it.“  (Note: B- edited this book. The only two people who have read it more than her, is the other editor- and me.)

If you’re waiting for the print version of Appalachian Trials, fear not, the wait won’t be too much longer.

However, if you prefer e-books, you can’t wait another day, and/or want to get started down the route of getting a signed copy of Appalachian Trials, you should go here:  I Want Appalachian Trials on Kindle NOWWWW

I will get this onto the iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and the other electronic book stores ASAP.  But you can access the Kindle version from pretty much any smartphone, tablet, or, of course, Kindle reader.

Second to last note (thank you):

You guys have sincerely been extremely instrumental during this entire process.  Anytime I have been on the fence regarding anything, whether it’s format, pricing, book content, hell…even the book’s TITLE, I have come to you.  And you always come through.  A very sincere thank you to all of you.  It has been (and will continue to be) so much fun interacting with you directly.  Please continue sending e-mails, leaving comments, posting on facebook, and Twittering at me on Twitter.

Last note (favor):

Upon reading Appalachian Trials (if you so choose to do so), if you wouldn’t mind offering your review on the Amazon webpage, that would be a big help to Badger.  Amazon decides their ranking largely on user feedback.  I’m not asking for a 5-star review (although that would be awesome); just your honest assessment.

Hugs and high fives,

Zach

P.S. – I’m in a motel because I’m currently in the process of moving to San Francisco.  If you a) live in the bay area and b) want to drink a beer, you know where to reach me.

P.P.S – Appalachian Trials has it’s own Twitter and Facebook account.  The book actually does all of its own Tweeting.  Quite frankly, it’s weird.

P.P.S. – Am I rambling?

So about a week ago, we ran a promotion auctioning off the last page of my upcoming book, Appalachian Trials.  The highest bidder won the right to input their name on the last page of the book.

With a high bid of $203.50, Ryan Mogan is our winner! 

Not only does Ryan Mogan now own the last page of Appalachian Trials, but 100% of his winning bid is going straight to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (the fine workers and volunteers who maintain the Appalachian Trail).

And not only is Ryan Mogan now the most famous person in the history of last pages, but his altruistic deed factually makes him a good person.  That’s a hell of a deal if you ask me.

In all sincerity, a HUGE thank you to Ryan Mogan for your very generous bid.  You rock.

(Side note: As of today, February 2, 2012, Appalachian Trials has a cover.)

The below e-mail should say: “thank you Ryan Mogan“.

Hi team,

So, my Appalachian Trail book, is finished (official launch coming soon).

Well, almost…

I have every page written, except for the last.

That’s where YOUR NAME goes.  Only your name.

Yes, I’m serious.  No, I’m not drunk.

Imagine flipping through the final pages of this soon-to-be-released Appalachian Trail super-book, and the last thing you see – the reader’s final impression – is your name.  That’s what’s happening.

I’m going to auction off the last page of my book on eBay.  The highest bidder wins their name, and their name only, on the last page of the soon-to-be-announced-release-of-Zach-Davis’-first-book-Appalachian Trials.  It’s easy as that.  I will start the auction at $0.05 with no reserve.

100% of the proceeds will go to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (eBay takes their cut because they’re capitalists*)

* – “9.0% of the item’s total cost to buyer with a maximum charge of $100.00.” (Every penny that eBay doesn’t take from Zach will go straight to the ATC).

Here’s how you can get YOUR NAME on the last page of Appalachian Trials:

1. Go to this link to view the auction page
2. Bid to get your name in the last page of Appalachian Trials
3. The auction will end on January 31st, 2012 at 10:00 AM CST.  When it does, the high bidder wins their name in the last page of my book (sorry for sounding like a broken record).
4. That’s it.

Some notes about the promotion:

• As you know by now, I get a good chuckle out of potty humor, but I won’t put a dirty word on the last page of the book.  Sorry, I don’t believe that your name is “Farty McBallSlap“.
• Appalachian Trials will be released both as a print and e-book.  Your name goes in both.  One name, two formats.
• I have contacted the ATC about this promotion (still waiting to hear back).  Those who know me already know that I wouldn’t ever try to pull a Bernie Madeoff on anyone.  For those who don’t know me, know that at the conclusion of this promotion, the ATC will be expecting a check from me.  If I would try to pull a fast one, they would very quickly make this public and then Zach would be forced to live under a bridge for the rest of time.

Reasons Why This Promotion is Worth Your Bid

1. I had to write 40,000 words to get my name in it.  You can accomplish the same thing with ~39,998 fewer words.  That’s a good deal.
2. High upside.  I’m pretty confident that we’ve got a winner on our hands here (really).  Getting your name in a book that could potentially be popular within this very beautiful niche, is an exciting proposition.
3. It’s ridiculous.  Your name would stand alone on the last page of Appalachian Trials.  I haven’t taken the time to research if this has ever been done before, but considering most books go through traditional publishers, and traditional is Latin for boring, I’m guessing not.  (Side note: Appalachian Trials is currently scheduled to be released under Good Badger Publishing (aka self-published).  If in the future a traditional publisher wants to give me a cruise ship full of cash for the rights, I won’t let the last page with your name on it fall by the wayside.  It’s there for the long haul.)
4. It’s funny.  Is it not?
5. It’s for a good cause.  Did I mention that 100% of the proceeds goes toward the ATC (the wonderful volunteers and workers who maintain our beautiful 2,181 mile path of wonder, mystery and love)?
6. Good Advertising.  I will announce the winner of this contest on this website.  Ultimately when someone reads the book and searches “Appalachian Trials + [your name]” the post announcing your victory will be what shows up in Google.  They will see that your donation went to the ATC.  In addition, I will let the winner write a short statement and link to the website/cause of their choice.  That’s right.  In-book advertising.  What is that worth to you/your company?  (*Note*  No URLs in the book itself, only in the victorious post, which will still be seen by a lot of people.  Also, I’ve had people ask if they can pool their money together and then make a fake name- YES.  I love the creativity.  Just no potty words, offensive phrases, or competing products.)

So, go check out the eBay bid, throw a couple dollars at the idea of your name being on the book, share the promotion with others (like this page, retweet it, e-mail friends, shout it at strangers) so we can help raise more money for this worthy organization.  And then probably consider checking out Appalachian Trials.

Last note- I will announce the winner on this site and the Good Badger Facebook Page.  I suggest “liking” it so I can let you know when you win YOUR NAME on the last page of Appalachian Trials.

Questions? E-mail me at theGoodBadger[at]gmail[dot]com.

Here is the link to the auction page.

Holy Moldy Mayo, Batman!

2011 has been a monumental year for Mr. Zach Davis; this is a simple fact.

It all started with a post. 

January 2011

I was suffering from a fairly severe case of life dissatisfaction.  As is a common scenario amongst the employed population, I was at odds with my boss.  So- I did what any over-worked, under-appreciated, and slightly over-confident employee does to their boss- tells them to shove it.  Unfortunately, in this particular scenario, I was the boss.

So, in search of some life answers, I decided to shake shit up a bit.  Me, the class clown, computer nerd, sheltered son to a highly over-protective Jewish mother announced that he would be spending the next half year backpacking through the woods of Appalachia.  Not knowing the first thing about backpacking, camping, or really anything related to being outside for longer than 9 innings, I was eager to take on the biggest challenge of my life.  And by eager, I of course mean anxious as fuck.

One of two things was going to happen:

1) I was going to find the life answers I was so desperately in search of, or

2) I was going to end up in a bear’s digestive tract.

December 2011

I am happy to report that not only did I avoid #2, I made decent progress down route #1.

And because so many of you have spent so much time with me during this journey, I’d like to share some of the insights that have found me along the way.

1) Don’t Stress the Future

Pre-Appalachian Trail Zach lived in the future.  The soundtrack of my thoughts was an ongoing stream of worrying about what needed to get done.  I was a prisoner of my own mind.  There was no rest.  My impending dissatisfaction was a long-time coming.

Upon my entering the trail, so too did this mindset.  Every day involved a comparison of the mileage needed to complete the trail by our projected date versus actual distance covered.  If we did 14 miles on a day we were scheduled for 16, the following day called for an equal overcompensation.

And then the woods sunk in.

It’s common for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers to enter into a state of mindlessness.  Some refer to this as flow.  As days start to blend into one another, the concept of time begins to dissipate.  The sun replaces the digital numbers on your wrist, the sprawl of trees replaces the barrage of information, and space replaces stress.  You transition into a meditative state where the past and future lose their stranglehold on you – presence emerges.

Without having memories to cherish or goals to strive toward, pre-AT Zach would have denounced this concept of life as void of meaning.

I now believe the opposite to be the case.  Goals give us a direction.  Memories form the emotional context for our lives.  But, life exists in neither.  Life exists in the gaps.  Life exists in attention.  Life exists in the details.

This doesn’t mean that goals aren’t important.  They are.  Ultimately- through presence, we devise goals better aligned to our true and unique purpose.

The important takeaway, however, is to not get caught up in the chase.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail isn’t about arriving at Mt. Katadhin.  Hiking the Appalachian Trail is about each of the five million steps along the way.

Life isn’t about achieving a certain income, “making it” to retirement, or buying a certain house.  Like the AT, life is about each step along the way. 

Don’t take a single moment for granted and live every day as if it were your last.

2)  Capability is a Mindset

I have been an advocate of this philosophy for quite some time.  There was only one problem, I wasn’t living it, at least not to the extent that I wanted.

The “you can do anything” mentality was my personal Santa Claus: I wanted to believe in it, but was afraid to dig beneath the surface in fear of discovering a disturbing reality.

I can now say with both experience and conviction that mindset determines capability.

On paper, there was no-one more ill-equipped to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail than me.  I was surely destined to join the 80% of attempting hikers that ultimately fall short of their goal.

But- what I lacked in know-how and experience, I made up for with obsessive mental preparation.  I put great effort into installing the proper software in my head to assure myself why I was hiking.  This was huge.

When the trail becomes difficult, as it does for any attempting thru-hiker, having purpose is what separates those who throw in the towel from those who persevere.  Too many hikers dedicate their pre-trail efforts to the wrong practices.  Spending countless hours constructing an elaborate re-supply schedule may feel productive, but it will do little to keep you on the trail.  Dedicating weeks on the stair-stepper leading up to the trail will make the early transition easier, but again, will do nothing to keep your spirits high when shit hits the fan.

Simply having a clear and compelling answer as to why you are hiking is by far and away the most important way an aspiring thru-hiker can prepare themselves for the Appalachian Trail.  With the proper mindset, we are capable of anything.

Today, I’m leveraging this mentality to accomplish another life-long goal: write a book.

For the longest time, I’ve had the idea of writing a book.  For various reasons, I kept talking myself out of it.  “People won’t read it and if they do, they won’t like it.”… “I’ll do it next year.” … “I just don’t have enough time.”

Sound familiar?

The critic’s voice will always live in our heads- it still lives in mine.  But now I have a new yardstick in my repertoire.  “Fuck- if I could hike the AT, writing a book is child’s play.”  Note: writing a book is mentally distressing, but in comparison to thru-hiking the AT, it is child’s play.

As I put the finishing touches on Appalachian Trials, I am left seeking my next Appalachian Trail.  Accomplishment is crack; I’m feening.

So for 2012, ask yourself what it is that you want to accomplish.  Instead of letting the critic talk you into another year of compromise, take the leap of faith.  You’ll be eternally grateful you did.  I promise.

3)  A renewed faith in humanity

This is a lesson I learned directly from you, the reader, the trail angel, and fellow thru-hiker.

Before the AT, I was a cynic of human nature.  I saw people as a collection of self-serving robots programmed to consume as much as possible before the end of their days.  Albeit dismal, it was my truth.

I attribute much of this perception to the business school culture.  In talking to fellow classmates, I often got the feeling that they were calculating to see what was in it for them.  If I didn’t present a route for furthering their career, they instantly checked out of the conversation.  In looking back, there was truth to this, but I don’t blame the individuals.  It’s a cultural issue.

Going into the AT, I had heard much of trail culture, but didn’t really know what to make of it.  Was the all hoopla mindless hippie propaganda?

During my 2,181 mile trek, I saw a new side of human nature. 

I saw the fellow hiker who was willing to share the rest of his food with a hungry hiker, even if that meant he didn’t know where his next two meals were coming from.

I saw the trail angel, who was willing to backtrack 45 minutes out of his way the night before a red-eye flight to ensure a trio of hungry, exhausted, and desperate hikers saw safety, and more importantly, a restaurant.

I saw you, the reader, send me, essentially a stranger, food, drink, and money simply because you wanted to put a smile on someone’s face.  By the way, you did, you totally did.

I saw countless strangers happily inviting haggard, filth-covered, and border-line serial-killer-esque hikers into their vehicles just because they looked as if they needed a helping hand.

I received more well-wishes via e-mail, Facebook message, and blog comments than I can even recount.

I saw a culture whereby a stranger’s well-being was every bit, if not more important than their own.  For the first time in my life, I had seen selflessness take precedence over selfishness.

In reality, there is no absolute truth.  There are selfless trail angels; there are greed stricken businessmen.  But my default position has shifted.  Perception is what forms our objective reality.  In looking for the bad in people, that’s what you will get.  The same is said for the good-natured side of people.  After the abundance of care I’ve received during the last 9 months, I simply cannot hold onto my prior views of people.  You have converted me- and I must say, I much prefer the lenses of these glasses. 

Thank you, truly.

and happy holidays*

*I’m legally required to say this