In our lives, we should always seek to learn, to grow and improve as people. This is a lifelong process, we must never stop stretching our boundaries. In considering this a couple weeks ago, I wrote a list of 7 things I should strive to improve at.

1. Actively seeking new, scary experiences. New experiences are captivating and expand one's comfort zone. It's good to do things that push our limits and stimulate learning. The excitement is on the edge and that's where I want to be.

You know that rare moment of clarity you get every once in a long while? That 30 seconds of brilliance, many times beyond the ordinary capacity of your brain, where you undeniably know you should do something. Maybe you just fully grasped a situation, can see beyond your fears, have an idea to create something great, realize a untouched niche in which you could start a business, or know you need to change a certain aspect of your life.

I had the brilliant idea one day to ride a bicycle across the United States to raise money for a non-profit children's hospital that saved my life. I had no idea what to do or how to do any of this (besides ride a bicycle). That same day, I just decided I was going to do it and kept progressing towards my goal. By the time I finished, I was an expert at bicycle touring, charity fundraising, conversing with strangers, TV interviews, and bicycle maintenance. I won a $10,000 scholarship, wrote a featured journal, had my photography published, raised nearly, $100,000 for my cause, inspired others, gained so much confidence, and altered the entire course of my life. Did I have any idea what was going to happen? Nope, I mostly feared getting hit by a car or my efforts going unnoticed.

Alan Watts, the man credited with bringing eastern philosophy to western civilization, lays out a simple logical argument for doing what you really want to do in life.