Do Different: At Least Once A Day

“I began to realize how simple life could be if one had a regular routine to follow with fixed hours, a fixed salary, and very little original thinking to do.” -Roald Dahl

You can discover a lot about yourself in two seconds.

That’s all it takes.  Even if you’re putting in crushing workweeks, punching away on a keyboard for a good eight or nine or twelve hours a day.  Pissed about the commute home, bills, stress.  You can forget about all that stuff momentarily.

Do something different, if only for an instant.

I try to incorporate this into my life philosophy.  Whenever something comes along that derails your daily routine, welcome it.  Don’t let out a sigh of relief when everything goes according to plan and you avoid the metaphorical (or literal) speed bumps you’re tucked safely into your bed.  On the days dominated by rote routine, you should strive to do something a little different.

Do whatever it takes to try something new.

Court novelty proactively.

These things don’t have to be monumental alterations to your routine.  novelty doesn’t require taking the day off work to go bungee jumping (but if that’s what you want to do, go for it!).  All it takes is a simple change.  Take a different route to work, try some ethnic cuisine you’ve never had before, pass through the park on the way home, etc.  You’re probably suck with linear thinking, and that’s only natural after years of society pushing you along a narrow path.

Just try doing things a little differently, is all I ask.  Start out small and you’ll be hooked.  Little adventures breed larger ones; it’s amazing what a midday walk can do for your spirits.

Plot these little novelties, or better yet, just find ways to do them as soon as the idea pops into your mind.  Prepare to feel refreshed and inspired.

Note: bonus points if you use these times to do things that scare you.  There’s definitely an overlap between fear and novel experiences… facing it down is essential as you gain the confidence to become your ideal self.  I think Eleanor Roosevelt was on to something.