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Lots of people have hobbies. Some collect butterflies. Some spelunk and some collect DVDs they spend hours watching, arranging by genre and dusting.

Some people go flying off the face of a cliff with nothing but a rope between them and certain death.

Why do they do that? What is their inspiration to perform such death defying acts? There is something inside them pushing them to the edge. These people definitely think outside the box.

But are they sane? Perhaps they have a death wish or perhaps they simply have a desperate need for attention. Maybe they are related to Evel Knievel.

Some might say yes. Others would argue that the passion that drives people from the tops of the mountains to the bottom of the ocean, from one side of the globe to the other, is much simpler.

Adventure and Passion is not just for Kids

When we're children we dream up some fantastic adventures. We battle dragons. We climb to the top of towers. We set out on brave quests to conquer unforeseeable challenges and take down unimaginable enemies. At the end of the day we walk away the victor. We stick another plume in our cap. Tuck our lady's favor in our pocket and tumble into bed with a kiss goodnight. Then we dream about how we're going to do it all again tomorrow.

What do you dream about now you are a mature adult? Do you still take your weapons out against fierce imaginary beings? When was the last time you took out your lightsaber and joined the ewoks in the battle for their lives? Of course, victory would have to go to you and the ewoks because you guys are totally awesome.

When we become adults, those dragons take on faces. That flame can tumble us to the ground. Before we know what's going on, we're flat on our back looking up. It's all we can do to pull ourselves back to our feet. To dig ourselves out of the hole we landed in and get started on another day. Responsibilities pull us down until every day is the same-old same-old. There are no more dragons. There's no more adventure.

And there is no more passion. I ask you, who wants to live like that?

Extreme Sports. Not Just For Adrenaline Junkies Anymore

What made that battle with the dragon so important to you as a child? It wasn't just that taking on dragons was fun, although it was. And it blew doing homework right out of the water. But there was also always the chance that one day the dragon was going to win. That one day your best wasn't going to be good enough, and you were going to be left in the dust while the dragon went on to eat the entire village.

Now if that isn't enough inspiration to keep the brave child going, I can't imagine what would be.

That attitude is what keeps the extreme doer moving ahead. The knowledge that there is always a chance that some day the giant, slimy, ferocious creature will win pushes the warrior on ever harder, ever farther, every faster than ever before. Every time they claim victory over the giant squid, though, is the time they are most alive.