What’s life without a little adventure?

One occurrence that consistently delivers unmatched enjoyment is the sheer magnificence of a spontaneous, exhilarating adventure. Ranging from a hike up the mountains, to an unplanned drive somewhere new, it is from these adventures I receive a heightened wellbeing, a newfound understanding from being outside my normal environment, and the sheer joy from doing something exciting–whether by myself or accompanied by other adventuring souls.

Adventures pull us away from the habitual routine we place upon ourself everyday, routines that take away many new experiences and chances for growth.

I challenge you:
Switch it up; do something different. And see that there are countless adventures waiting for you.

Next time you make a decision…

Each and every day we are given the opportunity to make decisions— some more important than others. We deviate decisions based on how we feel, the risk of them, and how each decision can benefit us. When decisions come at a great cost— money, time, resources— we examine closer the potential return, the potential benefit, and the potential lost.

Human nature tells us to invest the least possible amount of resources in an act of safety and cautiousness. Yet, we are better off investing a little more than we want, instead of investing a little less than we need. In the long run, that little extra effort, that little extra cost, will always prove cheaper and more beneficial. It’s vitally crucial, not that the utmost is put in to it (depending on circumstances), but that a more than adequate amount is put forth. You excel by creating a strong base and investing a little more than “just the right amount,” assuring safety and assuring a flourishing future.

When in a new pursuit, whatever it may be, commit to it, and, by investing the proper amount, see yourself advancing to the next level.

Be Phenomenal

We bleed passions; we dream; we strive for greatness. Yet, of course, the question remains, “how?”. I live for my ambitions, but not knowing the answer troubles me. I step in the right direction, putting my faith in God that everything transpires better than imagined. Envisioning, however, is half the battle. If the ambitions are truly passionate, long days, long weeks, and long years shall not dismay you. Eliminate old habits and sacrifice the person you are, for the blissful, successful person you’ll become. Nonetheless, if it proved easy there would be no pride–there would be no accomplishment. For now, until reaching the dream, you must BE PHENOMENAL. In every endeavor, in every piece of work, in everything you do— put forth the most absolute effort, inline with your vision, and remember the dreams you conceive and what you strive to accomplish. With the utmost dedication, the occasional gratification, and the discipline to continuously reach for a profound future, you will accomplish your wildest dreams and bask in the glory, riches, and pride that accompany it.

Develop a Passion.

The clock shows 10:42PM on a Saturday night. A friend sits to the left of me, tirelessly grinding away at the bureaucracy of applying to her dream school; another friend sits to the right of me, painstakingly refining the third draft of his research paper covering global diplomatic affairs. Choosing to “stay in,” we forfeit the chance to either go out or go to sleep. Going against the stereotypical Saturday night of our peers, why exactly do we work through the long hours, chipping away at homework and self-educating on all there is to offer? Perhaps our passions differentiate between the standard, party-chasing student; perhaps we’ve become fond of the happening of learning; perhaps this is our passion. It’s not an ambition to skip going out with our friends, but an ambition for self-actualization– thriving to develop personally and professionally, doing what needs to be done, as we reach for our goals.

That’s what drives me; that’s what drives us. I have no problem prioritizing my efforts, working the late night and early dawn hours, and, when necessary, standing alone to fulfill my vision.

What’s your passion?

Tell me why I am here… (Formal Education)

It’s 7:35AM. Hardly awake, semi-coherent, and mildly flustered, I sit in a class that pertains nothing to my major, interests, or wellbeing, yet is essential to take to fulfill my general education requirements. I paid over $1,000 to sit in this class at 7:30AM three times a week over the course of the next four months. The book alone cost $230, and the teacher proclaims spending at least 8 hours a week, outside of class, on book problems, readings, and independent research. With the minimal amount of curiosity and the utmost amount of frustration, I ask myself, “why am I here?”

Sure one can argue: it’s a beneficial cross-discipline, it is informational, you need to do it, etc., but honestly, what does this class offer me, the business economics undergrad striving to establish my future while managing my ever-raging, high-minded ambition for success? I  despise learning about genetic patterns and anthropological theory (sorry if you take offense) while my mind focuses on perfecting the skills of success and investing time in practical work that beneficially shapes my future. I concentrate on what interests me, what I want to do, and who I want to become– all the rest remains somewhat obsolete in that discretion– now tell me, “why am I here?” 

As a student of formal education, I question its effectiveness for utilization down the road. Here to get educated nonetheless, what are we truly being taught? Theoretical, trivial knowledge? Or the skills and habits that lay the framework for a sophisticated, bright future? Some teachers understand the importance of expressing to students why they should be here, and the “useful” knowledge they should retain, yet the vast majority of professors adhere to a system and its standards, teaching in the liberal arts fashion, never addressing the relevant: what to look for in life, what to do, where to go, how to act, etc. I remain mindful of the professional occupations requiring intensive schooling and independent research– I applaud it– but for the remaining 97% percent of us, our time, money, and dedication is better spent indulging in the art of success in our relative personal and professional lives, through means of experience and focused learning by books and mentors, rather than memorizing and regurgitating facts to get an A in a course that places me closer to receiving a piece of paper that claims I’m “educated.”

Invest in success; invest in your future. Focus on the applicable. Get it?