"Everybody should do at least two things each day that he hates to do, just for practice."

With this quote, psychologist and philosopher William James is saying life shouldn't always be about taking the easy road. Sometimes the greatest learning experiences are those brought on by adversity and challenge. It is during these times that you learn a great deal about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Sometimes it is important to do things even if you do not necessarily enjoy or want to engage in these activities.

"The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny."

This quote from Albert Ellis is all about taking responsibility for your own life and choices. Clearly, there are aspects of your life that are outside of your control. While you might not be able to control all the things that happen to you or that you experience through your life, you can take charge of how you respond to these events.

"When I look at the world I'm pessimistic, but when I look at people I am optimistic."

Rogers's quote suggests that while focusing on news stories might make the world seem like a terrible place, focusing on individual people can help you maintain a more optimistic and realistic view of the world.

Take a look at the people around you who can help boost you up. Focus on stories about inspirational people who are doing great things and making powerful contributions to society. As Carl Rogers suggests, the world is full of kind and generous people who can inspire great optimism.

"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten."

When people think of education, they tend to think of facts and figures learned in school. However, it is often the methods, principles, and inquiry process that lie behind knowledge that really matter.

As B. F. Skinner says, the sum of our knowledge goes far beyond simple textbook learning.

The learning process never ends, even long after the days of school are over. Never stop challenging yourself to explore new information, new ways of doing things, and different ways of thinking about the world.

"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination."

Have you ever been so focused on achieving a goal that you totally forget to enjoy the journey toward reaching that goal? Carl Rogers's quotation suggests that living a good life is all about the journey itself.

Instead focus your attention on the everyday good things in your life. The things you learn, the family and friends you share your life with, and the things that bring you happiness are the greatest indicators of a happy, fulfilled life.