Society has taught us that life is about waking up, working, sleeping, and doing it all over again. Isn’t there something with that equation?
Most of us are tied down to something. Work, bills, spouse, kids, mortgage, business, debt. There’s always something that keeps us from breaking free and doing just what we want to, whenever we want to.
As the French say, “C’est la vie.” That’s just life, and there’s nothing much we can do about it if we want to remain as responsible adults.
However, that’s not the end of the world. Always remember that what you’re doing now is only temporary, until you figure out how to follow your passion and get paid for it at the same time. Until then, there’s no reason why life has to be a bleak and dull place.
You should be as happy as you can possibly be, and one way to do so is to be more spontaneous.
Here are 6 simple things that you can do to achieve it:
1. Shake up your routine
It doesn’t have to be something drastic like yelling at your boss or picking up the dry cleaning in your undies. You could start with something simple, like going somewhere else for your morning coffee or taking a new route home from work.
When you do something different, you open your eyes and mind up to new possibilities. You’ll then feel more inclined and less afraid to try new things. Plus, not knowing what’s around the corner is an exciting feeling, isn’t it?
2. Do something new every day
Whether it’s placing a different order when you’re out on your daily coffee run or putting on that shirt that you never had any confidence to wear, you need to break out of your comfort zone. There’s no need to plan for it, just go with the flow. When the opportunity presents itself, don’t hesitate and just do it.
3. Reconnect with old friends
Whether it’s your old college dorm mate or coworker from your first job, there’s nothing wrong with rekindling neglected relationships. You’ll be surprised at just how meaningful a meet up with an old friend can be.
The nice thing about hanging out with people whom you haven’t seen in a while is that you never know where it could lead to and what you’ll talk about. Everything will seem fresh and new, a far cry from the same old tales you discuss with those whom you see on a regular basis.
4. Connect with those around you
You’ll be surprised at just how interesting the people around you are. Instead of meeting up with your regular group of friends or heading home for a night of TiVo, invite your coworker, neighbor, study group member or anyone else whom you see on a regular basis *but do not have a friendship with* out for a drink.
You have to admit that it’s a little unorthodox, but that’s where the fun is. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting to know the “background” people in your life.
5. Do what you want
Afraid of consuming that delicious croissant, because you’re on a diet? Don’t want to take an extra day of vacation leave, because you’re afraid your coworkers will look at you as a lazy team member? Embarrassed to wear pink, because you don’t want your friends to think you’re not manly?
Forget the rules, and just do whatever makes you happy. Life is for living, so live it loud and proud. Just be sure you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else in the process.
6. Stop doubting yourself
The more you feel like you can’t do things, the more likely you won’t. When you psych yourself out to try something new that you’re not comfortable with, the more likely you’ll break out of your boring routine. Spice up your life by telling yourself that you can do it, and you will.
