Many people ask why I never fully think things through before acting. I mean, I do, but I sometimes I’ll cut myself off from my thoughts and just go for it. It may seem courageous, daring, spontaneous, admirable. People may also view it as foolish and carefree, but as the great Wayne Gretzky once said, “you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

Some people think the amount of guys I’ve gone out with on dates is formidable, both in a positive and negative light. The reason why I don’t care how that number increases is because I’m giving both myself and the other person a chance—a chance to see if it will work, a chance to see if I’m ready to face criticism, a chance to uncover more parts of myself that no one has yet to point out. It’s not just about the potential relationship aspect, but more about whether I’m willing to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. Each connection with someone new is an adventure, a new way to create memories. It’s scary yet thrilling to see how well you know yourself enough to impress others and connect with them. If it doesn’t work out, then that’s that. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve had some pretty interesting encounters and short-lived relationships, but I don’t regret a single one. I see it as a learning tool, how I should improve myself for the next one, as well as gaining knowledge in my “type.”

That’s probably the most relatable example I can give. Experimenting doesn’t just exist within relationships. I spent my freshman year at a private university studying Architecture because it was something I had dreamed of studying for years. After just one semester, I knew it wasn’t for me, but I finished the year and transferred back home to a state school in which I now attend. Yes, it was $50,000 for that one year, and I’ll be in debt for life, but education is never wasted. I’m glad I spent the year studying such a rigorous course because it taught me a good work ethic and I never have to wonder if my life would be any different if I hadn’t spent the time and money on that specific area of academics.

So yes, I’m that person who will go and jump off a bridge (as long as it’s safe) or leave my number on the back of a restaurant bill because why not? You only have this one life to live, so why not do extraordinary and outrageous things while you’re here? I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t do something that you initially desired, you end up thinking about “what if” for the rest of the night. You begin to curse yourself and say, “I wish I had done that” because now you’re wondering if things would be different. I can gladly say that I’ve said “yes” to most decisions. So go for it, become a “yes man”, say hi to the cute guy at the bar, get up there and sing karaoke off-key, and take that one-way ticket across the globe because if you don’t, you’ll be kicking yourself later, and we don’t want to continue our trek throughout life with bruised shins.