Growing up, I have always loved to plan things.
Whether that be planning a birthday party, an outfit, a present for someone, or a hypothetical trip to Europe, planning things brings me joy.
However, in the last year or so, I have come to realize that "having a plan" sets up expectations and standards. When you are so eager for something to happen, you conjure this idea in your mind of what it should be - and when things don’t go as planned, it can often lead to sadness or annoyance. But, it doesn’t have to be all that bad - sometimes, it’s better when things don’t work out how you thought they would.
Sometimes, it is important to let your guard down. And sometimes, this can be referred to as spontaneity.
Being spontaneous every once in a while breaks up everyday routine, and I have devised a master list of how to add more spontaneity to your life!
1. Be Curious
Don’t accept things the way they are - question them, and challenge them. One word often heard among children is “why”. Why this? Why that? Children are endlessly using their imagination in order to learn how to adjust to the world around them - and you should do the same.
2. Reduce Your Laziness
Don’t get me wrong, I’m guilty of this too, and sometimes we all need our "lazy days". However, doing “boring” things for hours on end, such as scrolling on your phone, taking BuzzFeed quizzes and finding out what kind of bread you are, or perhaps watching T.V. all take up time - and don’t exactly accomplish much. This time could be put towards the act of spontaneity.
3. Try New Things
Whether that be trying a new food, wearing a bold shade of lipstick, or taking up a new hobby, it is important that you undergo the experience of trying something foreign to you. Regardless of whether or not you enjoy the experience, it is indefinite that you learn a thing or two from it. From there, you further create an identity for yourself.
4. Say “yes” More Often
In addition to trying new things, don’t be afraid to add “yes” into your frequent vocabulary. When asked what they regret most in life, people often say “not doing (insert statement here)” - not that they regret doing something they did. As stated in my article on nostalgia saying “yes” can lead to some of the greatest times of your life.
5. Take an Unplanned Trip
As said by Shel Silverstein “I took the one [road] less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”. Whether you travel to a country unfamiliar to you, or drive to the nearest city and get lost, things often go better when they aren’t planned. Some of my fondest memories were when we had no itinerary for the day and played it all by ear.
In the words of the almighty Drake - you only live once.
As cliche as this is, it is true. Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. Explore the unknown, question everything, and try new things! You never know what may happen.