Let’s face it. We live in a world that values rationality, logic and common sense. If you are equipped with these three strengths, you will avoid risks, learn from your mistakes, and plan wisely for your future. You certainly wouldn’t be foolish enough to do the following:

You wouldn’t be fired from your newspaper job for lacking imagination and creativity and have the gall to think you could create an iconic entertainment empire. 1

You wouldn’t keep sending out the manuscript of your novel after it had been rejected twelve times. 2

If you couldn’t make your high school basketball team as a sophomore, you wouldn’t dream of showing up the next year to get humiliated again. 3

And if 26 of the campaigns you attempted for political office ended in defeat, you wouldn’t keep banging your poor head against the same immovable object. 4

What kind of fools are so dumb that they don’t get the hint and do it anyway? The kind that relish proving others wrong, climbing the mountain that everyone says they can’t, and don’t mind acting in ways that are unconventional, unpredictable and often irrational.

Running your own fool’s errand is a way of expressing your individuality, exploring your potential and discovering new possibilities. It is a way of having fun, making friends and creating memories. It is a way of living in the moment, enjoying the journey and not worrying about the destination.

Of course, foolish behavior has its risks and drawbacks. It can lead to embarrassment and regret. It can alienate you from your family, friends or colleagues. It can get you into trouble with the law, and your boss. And you might fail so bad, everybody laughs when they see you coming.

But if you’re willing to take the chance and go out on your own limb, you have a shot at being truly alive. (Even if you saw it off and hit every branch on the way down.) So go ahead and be foolish. Try something crazy, make the mistakes, laugh at yourself, and don’t let anyone rob you of what makes your foolish heart tick. These crackpots sure did:

1 The guy who co-created Mickey Mouse

2 Author of seven Harry Potter books

3 Successful Nike pitchman

4 The 16th President of the United States

The following is a guest post (mostly) written by our friend Clarissa.

Whether you’re up in arms over the state of the union, or just a bit stiff from sitting around the cubicle farm all day, walking is a great way to beat the blues, get active and stay in shape. In fact, most Americans are already walking as a part of their exercise routine! Since it’s easy for anyone to start, and requires nothing more than a pair of shoes, walking is the most common method of moving a muscle and changing a thought.

So if you’re ready to see where your two feet can take you, we suggest you start by donning minimalist footwear.  Beyond the benefits conferred by regular walking in a pair of supportive sandals  or sneakers, minimal shoes help take you one step further. They can help improve other aspects of your health, from posture to strength and balance. They can be an important part of any exercise routine, and you’ll quickly see a wide variety of benefits.

How Minimalist Walking Shoes Can Help

While so-called barefoot shoes used to be considered a fad, they’ve recently been supported by scientific evidence and are now enjoying more widespread popularity. Unlike the majority of walking shoes currently on the market, these shoes provide little cushioning and arch support. These design decisions were made to promote freedom of movement across the foot.

While the adjustment may seem strange at first, the reduced levels of support actually promote muscle growth, which can have a significant impact on your posture and balance. Over time, you’ll grow accustomed to the feeling and your feet will become noticeably stronger.

Most walking shoes suffer from three main problems: the design serves to squeeze toes, elevate heels, and elevate toes. These compress your foot’s natural shape and force it to move in unnatural ways. In contrast, minimalist shoes help your body learn to be comfortable with a more natural posture.

Types of Barefoot Shoes

Once you’ve decided to make the switch to minimalist shoes, you’ll need to decide which variety is right for you.

While all barefoot shoes have significantly less cushioning and weight, some are more similar to traditional shoes than others. Hikers, for example, may prefer to keep a moderate level of support to keep them comfortable on rugged terrain.

Transitioning to Minimalist Walking Shoes

While minimalist shoes will likely encourage significant improvements in your foot strength, posture, and balance, they will take some getting used to at first. Starting with a thicker shoe that’s closer to what you’re used to will help you acclimate to the new style and reduce the risk of injury. Many runners and walkers have written about this transition and how to make it easier.

Eventually, you’ll look back at your old way of walking and wonder how you dealt with the problems it poses. Transitioning to minimalist walking shoes can be a long process, and may also require you to reexamine the way you walk – certain muscles may not be used to the added stress. If you experience significant pain that won’t go away, talk to a doctor about a solution.