I had a conversation with a friend recently about how we should try to make life an adventure, no matter where we are. It’s corny, yes, but it’s true. Why should we only plan new and exciting adventures when we’re on vacation? It got me thinking about how many things I’d like to do that I haven’t done yet. I’ve always wanted to take a yoga class. I’ve lived in my current town for three and a half years and I’ve never visited the local art museum or zoo. I talk about doing these things, but I never actually do them. Why? Because I’m busy! I have a lot of things that have filled my time, work and school especially, and I already tend to over-plan my life to the point of putting crazy amounts of stress on myself.
But now that I’ve finished my MBA program, I find myself with a lot of free time during evenings and weekends that used to be dedicated to class, studying, and team meetings. For the last month, I’ve come home from work with nothing pressing to do. That’s a refreshing kind of freedom! My time is my own, with very few obligations (work aside). So now, I’m ready to stop being a couch potato and fill some of that time with new activities! SOME of that time. Not all of it.
What better way to fill that time than with new and exciting adventures?
The Challenge: Do one new thing, have one new experience, every week for one year.
The idea is to open myself up to new experiences. Most of the things I do won’t be crazy or earth shattering, but they’ll be new to me. They’ll make me learn things I didn’t know, meet new people, and step out of my comfort zone, even slightly. And that’s how we grow, change our way of thinking, and learn more about ourselves. Maybe I’ll do some things I’ve always wanted to do and maybe I’ll end up doing things I never thought to do before. Maybe I’ll find a few new hobbies along the way. Who knows, but it will be an adventure!
"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have."
