Question: If you were the hero and your life an epic story, what quest would you be on?

If all of our lives are a Quest to some inspiring neverland goal, I think we’ve lost our way.

We’re suffering because we’re backed up against a wall, with little time and loads of stress. Let’s change it up. I say we make our lives about something awesome, instead. Let’s go on a Quest.

This past year, I started my own Quest to Awesome. Here’s how:

Three times this year, I’ve impulse-bought a plane ticket, packed my bags, and flew thousands of miles to big cities for awesome conferences full of amazing people. Half the time, I wasn’t sure where I would stay or how I would approach the superstars I wanted to meet. To be quite honest, I never know how I’m going to approach the people I meet — but, somehow, I get it done. Each trip was a whirlwind, and I wish I could’ve gone to more.

The conferences and events I attended are:

• Social Media Week in New York City
• SxSW in Austin, Texas
• World Domination Summit in Portland, OR

When I started traveling to these events, I didn’t have a budget for the expensive tickets, but I got hooked on the rush of meeting all of the amazing people who are doing incredible work around the world. Who knew spending time with the people you most identify with could be so expensive?!

I live in Nicaragua. Flying all over the US to get to these conferences isn’t cheap, by any means. But I do it — because it’s an investment in me.

I’ve already bought my tickets to return to those conferences next year. It’s time to level up, and I’m ready to do the work.

Is your life worth the investment?

In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield writes:

Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny.

One of the best books I’ve ever read, The War of Art describes exactly my point: the investment is entirely up to us to make.

I knew my life was worth the investment because I wanted more for myself than discontent and settling. If I only get one shot at living — a measly 26 years so far — then I know I need to live it the best way possible.

The investments I made in my own life and happiness started at a young age. Let me tell you about some of the moments in which I decided to put the money and time into my own life:

• When I applied to college and was accepted before even notifying my parents where I wanted to go
• The summers I spent exploring all kinds of industries and fields via internships
• When I started my blog, despite being embarrassed of what people might say
• The time I quit my job after two months because I wanted to do more, faster
• Spending copious amounts of cash on learning at conferences and meeting the right people
• Starting my own company and stretching it this way and that until it fit me right

In all of these moments, I put myself first. I made the investments in me. No matter what, I made sure my life’s experiences were taken care of.

Your life is important. Take care of it.

It’s time to take your life into your own hands. It’s time to start investing in yourself. It’s time to start living each day as if it’s your ideal vacation.

Why the perpetual vacation?

A few months ago, I was asked to speak at a TEDx event with the theme of Momentum. I thought long and hard about what I would talk about. It’s an important 18 minutes of your life up on that stage, designed wonderfully in red, white and black. Talk about intense.

I thought of all the possible stories I could tell and paths I could follow…but only one felt right.

I know no other story better than my own life. Strangely enough, there are some parts of my own life that some people find interesting — like why I do the work I do, or why I keep investing in myself.

After close deliberation (and way too little practice), I decided the following: “I’ll share what makes me love my own life.”

What is the Quest of My Life?

Do you want to know my truth? Do you know want to know what I follow each day?

Do you want to know the ideas and convictions that, when I can’t achieve them, make me tick enough to shake things up until it’s fixed?

1. Life should be fun and playful, no matter my age or situation
2. People come first, for they are the content of life
3. Family and friends are to be nourished, for they are the bow off which my arrow is launched
4. Learning is a beautiful state that I seek every day
5. Understanding why I feel the way I do swiftly untangles internal and external conflicts
6. Excitement and curiosity drive my career path to inspiring projects and clients
7. Discipline and routine are the frame that I play within, free of self-judgement or pressure
8. Experiences enrich me, while material goods spoil me
9. The body is a temple that should be optimized with care
10. Rest is the multiplier of anything I seek

While we are all different, we are also all so close together. There are some truths that are vital to me that won’t really apply to you — but I have a feeling that most will.

What is your truth? What quest are you on in your life?