Experiencing New Experiences

A schedule is necessary to accomplish goals and to make the most out of the 24 hours in a day. It has been ingrained in our upbringing to live by a schedule since we were little. On the other hand, a schedule can also blind us to the adventures that are around each corner. It sucks us into a hamster wheel life that never stops.  

Some people believe a minute by minute schedule works best to be the most productive. This will help you stay on task, and resist distractions.

Others say a general to-do list will be sufficient to be the most productive. The tasks leading up to the most important goal for the day are small and attainable.

Regardless of our scheduling preference, we still have our own system. An important part of being productive is knowing yourself. Trial and error play a key role in finding the system that works best for you.

How do you feel when you deviate from the schedule? It is easy to be sucked into the hamster wheel of a mediocre life. This does not refer to a mediocre income, but a mediocre life, void of adventure and memories.

Those who break schedules create new opportunities in their life. One afternoon a couple was waiting in Dublin airport for their flight back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They decided to sit up at the bar and soak in the last tastes of Ireland’s Guinness. A friendly gentleman took the seat next to them and began chatting. One conversation led to another, and they discovered he was a professional boxer who owns real estate in Ireland, United States, an apartment complex in the heart of New York City in Times Square and a successful bar. After business cards were exchanged and a personal invitation to visit, the couple’s names are announced on the loudspeaker, warning them the plane is departing soon. Everyone shakes hands, and they rush to the boarding gate.

Long story short, this interaction would not have happened if the couple went straight to the gate and sat down. By deviating from the schedule, they created a connection that began with simple conversation. These small snippets of unplanned moments freshen our day and keep us engaging in the world around is.  

The average person will not live a million days. But there is more than a million unique things in life. It’s time to take control of your life and enjoy everyday as it comes to you. This means creating a friendship, establishing a company, or taking a run. It doesn’t have to be extreme, but every lifestyle change starts with just that. Change.