Do you sometimes wish you could be more spontaneous? Being responsible is part of being an adult, but maybe there’s room for a little impulsiveness too.
Sure, many life events big and small would be risky without advance planning. You want to know when you’re leaving on vacation and where your guests will be sitting at your wedding. You certainly want to be prepared for retirement and paying for your children’s education.
On the other hand, breaking out of your routines once in a while might make your life more interesting.
Learn how to balance being spontaneous with being rational and safe.
Benefits of Being Spontaneous:
- Inspire creativity. Artists often experience natural flow states where decisions seem automatic. Try drawing and painting or doing anything you love and excel at.
- Build resilience. Taking risks and being open to adventure builds your confidence. You show yourself that you’re capable of overcoming challenges and mastering new skills.
- Act quickly. You probably want to deliberate carefully when you’re deciding on a career or who to marry. On the other hand, you have to respond immediately sometimes, so being spontaneous can prepare you for thinking on your feet.
- Have fun. The major benefit of living in the moment is enjoying life more. Savor each experience, even if it’s a little different than what you had planned.
Smart Strategies for Being Spontaneous:
- Weigh the consequences. There’s a difference between being spontaneous and being reckless. You can still pause to consider the likely outcomes and how they’ll impact your future.
- Start small. When it comes to impulse purchases, a lipstick is much safer than a sports car. Pick something that will have minimal impact on your budget and wellbeing.
- Know your triggers. Ask yourself what’s going on when you feel like doing something hasty. Are you just trying to relieve stress, or do you have aggressive urges that you need to deal with?
- Ask for feedback. It’s often easier to be objective when you’re looking at someone else’s choices. Your family and friends can probably let you know if you’re going too far.
Opportunities for Being More Spontaneous:
- Express appreciation. Do you stop yourself from thanking and praising others because it feels awkward? Go ahead and share your feelings. You’ll both feel happier and you’ll find it takes less effort the more you practice.
- Send gifts. Make someone smile by surprising them with a present for no occasion. Order flowers for your mother or buy a box of donuts for the office.
- Clean up. Pick up litter while you’re running errands in your neighborhood or jogging in a park. Reduce clutter by looking around your home and office for items you can donate to charity or sell online.
- Take a trip.Treat your family and yourself to a change of scenery. Spend the weekend camping or having a picnic at the beach.
- Sing and dance. Music is a fast way to lift your spirits. If you feel isolated working at home, put on a music video and make believe you’re the lead singer.
- Cut your hair. Experiment with a new look. If chopping off your hair seems too radical, buy some temporary tattoos or paint pink glitter on your toenails.
- Reach out. Spontaneity can help you bond with others too. Chat with strangers on a plane or in a coffee shop. Call an old friend or former coworker who you haven’t seen in a while. Throw a party and invite your neighbors.
Some of your happiest experiences may be the times you lighten up and seize the moment. Brighten up your life by doing something spontaneous today.