I believe that life is better lived with a challenge. Putting yourself in the driver’s seat with a purpose can transform the world from a guided tour to a self-directed adventure.
When it’s thought through, a good challenge helps to answer the always burning question, “What do I really want from my life?”
The 1% club is my answer to that question. It’s the diary of challenges I want to pursue in my life that less than 1% of the world will ever do.
How it Works:
Each item is specific and meaningful to me and comes with a self-imposed time limit because I want it to be a memory longer than it’s a dream.
I’m not a fan of multitasking, but I do love synergy so I’ll pursue one item at a time except where something greater can be created by doubling up.
I’ll journal my progress on the blog with regular updates because that’s another important part of a difficult challenge—public accountability.
Follow along by signing up for free updates or even join in if you feel compelled by sending me a note to let me know what you’re up to.
Also, you can leave a comment at the end of this page to let everyone else know what epic, inspiring challenges you’re pursuing.
Current Challenge: Summit the Highest Peak and Run a Marathon on Each Continent
Mountains:
- Africa – Kilamanjaro – 19,340 ft. – Completed 7/5/2011
- Antarctica – Vinson Massif – 16,050 ft.
- Asia – Everest – 29,029 ft.
- Australasia/Oceana – Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) - 16,024 ft.
- Europe – Elbrus – 18,510 ft. – Completed 7/17/2011
- N. America – McKinley (Denali) – 20,320 ft.
- S. America – Aconcagua – 22,841 ft.
Marathons:
- Africa – Entebeni, South Africa (Big 5 Marathon) – Completed 6/25/2011
- Antarctica
- Asia – Beijing, China (Great Wall Marathon) – Completed 5/19/2012
- Australia
- Europe – Athens, Greece (Athen’s Classic Marathon – Completed 11/13/2011
- N. America – Eugene, OR – Completed 5/2/2010
- S. America
Completed Challenges:
Some comments below might be confusing because the format of the list has changed since it was first published.
Does the run a marathon on every continent include antarctica?
Joel – You bet it does!
Do those even exist?
Yup!
http://www.icemarathon.com/
That’s freakin sweet! Didn’t know anyone could run on Antarctica.. thought the only thing down there were science research labs and whale wars!
That’s sweet.
Actually, Travis Kiefer is running a marathon on every continent. He has only 1 left – Antartica. He’s doing it to raise money for a nonprofit I helped start called Gumball Capital. Check it out here: http://www.stanforddaily.com/2010/09/28/cross-continental-marathon/
I work at South Pole Station and we have a marathon every year on New Years. It’s a little chilly and generally only 5 or 6 people finish it, but it can be done.
As I read through your list I noticed two items that I could help you with indirectly. I belong to a community choir, The Chorale. It got its start as just a group of people who wanted to sing at a Christmas walk. Now, 28 years later, it’s grown considerably to over 60 members who perform regularly and have traveled internationally.
So how can you help? You could “change someone’s life with art” in a small way by donating a piece of music ($100), we can suggest a title or maybe you have a favorite; sponsoring a Young Artist Scholarship ($1,000), members of The Chorale do this every year, too; or in a big way by “raising $250,000 for a charity” The Chorale, we’re a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization so you might be able to get a tax-deduction, too.
If you’d like to hear us first, The Chorale will be performing this summer as one of two choirs Dr. Craig Jessop invited to join his American Festival Chorus (AFC) for a 2010 summer mini-tour. The Chorale will travel to Utah State University on June 27, 2010 for five days of workshops, rehearsals and two concert performances with the AFC. The chorus will then travel to Sun Valley, Idaho where they will be joined by a 55-piece orchestra to perform a July 2nd concert of patriotic music in the acclaimed Sun Valley Pavilion, with guest artist Peter Cetera.
I figure this is a long-shot; however, arts funding is always precarious at best so it doesn’t hurt to ask. Thanks, in advance, for considering The Chorale in your quest.
Kindest Regards,
Cara
Thanks for the info Cara. That’s actually a pretty creative idea you have. I’ll look into your group and be in touch if I think it would be a good fit.
Tyler, I found your site from the MSN article and it is us! Two friends and I did the riskiest thing we’ve ever done and started our own skydiving magazine. We’d love to help you achieve goal one: Skydive. E-mail us and let’s do it!
I’ve been dying to go skydiving for my whole life!!! Please tell me about this magazine you have.
You are amazing! I found you from the article that spoke of you on MSN. I am so happy to see that there are other people out there who question what our society considers the right path. I am a Holistic Life Coach and dancer and I teach others to live through their spirit. And, the airplane flying is amazing. If you have a smaller airport near you call and request a discovery flight. That is how I did it! Good luck on your journey!
Tyler,
I find your site to be interesting and will be visiting often as I have been a victim of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and lost my beloved career in the airline industry. To this day I dream of returning as commercial aviation is a consuming interest of mine. Problem is that many attempts to get hired again by an airline have failed and I cannot rest knowing I possess such a high interest, talent and knowledge in this field and would be an invaluable asset to any airline but no-one wants to even give me a chance. If a re-entry into the airline industry cannot be achieved, I want to at least find success in life as I know I have the imagination, drive and intelligence to become successful. My problem is I fear risk and therefore will be reading your site often.
Jessey has a good idea. Most private pilot schools do offer an introductory flight which costs around $35.00 to prospective students as part of the AOPA’s program to get more people interested in GA (general aviation) flying private aircraft. Check it out! Flying is an awesome experience and I have logged 5 hours so far and I hope you will experience the same soon.
Congrats on this new endeavor. I am really interested in your ideas to “get around” people who ignore me in my persuit for a better life as working at a fast food restaurant is not for me.
Lara – I’ll be in touch!
Jessey – Thanks for the tip. That could be a lot faster and less expensive than getting a license. I love shortcuts!
Somebody wants to help us skydive??!! Woot! Let’s do it dear.
Started an art studio, when I broke my ankle and had to be home for a month or so! things are slow going but am managing.
hey my bro started two amazing non-profits that are doing powerful things, and i’m sure they would love your help with fundraising… or anything really. one is called “education generation” http://www.educationgeneration.org (funding students education around the world), and the other is “global agents for change” http://www.globalafc.org (raising money for micro-finance initiatives in developing countries).
otherwise though, your list is inspirational! i think you should do the homeless thing in Vancouver BC’s east end. It’s warm enough in the summer, and we could always use the press on the neglect of our homeless community! plus if you need a partner in crime, i’ve always wanted to do that too.
peace.
I found your article very inspiring and i’m actually going to give it a try and see if I can live on the bare minimum. You’ve also encouraged me to start my own list of things to do. Best of luck!
Hey Tyler
My best friend sent me the link to your site. What you are doing is beyond brilliant. Very akin to my everyday attempts to push myself.
I can help you out on Canada’s West Coast.
Are you familiar with Couchsurfing.com? Start up a profile.
Congratulations, i’ll be following.
-Carol-Lynne
Thanks Carol-Lynne. Keep pushing yourself! I’ve actually had a lot of good luck with couchsurfing, it’s a really great resource.
If you decide to do homelessness in the city that is renowned for it (Vancouver), also consider Victoria for one or 2 of those weeks.
Just watched your tutorial using mint.com and ING. I spent the time afterwards skulking around for Canadian versions.
Yodlee seems to be best so far. Not as pretty of an interface, but it’ll do.
Keep up the great work!
Tyler,
Found your article on a Liz Pulliam MSN article( who I read alot of articles from). What a great idea creating a list like that. I will be creating a list for my girlfriend and I to live much more sparingly after hearing what you have done.
I have used the couch surfing before and it is a great resource.
Thanks
Matt
Doing more for less is my motto. Have fun dreaming up your list!
Since you wanted to know of others risky projects, here’s ours: we’re going to build a house. Not hiring other people to do it, we are with our own two feet (and hands too, but mostly feet). We’re building using cob (a matrix of clay, straw & sand) it’s mixed together using your feet, last for forever if taken care of, is nearly free and almost impossible to get permits for. It rises 12″ at most on a dry day and we want to build 2 stories.
The risky part? We will have to spend our entire life savings to get the land to build it on, then spend probably 2 years of our lives building every weekend. Not to mention likely having to build around legal loopholes regarding permitting.
Consider adding “build a house” to your list. Use what ever method you like, but make something that lasts that you’ll love. I recommend building cob after having the kid, because even kids can help build with this material. (I’ve watched a 1 year old do it and 70 year old at the same construction site, truly egalitarian.) The homes of some of the best Cob instructors around are near where you ran your marathon.
That is so cool, 3county! You know, I studied architecture in college and my last career was in sustainable construction, so I really dig what you guys are up to. Good luck!
Curious if the home you are building is is in-town or rural.
I like the idea of building, but it seems difficult (and expesnive) to find buildable land in town, which is where I prefer to live. I know its possible to find a lot, especially when you factor in the city fees to make it “buildable.” (I’ve seen costs of $80,000 – $90,000 in smaller cities!) Most of the literatire I see, i.e. Mother Earth News, is all about living in remote rural areas …
Risky things I’ve done: quit my job to start a business. Kept the business open. Keep moving!
I found you thru Liz Weston’s article on MSN. Thanks for the site. This really helps me keep my head in the game!
Great webpage and 1% list. Would an ultra-light aircraft satisfy your list? They’re less expensive and don’t require thousands of hours/dollars of classes before you are soloing.
I like the “build a house” suggestion. I’ve helped friends build frame houses, cabins, and domes but haven’t built anything from start to finish yet so it’s on my list. If you add it to your list I’d suggest a dome because they are fast and fun but the roofs and interiors are tricky.
My list isn’t as scary as yours but includes: visit every continent and US state (>1/2 done); write a book (~1/5 done but stalled); make and wear an outfit from raw materials I personally harvested – presumably wool or cotton, fur or buckskin to be really ambitious; quit my job and retire early to pursue MY interests (possibly before the end of the year).
Good luck in your quest – I hope we’ll cross each others path trying to reach our goals!
[...] really inspiring things at his site; Advanced Riskology, and is currently on his quest to join the top 1% of the world. Check out our interview [...]
This is an amazing idea that inspires me and I am sure it has inspired many others!
Best of luck!
Gerlie
I salute you in your pursuits. You’re a very ambitious young man, and it seems that you are well on your way to meeting and exceeding all of your goals.
I too have put together a small list of my own. I would like to achieve quasi-native fluency in two foreign languages (Japanese and Spanish – though it is looking like Mandarin Chinese is adding itself to this list); to permanently reside in another country (I’ll be living in Tokyo, Japan for one year starting in September in order to study Japanese at a university there and have considered it as an option for this dream); to travel around all of South America, Europe and Asia (have been to Japan once but while I’m there I may also visit South Korea with a friend); and to write a book. This list is still growing, but these are the ones I have made the most important.
I have found your site very up lifting. I am an office manager and mom, who raised two children, my own siblings and older family members since I was a little kid. I have heard of these Dream lists and was so busy with everyone else I just couldnt find the energy to sit down and even think of a dream or wish as everything seemed so out of my reach. I have read your entire site just today and will be making MY list this weekend. Thanks to ALL who have posted. You have been encouraging and helped me to realize I can be 1% and a dreamer!
Here’s another way you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I’ve managed to raise $500 so far for Multiple Sclerosis, and will be skydiving by the end of the year!
http://www.skydive4free.com/
Awesome list!! We are a newly founded 503(c) Corporation and we are very fortunate to work with many many wonderful people that help us restore neighborhoods and provide quality clean safe homes for many single parents, older people and veterans.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you with any of the goals on your list!
Namaste’
Your site was not what I expected after reading the MSN article. That is quite a list. Good luck working towards it.
Came across your page by accident but at a time when I needed it. I have been thinking of taking a risk on something but have been stuck in the fearful stage, “what if”. Your website has given me some inspiration to know i’m not alone. Taking the first step is the hardest.
Hi Tyler, I find your website very refreshing..I have owned my own business for years and I am always shaking things up trying to keep my business going..No Small effort in this troubled economy…I recently started a Non-Profit Therapeutic Riding center for disabled kids and adults, this is very challenging as all the Fundraising is very tough and the events I have held have been unsuccesful at raising the money I need to grow this business. Any suggestions on marketing would be helpful as I am planning more Fundraisers ie:BBQ,Walkathon/Rideathon and I would like to raise more Money then I spend for a change! I want this Non-profit to succeed as it is a DREAM I’ve been working towards for 30years…I welcome any and all suggestions from you and your readers!!! Thanks for the boost!!!!
Lorie,
have you tried golf outings as fund raisers? I don’t know where you live, but in my area, golf outings are almost always effective. People who golf tend to be people who can afford club memberships, so they spend a lot of time at the golf course anyway, and they love to golf, so as long as they are there anyway, they don’t mind playing and paying to support a good cause.
WOW, I am a school psychologist who has greatly admired the work of horse therapists and personally consider it life-altering! I would be willing to give to your charity or help you raise the money somehow.
I bake gluten free goods. Is there any chance you could have a bake-off? Or invite people to a contest of 2 local chefs and have a friendly contest: who makes the best BBQ or whatever?
Hi Tyler,
Great concept and list. Several of the items on your list seem sort of remarkably universal to me. I ask people to make lists all the time, and many of the same items appear. I wonder if there is some ‘lost’ or misplaced wanderlust in all of us. Meaning I think you’re on a very real and very human path! Ahhhhh to healthy risktaking.
I make a list of 52 goals (or self-improvements or habits to break, etc.) around the first of the year every year. There is no right or wrong or completion guideline. There IS the pride of averaging and there IS record breaking. Many of the items appear over and over again (much in the way that your items are permanent until completed,) and never looked at as uncompleted when undone but rather as ‘not completed yet.’ I average around 13 successes a year and my record is 17 items in one year. Sometimes items become unnecessary, so I drop them but don’t count them as completions or successes.
By the way, I have created or significantly helped to create four non-profits, all operating well. There is an unwritten book and an unborn child that tug the hardest for me these days. At any rate, good luck, and let me know if you ever need help from South Carolina.
Tyler,
You’ve essentially turned the concept of a bucket list into a carpe diem list. It such a positive spin and one which I think many of us feel inspired to pursue whether or not we take systematic steps to do so.
As I read through your list and the list of comments, I found that I can help as a business-person and entrepeneur as well as someone who sets up free fundraising for non-profits.
As an entrepreneur I partner with like-minded people who want to create their own business, create financial freedom, and transform the lives of others one person at a time. In my non-profit work I set up completely free, healthy, year-round fundraising for 501c3s. If you or any of your readers are interested, please let me know. http://www.fitnessisthekey.com/non-profits
Good luck on your goals and let me know if I can help!
Wow, I would love to sky dive and fly a plane! However, flying a plane would need a license? And to get that, one will need alot of money for the whole course? So I reckon you will need to sell a biz for 1 mil so you can pay for the course? haha… just my 2 cents.
*sorry i mean do the selling of biz FIRST before u can have the $$ to go for the course….
Tyler we’re kindred. My husband and I are skydivers (husband was on 2006 largest formation world record skydive even) and I am launching an action/adventure website that acts as a resource tool to promote and support the action/adventure community in Iowa. I hope that if your journey through your list brings you through Iowa you will look us up and couchsurf with us! Good luck and blue skies!
Janet
I’m in Iowa, too. What is your website?
truly inspiring. I’m actually rethinking my life right now and considering a major career change. On top of that, there are other things i would like to do. Great quote i read today too, “Be who you were meant to be, not who you’ve let yourself become.
After recently leaving my husband with my 4 kids in towe and moving 1300 miles away, I found joy in reading your site. It seems everything I do these days is a risk..and of corse a lot of people have opinions about that. The newest plan is working my butt off at a job I dont care for, 50+ hrs a week, for the summer. I can quit when my kids start school with enough money in the bank to not work till next summer which will allow me to be there with them while they adjust to the divorce. Secondly, it will allow me to work on me as well since divorce stinks! I am planning on getting my doula business launced in the area and starting a book Ive had started for years. I think it will be healing and its good to know Im not the only “crazy” person out there. Best of luck to you on your list!
This is simply put – amazing, and exactly what I needed to see. Thank you for putting this out there!
I am so inspired by your site. I have been reading your daily emails for the past 2 weeks and I feel like telling you THANK YOU. Everyday I learn something new, just by your email. I am currently in the process of walking away from my current job of 6 years to finally start my business. I am scared to death but know I need to take the risk. Reading your emails puts me in the mind frame of taking action…action about my life. I have so many things that I want to do and nowhere to start. I suspect I might make a list, like you did. I having been putting it out in the universe that I get help with my website, business plan, and graphics. i know that something will come through. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
My friend Luke sent me one of your blog entries this summer and I have been following you ever since. I love getting your e-mails and look forward to reading what you are saying. I am in pursuit of putting a check mark next to this one on my list right now.
finish a sprint triathlon-Aug. 2010
Thanks for your words and heart.
Great list, and great comments. I think it’s awesome that people are following their dreams and that there are people out there willing to help others realize their dreams! I’m 39 and have been working on my list (as I see 40 on the horizon). Also, I’ve been reflecting back on my 30s and thinking of some amazing things I’ve done that wouldn’t have appeared on my list–opportunities that arose and I swallowed my fear and went along for the ride. I’m looking forward to checking things off my list as well as enjoying those adventures that take me places I’ve never expected to go!
Getting married and having kids is certainly a great adventure.
Make sure you cover most of your list items before having kids.
All my riskology list went down the drain after giving birth…
I’m divorced mom of a 12 year old.
Good luck
Come and run your European marathon in Helsinki. I’m sure we can get you arrested too, there are plenty of good causes I can think of. Surely a part in a film can be arranged too.
Well you’ve got several bases covered for me, don’t you?
Just curious – on interviewing the president – does it have to be the current president?
That’s a good question, Tom. There might be a good opportunity there to interview a past president. Or even a few of them.
I think it would be cool to interview Jimmy Carter. He seems like a genuine, decent man.
On my list is a road trip to Alaska. I’m hoping to do it after WDS in June. Also on the list is bungee jumping. I’ve been skydiving twice, but the idea of bungee jumping scares the shit out of me!
Having a kid is huge!
Now that I have one, I´m into putting the two of us into some adventure together. The old getting out of our comfort zone.
I can’t tell you inspired I am by your site. To be the age you are and to have figured out the simple life is amazing. I wish I had figured it out sooner.
I am 40 years old, married with 2 young boys. About a year and a half ago I started to feel the need to simplify, get back to the basics, etc. I’ll tell you though, it’s hard to make big changes when kids are involved but we are taking baby steps. I hope to instill into my kids the love of life and freedom that this lifestyle affords you. I want them to take risks and see the world and make a difference. There is more to life than 9-5 and coming home and plopping your butt on the couch and vegging out.
One of the adventures we have started is, we live in Kentucky and have 120 counties here. Our goal as a family is to visit all 120 in the next 12 months. We have been at it for right at a month and are loving every minute of it. We hope to spread it to visiting every State then who knows where from there. I invite you to follow our journey as we follow yours.
Best of luck on your adventures and God Bless…
I discovered your site from an article in MSN and decided to take a peek, interesting ideas!!I have always taken the “safe” way through life.I am a potter(older) but do not have to make my living doing so.I do it because I love it.I don’t have any ideas regarding change and I am not (so far) goal oriented so don’t have a list of things I want to accomplish in my lifetime but maybe I should look at trying to change my lifestyle a litte more to my liking.I am very sedate and work out in my studio every day and I do create some interesting pieces and I also do jewelry but have never promoted it.I like your enthusiusm and you have some very good ideas.Thanks for the site.HR
AWESOME idea, Tyler! Grasp life by the horns and enjoy every minute. Which of your 1% are you working on today?
Thanks for the inspiration and the smiling remembrances of flying a plane and daydreamy gleam in my eyes as I collect money for my nonprofit!
You rock,
Juliana
Just wanted to let you know I’ve read every article since I joined in June. I can’t believe how fast time flies! Keep up the good work
It’s been so great to have you around, AI. Thanks for all your support so far!
Your blog is an awesome work of inspiration!
Awesome list! Your charity goal is great. I have a (little discussed) goal of raising $10,000 a year to charity, but your goal makes me wonder I’m thinking too low.
Anyhow, just discovered your blog and love it what I see so far. Proceeding to download and free Take This Job and Shove It…
My husband and I are planning to buy some land (already looking and contacting local people) and have a log house built in it. We will also create a permaculture farm that can provide food for our family (we have a 17 month old boy
and also set up a delivery veggie/fruit box scheme in our community to bring home some income to pay for mortgage and other essential items.
We are so looking forward to this as at the moment! as we are both working 9-12 hours a day in an office job that offers a lot of stress and little reward.
This is kind off our list, I don’t mind if I don’t end up writing a book or visiting the world. We are turning local again, as it used to be, and it’s seems so right to us.
Anyone can form a 501(c)3 corporation, and voila, instant charity. Raise the $250K for that, and you’re in good shape. What kind of movie did you want to be in? I can make that happen in February as part of my participation in this season’s 168 Project. I get the whole do only one thing at once thing, however, it follows that as you say, several can be doubled upon.
Hey man.
Was reading a post on another website, that led me here (the 80/20 rule). Anyway, you’re saying you’d be visiting Eastern Europe and running a marathon if possible. I can help with that.
I’m living in Budapest (Hungary) and would be happy to set you up over here for the running and some sightseeing. We have the last marathon for the year in end of November, then only next Spring. Let me know…
Good luck with the rest of the list.
Thanks so much for the offer, Andre. Don’t think I’ll be able to make it that way in those time frames, but I’ll certainly be in touch if something changes.
Awesome list and a total inspiration. That said, I think far more than 1% of the world gets married and has a kid. Those items kinda stuck out.
Yep. That’s true, Joel. I put them on the list because they’re super important to me, even though they don’t quite fit the rest of the theme.
When will you be climbing Kilimanjaro? I will be climbing with a group in February 2011 (summiting during the full moon).
Hey Jared, I’ll be climbing in early July. Have a blast on your trip!
Tyler,
Found you through Chris Guillebeau and enjoyed reading your list. I just returned from the Kilimanjaro climb and had a great time. If you ever have any questions about what route I took, what tour company etc. send me an email. Best wishes with everything you’re doing!
Tyler – congrats on not only creating but sharing this list with the world. I’m a big life-lister myself, and it’s always inspiring to see the lists of others. I’ve written several posts about my list, but this is making me think that perhaps it should be a permanent page on my blog. Hmm…
Keep up the awesome stuff! Great blog.
Cheers,
Annie
This is awesome Tyler! I love what you’re up to with the challenges. I am obsessed with this stuff.
The latest for me was a barefoot ultra marathon (in my Vibrams) in the Lake Tahoe mountains. It’s was awesome. Took 8.5 hrs to cover 32 miles with a lot of ups and downs. Before that it was summiting Mt. Shasta in CA. Then swimming from Alcatraz to SF and across the SF Golden Gate Bridge. Next is gaining 10 lbs of muscle in 3 months.
We have a lot of fun stuff to talk about!
Hat’s off to what you’ve created.
Scott
Scott, that is incredible. I’ll be following your progress.
Hi. it’s not that i don’t approve…although i don’t reeeeeally understand, but be prepared to be completely and cruelly harrassed by the police while you are homeless. they are seriously crazy here (in phoenix)…i decided to live in my car to save money while i was nursing a broken arm, and they never left me alone. in fact, the police are way scarier than other bums! best of luck!
[...] I didn’t work my brains out. I do spend a lot of time working, but not usually on anything related to driving traffic to my site. I spend most of my time writing and planning my adventures. [...]
If you need somewhere to stay near the Great Barrier, my aunt lives right by it and she’d be more than happy to put you up for a while!
Alright, I’m putting “Rob’s aunt” on the contact list!
[...] The 1% club is my version of a “life list” or a “bucket list” or whatever. The main [...]
How about diving at the world’s second biggest Barrier Reef? Roatan, Honduras, is where I hang out now that I packed in the career, big house, etc. etc in Canada. The thing is I don’t dive, heck I’m not even fond of snorkeling…did I mention I can’t swim! So I moved to an Island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea…I’m thinking I qualify as a pretty big risk taker. Love your site, no mincing words!
Well, I might do more diving at other places if I decide I like it enough, but for now, it’s just the Great Barrier.
This is a really inspiring list. I have done a couple of these i have done a couple of these items, but there are some really thrilling ones I never even thought of. I will have to reassess my list and make some exciting changes!
[...] What if you joined the 1% club? [...]
[...] is the 1% list coming? Anything in the [...]
[...] you’re 400 pounds and you want to inspire others to lose weight. Or maybe you want to run a marathon on every continent. Maybe you just want to live long enough to watch your grandkids graduate college. Whatever it [...]
[...] – Tyler is an adventurous dude, self-proclaimed Professor of Riskology on a quest to join the top 1% of the world. He loves helping people do scary things that improve their lives. His site will provide you with [...]
[...] crazy moustache and his passionate damnation of the status quo. He’s on a mission to join the 1% Club, by doing the things that few people ever do. He writes about risk taking, uncertainty and freedom [...]
[...] when it all started to click and I decided to create Advanced Riskology and base it around my 1% Club – the list of things I’m working towards that less than 1% of the world will ever [...]
Hey Tyler,
Just looking back over this as I work on my blog’s repositioning. This stuff is so right on. Sharing big hairy audacious goals is inspiring to say the least.
My buddy just took off to S. America to go after Aconcagua.
I hope to be joining you on some of these adventures.
Nicely done my man!
Scott
I am very interested in your goal of living homeless for a month. I have been considering trying this for a while, and was wondering how you would attack such an endeavour.
Would you start with absolutely no money? Allow yourself a certain of cash at the start? Keep a job or beg for money? I have always wondered what the best way to attempt to be homeless would be.
I would love your feedback.
Thanks,
Noah
Hey Noah, there are still a lot of questions for me surrounding the homeless project. Some are practical and some are ethical. I don’t have the answers now, but I’ll definitely be writing about the process as I get closer to actually doing it.
[...] Advanced Riskology. His goal is to join the top 1% of the world’s population by completing a SUPER intense list of goals. I came across the blog when I bought a product of his called “Guerilla Influence [...]
[...] I met on Twitter recently. I introduced her to Tyler Tervooren and Advanced Riskology and his 1% Club which led to Ann sharing a post from her personal blog with Tyler and I. Thank you, Ann! Ann [...]
Get arrested for a cause you believe in was definitely my favorite.
But, where is “Ride a wave, or surf a 10 ft face”?
Wow! What a list! Well, I’ve changed someone’s life with a piece of art, got married, had three children, wrote two books…I was a very timid child and am getting better at taking risks. I suppose risks for one person can be different than risks for another. Love your blog Tyler and glad I found you on Alist Bloggers!
[...] type of person that I want to be like. He has incredible plans, such accomplishing goals that only 1% of humanity ever does. He aims to promote better living through uncertainty, which is something that really [...]
[...] type of person that I want to be like. He has incredible plans, such accomplishing goals that only 1% of humanity ever does. He aims to promote better living through uncertainty, which is something that really [...]
Hi Tyler,
I’m a pilot and I got started by taking the introductory flight. I think it cost $20 for me (back in 1995) and lasted 15-20 minutes. As a matter of fact, you wouldn’t need to get a license to fly if you just wanted to do it once; when you start training, you’re flying the plane from day one. If the introductory flight isn’t long enough for you, just go to a local airport (I’d suggest Hillsboro Aviation to avoid Portland International’s airspace) and tell them you want to rent a plane and hire an instructor by the hour. A couple hundred dollars would probably get you close to two hours and would entail more than just a couple of circles around the airport.
Thanks, Joe. A couple of people have suggested taking a “discovery flight” to satisfy that challenge. I’m glad I have people like you around to help me figure these things out!
I was already planning to live homeless for a period of time before I read this list! I also want to raise money for charities and some other things on it.
As for the mountain-climbing, it’s pretty neat. I think they’re great, but personally I want to go to places like those, places tourists go, and look at it from an angle no one else has. I want to have a picnic on the Sphinx’s head, or play hopscotch on the Great Wall of China. I want to scuba dive in Australia wearing a clown suit.
[...] type of person that I want to be like. He has incredible plans, such accomplishing goals that only 1% of humanity ever does. He aims to promote better living through uncertainty, which is something that really [...]
[...] If you’re going to climb a mountain, climb the 7 tallest peaks on every continent. [...]
[...] Internet is helping people to do amazing things, to join the 1% club, and to sell everything and quit their corporate job. Use it, let it help you to take decisive [...]
[...] is on a quest to do all sorts of amazing things. Run a marathon on every continent. Raise $250,000 for charity. And a whole lot more. Will he be [...]
I just found your blog this morning and it felt like a breath of fresh air. It was at first surprising to find “Get married” on your list, but I quickly understood and completely agree. I am a 26 Romanian and took a leap of faith and married my Japanese husband 4 months ago. I’ll be visiting your site again. Have fun!
That would be awesome to live homeless for one month! Do it Tyler! It will be very entertaining to follow along.
Thanks for all the entertainment!
As for what I want to do…. I want to build an organization that helps kids get better financially educated.
Hi Tyler! This is really amazing and inspiring. I have created a list of my own and will start working towards it! Let us know how yours go!
Bike across the United States
YES! This is on my list too! Have you looked into this? I’ve tried looking up a few things.
What’s the legality regarding hiring a bike?
Do you require a full license?
No legal concerns as far as I know, Northern. Perhaps some states require licenses to bike in, but I don’t know of any yet. I’ll definitely be writing about it as I get closer to doing it.
Ok cool, it’s just being English I know nothing of American law, here we have a provisional license which allows you to ride on all roads except motorways on no bigger than 125cc, believe this also applies in Europe which is very handy as another goal is to ride to the tip of Italy via the Piaggio factory on my Vespa.
Good luck in all your endeavours.
@Northern:
In the States, when “bike” is used as a verb it usually applies to bicycles, though it can, and is, used when referring to motorcycles and mopeds.
Over here there are no license requirements to ride bicycles on the roads, as long as you follow traffic laws and don’t cause a hazard. However you are not allowed to ride them on expressways and freeways for obvious reasons.
Every state requires a license for motorcycles, and I believe that every state has a separate license requirement for mopeds (“scooters”). I think there’s a motor-size requirement to take them on a freeway (something like 200cc or 250cc), but otherwise you can ride them anywhere. Also, if you have a motorcycle license in one state, it’s good in every other state.
Thanks Joe, guess that one has to wait a few years.
At some stage during flying training, your instructor decides that you are ready to go solo. You then repeat take off/circuit/land. It took me 12 hours to get to this stage, but I believe that’s quite long. Anyway, it means you can fly solo without a licence. Good luck with that.
[...] to creating a vibrant community over at Advanced Riskology, and are working on achieving more than 99% of the world ever will.Why do you think some fail to launch? That is take action (or enough action) [...]
[...] take them.” Tyler might seem too ambitious to some (see his quest for being included in the top 1% of the world club). Either way, this blog is his canvas for sharing his own risks and decision making, and his tips [...]
[...] a bucket list of all the things you wish to accomplish before you short years are [...]
Wow you are awesome. You’re list inspires me to make mine too. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I’ve found your site through zenhabits.
Hi Gon. Thanks for coming over.
Thank you for the inspiration
[...] to show the world all the benefits of risk taking. That means I set out on a regular basis to do things that most people think are too risky. The challenges are what keep me going, and keep things interesting on the [...]
[...] to show the world all the benefits of risk taking. That means I set out on a regular basis to do things that most people think are too risky. The challenges are what keep me going, and keep things interesting on the [...]
I love how transparent you are with your list. I’ll be following along, and it’s an encouragement to keep going with my own!
Hi Tyler,
My dad actually hipped me to your website. I have a question about 1%…I noticed that one of the things on your list is to be a husband and have a kid. How do you map that out? How do you take that from “out of your control” to a reality of life? I have spent a lot of my life pursuing my dreams…of music, travel, etc and am now ready to focus on sharing the adventure with someone and a family. I have done the things I think can make it possible…said yes to every possible set up, joined online dating and gone on tons of first dates, been pretty open to every possibility…but I am at a loss of how to accomplish this. I’ve known how to accomplish most every goal in my life and this one has got me stumped! I don’t know how to map out the cost or make plans…thoughts?
Hey Katharine,
Not everything can be perfectly planned out. With certain goals, you just set an intention and create list of expectations about how you’ll handle them when they come up, but you can’t really put a time line on some things. Well, you can, actually, but I don’t know many people that would want to settle on something just to satisfy a deadline…
Best of Luck! Let me know if I can help in any manner.
[...] can literally do whatever you want. Even if it’s unconventional, nerdy, audacious, risky [...]
Dude, I didn’t know you were into mountaineering. That’s rad. If you ever want to do some climbing in California, hit me up.
[...] to show the world all the benefits of risk taking. That means I set out on a regular basis to do things that most people think are too risky. The challenges are what keep me going, and keep things interesting on the [...]
Hi Tyler! Just found you thanks to Jade Craven. My favorite of your goals is to Change someone’s life with a piece of art! I feel that the power of art is overlooked daily. I can’t wait to see how you resolve this goal! (not sure resolve is the right word) I have lived for the day I could quit my “day job” and in October I was laid off! I was relieved, along with a about 20 other emotions. It’s like starting over, trying to decide what I want to do when I grow up.
I look forward to checking out the rest of your site. Wishing you all the best!
[...] a quest to join the 1% club, Tyler’s uses his writing to push readers to take smart and more beneficial risks to improve [...]
[...] Tervooren’s 1% Club @ Advanced [...]
This is really inspirational!
I really sense your passion. I’m a great believer in speaking passionately and attracting others to the turbo boosting energy that creates.
Writing a book and playing in my band to a massive audience is an ambition of mine too, as well as to inspire people. I see myself as speaking publicly. (I’ve done some small amounts of this up to now)
Thank you!
[...] working on. For more inspiration, check out these lists: Nate Damm, Sean Ogle, Heath Tulley, Tyler Tervooren, Joel [...]
[...] some inspiration? Check out Tyler Tervooren’s quest to join the top 1% of the world. Or how about Ashley Ambirge? Setting her sights on earning $97k from her laptop this year as she [...]
[...] enough to have a passive income (see this article for 21 ways to become location independent). Tyler Tervooren’s taking a similar approach, so why can’t [...]
[...] like Joel Runyon or Tyler Tervooren. Even if you aren’t doing “The Impossible” or joining “The 1% Club”, you can still do more than you are today. As Steve Kamb says: “Level up your life. Every [...]
[...] by challenging your own personal status quo. You can follow his efforts to join what he calls, The 1% Club, his attempt to do things that only 1% of the people in the world will ever be able to do over at [...]
I love your list as a Young Entrepreneur,student and veteran. I have experienced a lot but I think I might start on this list myself
lol Jason
[...] tip to Tyler Tervooren at Advanced Riskology for his monthly debriefings and his list of 1% Club. When I get around to it, I’ll post my 1% list from back in 2003 when I turned 40. I really [...]
[...] and the one that has stood out the most is the Tyler Tervooren’s Advanced Riskology and his 1% Club. Essentially, the 1% Club is an ambitious list of experiences and projects that only 1% of the [...]
Does your 1% list have to be risky? I mean can you just want to do things like learn how to paint, become a better meditator, learn to live with less stuff, tune out the noise of American culture of tv and social media, be a better person?
*My* list is risky because that’s what I’m into, but *your* list can be whatever you want it to be.
The only requirement is that it be truly unique. Go forth and conquer!
Very Cool – thanks for your reply. Working to get off the merry go round and have a simpler, more meaningful existence. Keep up the encouragement!
[...] what about dreams that are meaningless to others? What if your dream is to climb every mountain in the world? Or what if you just want to jump off [...]
[...] has what he calls his 1% list in which he lays out his personal and professional goals to live life to the fullest, to do [...]
Hi,
I stumbled on your blog and found this is really inspiring blog.
I browsed some of the pages on the web and read your “1 Percent Club” and I think this is really great list!
However,
I just want to give small correction.
I found that you write you want to go to Carzten Pyramid… which is located in Australia… (??)
The fact is Carzten Pyramid (Puncak Jayawijaya) is in Papua island… Which is belong to Indonesia.
An archipelago country that located pretty near with Australia. And Indonesia is part of Asian countries.
Well, just want to share that
Still, I have no idea what is the highest peak mountain in Australia :-/
Anyway,
good luck with the list.
I totally already converted as one of your regular reader!
[...] and recently I discovered fellow blogger Tyler Tervooren over at Advanced Riskology who created the 1% Club. You could think of it as a Bucket List or similar term, but essentially it is a neat, tidy, [...]
[...] you, depends on where you live. For example, My buddy Tyler, who lives in Portland, and lives an amazing life by the way, left this message on the Big Goal Hunting facebook page: “You live in an [...]
I love the line “I want them to be memories for longer than they are dreams.” I’ve only started reading your blog and I already respect you. You’re doing something about dreams
It’s ambitious to take on so many tasks at once (%1 list), but when the goals are so high you never get the positive feedback of success to carry you through. I find series of small goals that lead to a big one better than huge goals.
If that works for you, then go for it. I prefer to take on big challenges.
Mate you have Everest and the Carstensz Pyramid on the wrong continents! Nice list though.
Hi Adam,
You’re right about Australia–it’s a bit misleading and should read Australasia/Oceana, so I’ve updated accordingly. However, Everest is in the Himalayas which is most certainly in Asia.
[...] I decided it’s time that I start working on my own. I definitely got some inspiration from Tyler’s 1% Club, too. Aside from being a really fun idea, I think it makes a lot of sense for goal setting, too. If [...]
I stumbled across your site because I Googled “help with starting novel/biography”. I am so impressed. I suffer from severe anxiety and what doctor’s say is panic disorder. I’m so over it. I want to live my life. Doctor’s are all about keeping you coming back. Anyway, I’m really inspired by your website and I look forward to reading more. Good Luck in your adventures!
[...] Riskology In the video we cover:Who is Tyler Tervooren of Advanced Riskology?Becoming apart of the 1% club.What purchasing $1,500 is like.A sneak peak into the Bootstrapper Guild.Starting a lifestyle [...]
Want to be on a TV show? I can get you paid as well. I’m not working on a movie currently, but I will be in the future.
Jamie
[...] may not be visiting every country or climbing the highest peak on every continent, but Lucus and I are pursuing new [...]
How about run for a political office? I love your list!
Read your blog and your list. Good for you! Good luck with achieving all your goals and more. You know, my impression of your list is that it’s a collection of such different things, it seems you are not a solid personality… Or should I say, not very focused? Sorry, can’t find better words in my imperfect English. I give more credit to people who set a goal (let’s say, finding cure for AIDS or mapping the human genome) and concentrate their whole life to that purpose. It’s nice to risk, there’s a saying in Russian, ‘if you don’t risk you don’t drink champagne’, but there should be at least some general direction. Otherwise, your life is scattered around?
[...] the past 8 months. But how many of them knew they were passing someone doing something only, as Tyler Tervooren would put it, 1% of our population would even imagine [...]
[...] like to find out more about Tyler, the risks he takes and what he has in store for the rest of the 1% Club, then hop over to his blog, and be sure to follow him on Twitter, [...]
[...] However, to me, he showed how to turn an unfortunate event around. You see, he got laid off, only to create a really successful site, and pursue his 1% club dreams. [...]
Well, as I face some heavy challenges with my elderly parents it is SO uplifting to read about your quest for joy and excitement!!
Some of your goals are a bit large and non specific. Do you break your goals down into smaller step by step pieces?
Mount Everest is a formidable quest! Hope you get that one done as well as the “homeless for a month” before you reach the goals of getting married and having kids! LOL!
Best of luck to fulfill these goals, and even more juicy ones to come!
Yes, I definitely break them down a lot. Every goal has many milestones that I’m regularly working on.
Those are some very lofty goals you have there. Where in the world did you come up with this idea? I like it though.
Well, it was just sort of a slow realization that I wasn’t going to ever get around to all these things I wanted to do unless I actually started holding myself accountable to them.
I truly admire your ambition in attaining these goals, especially the more physical ones; I have personally felt that especially lately, my lack of both self-confidence and self-efficacy have led to me being very un-courageous, if you will. I am in college, with dreams of being in the military after school, followed by settling down and raising a family. However, I too, want to go and conquer some of these physical risks as well. My question to you is, where do you find the time to do these physical risks? Do you have a great amount of spare time to do it all? Do you tell your boss you’re going to be going away for a couple of days and when he gives you an attitude, you tell him to shove it? Hopefully, I’m conveying my question clearly to you, but I guess what I’m really asking is how do you incorporate taking your physical risks into a normal daily lifestyle?
Hey Doug. I’m self-employed now so I work while I travel, but there are lots of people who do these kinds of things with a job as well. For the most part, I think it comes down to priorities.
You might check out my free guide, “Take This Job & Shove It.” I go into a lot more detail about these things.
http://advancedriskology.com/take-this-job-and-shove-it/
I noticed that “getting arrested for a cause I believe in” is last on your list.
This is well planned. I have a close friend who was arrested when peacefully protesting nuclear reactors decades ago and lost his travel privileges to USA.
I’m enjoying your blog. I’m also having a terrific life on purpose.
Ha. I didn’t plan it that way; it just ended up last. But I’m glad you mentioned that—something to consider.
Hi Tyler, My husband and I are in our late 50′s and decided to retire and live frugally when his job got eliminated 9/30/11. Best thing we ever did! He got a year’s severance pay and we expect it to last 3 or more years. It is a fun creative challenge to live frugally yet well. His motto is “Bountiful Living!” Mine is “Living Large on a Dime!” We are having so much fun, and are happier and healthier than we have been in 26 years of marriage!
[...] the one that has stood out the most is the Tyler Tervooren’s Advanced Riskology and his 1% Club. Essentially, the 1% Club is an ambitious list of experiences and projects that only 1% of the [...]
[...] strives to be in the 1%, but not in the Occupy Wall Street kind of way. He keeps a list of things that he deeply wants to accomplish in his life that less than 1% of the world will ever do. This year he ran the original marathon [...]
Great list, generally speaking. What mystifies me (and makes me sad) about many such lists, though, is how generic they are in their goals and how the generic aspirations are based on wrong information and mythology. For example, you focused on the Great Barrier Reef for your SCUBA diving goal. Here’s info that experienced divers know: the Great Barrier Reef isn’t all that great. Thousands of divers get dumped on it each day. It’s largely ruined. If you’ve dove in really great spots around the world, the Great Barrier Reef is mediocre at best. I suggest upgrading your diving location to somewhere less generic and therefore more pristine.
Hi Margot. Most of the goals on this list aren’t actually tied to the items themselves, but to an experience I want to have. The list items themselves, are based on my current knowledge of what I think is the best way to achieve that experience.
So, some things may change over time, and The Great Barrier Reef, like you’ve mentioned, may be one of those things.
Tyler,
Sometimes I think getiing married and having (+raising) a child would be the most challenging tasks. And most rewarding, also!
I am involved in both….
Let them for later, otherwise no time for the rest
All the best!
Mihai
Probably the most challenging, for sure, but also not actually part of the 1%, so I probably need to remove them from the list.
Hey Tyler,
Question for you: are they really all that risky if your intuition points you in that direction? Or is it just a matter of trusting those inner voices?
I would love to talk to you more about this…
Well, I don’t really think that intuition and risk are correlated, if that makes sense.
Something may or may not be risky whether or not you’re drawn to it. In my case, I’m drawn to these things, and they also feel very uncomfortable. As I get through more of them, though, my “risk tolerance” seems to rise accordingly.
Risk is always subjective, and depends on how you look at a situation. The odds of rolling a specific number on a pair of dice can be easily calculated, but risk comes from what consequence occur after rolling (or not rolling) that number and how you look at the scenario.
That kind of went a ways off topic, but I hope it helps you understand how I look at these kinds of things.
What draws you to those “risks” in the first place? Something must allure you there – subconsciously or not. Call it intuition, a hunch, a dream -what ever you must label it. If there is something you truly want to do, even if completely frightening, then you must trust yourself to do it. And over time and if you are lucky, you’ll discover the biggest risk of all is trusting yourself. It builds confidence and helps you realize that you shouldn’t limit yourself to a list. Life is not linear. be open to huge things to happen in your life and they just might….
Off topic, sort of, but I hope you understand my point.
I am curious as to WHY you want to accomplish these things. And further, if more than 1%, lets say 65% of people in the world accomplished them, would they still be on your list?
Anna, I’ve tried to answer your “why” question many times in many different situations, and I’ve never really come up with an answer that seems acceptable to anyone else.
I think “why” is the most important question you can ever ask yourself, but the answer doesn’t really matter as long as it’s acceptable to you.
In other words, do things for yourself if you’re called to do them, and don’t worry if other people understand why.
And your second point is valid. This list is always open to change, and some things may change over time as I change myself.
Also, what is your response to this idea?
Doing something simply because it is a challenge is the same as doing something simply because it isn’t; they both lack true depth and meaning.
See my response above. When it comes to doing things that make you happy, I don’t see a need to intelectualize it.
Awesome, glad to see some more goal setters out there. My public list is here… http://www.nigeljwall.com/nigel-and-goals/nigel-s-list-1
Thanks for sharing, Nigel.
I agree with your thoughts about honestly answering your own why, and letting that be enough.
It was suprising to me to see you as a guest writer on Zenhabits. This is one of my favorite articles on that website http://zenhabits.net/100-days/ and interestingly, it seems to be a complete contradiction to your page.
I’ve had some interesting experiences and met people with great stories while living outside the US for the last 2 years: climbing volcanoes and ancient temple ruins, chatting with multi-millionaires, Nobel prize winners and NGO founders as well as people who are homeless, illiterate and have no teeth at age 40. What I have learned is that each person must find their own path, and as long as you are looking for approval from others you are lost and wasting your life. It all has to come from within. Cheers
[...] Tyler Tervooren’s 1% club list [...]
Hello I was just wondering if there is page where you have all your 1% club list items listed, I wanted to see what all it is you wanted to do, and I can’t seem to find a place where they are all listed together.
Hi Menay. I’ve just changed the format of this page. Basically, I’m no longer working from a list and, instead, focusing only on one (or in the case two) big challenge at a time.
I might create an archive page in the future with the old list, but I’m afraid that, for now, it’s dead!
[...] decided I would never again live a life with so little to look back on. I decided, just like Tyler Tervooren, I want my dreams to be memories longer than they were [...]
Amazing project.
I challenge you to quit this project.
hey! but you forgot central america
[...] Tyler Tervooren’s 1% Club updates are always inspiring. The path of the duo behind Married With Luggage is really enlightening to follow… And this week, I read up on the guys behind The Buried Life, thanks to Tim Ferriss. [...]
[...] his blog to show people how to live better lives through taking smarter risks. He created the 1% Club to showcase his journey to pursue challenges that 99% of people will never do, such as run a [...]
[...] like to find out more about Tyler, the risks he takes and what he has in store for the rest of the 1% Club, then hop over to his blog, and be sure to follow him on Twitter, [...]
[...] Riskology. Tyler has some of the most entertaining stories I’ve ever seen on a blog. His 1% Club is a diary of challenges he’s going to do that less than 1% of the world will ever do. [...]
Aweseom challenges!
A bit too extreme for my wife and me, but I must admit even after a one year trip around the world I am just a tiny bit jealous.
[...] out. Tell the truth. Keep your promises. Make others aware of your strengths. Be persistent. Be yourself. Listen to your heart. Follow your dreams with integrity and love. [...]
[...] like to find out more about Tyler, the risks he takes and what he has in store for the rest of the 1% Club, then hop over to his blog, and be sure to follow him on Twitter, [...]
[...] Tyler Tervooren’s X-Factor is his 1% club. [...]
Hi Tyler,
I work in a “risky” business: suicide. I am a suicidologist who has worked with over 16,000 suicidal persons over a 25 year period at a hospital clinic. Together, a psychiatrist friend and I have an office in Seattle where we run groups for people with a history of suicidal ideation and despair. We are NOT a crisis unit and therefore do not see people with emergent suicidal ideation — but those with chronic or reoccurring thoughts of wanting to die. I have created a suicide prevention therapy called Contextual-Conceptual Therapy which teaches people to understand the root of their suicidal thinking, guides them to see themselves and their relationships in a new way, and provides personalized tools for ongoing self-care. What led me to your website was the need for suicidal persons to leave their “comfort zone” and take “risks”. As you state so well: “better living through uncertainty”…and “life transformation via self-trickery”. Very accurate. If any of your readers are interested in knowing more about what I do, they can visit my website: ContextualConceptualTherapy.com which, by the way, is about 1-2 weeks away from a completed update. The basic information, however, is still relevant. Thank you for the work that YOU do!
All the best,
Fredric Matteson
contextualconceptualtherapy@gmail.comyline is so apt as it speaks so well to the issue of suicide in terms of the ralationship between suicide and the “losing oneself”.
p.s. the Kierkegaard quote in your signature b
[...] social movement includes the 1% Club, which you can check out here. It’s mainly a list of goals he has and what he says about them might make you think about [...]
Tyler-I’m sure everyone has been dying to say this, this so I’ll be the one who doesn’t care about sounding childish and say this right out: Did you know your profile picture makes you look like your picking your nose?
And Tyler, everyone is awaiting your reply. I expect their to be one. :þ
Thanks everyone for putting up with me!