How to Be More Spontaneous

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Some structure in your life can be comforting, but when you feel like your days are getting dull and repetitive, it might be time to shake things up a bit. Getting out of your comfort zone and injecting some spontaneity into your routine can keep things unpredictable and fun. We’ve compiled the best ways for you to break out of old habits and reinvigorate your daily life.

1

Make a list of your routines.

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  1. What patterns do you repeat? It might seem counterintuitive, but making a note of every time you do something that feels routine will help you figure out where you can start to loosen up. [1]
    • Ask yourself questions like: Do I walk the same route every day? Do I sit in the same desk during classes? Do I bring the same kind of things for lunch or order the same meal at a restaurant?
    • Note your downtime activities. Do you sit at home or are you active?
    • If you’re struggling to identify routines, ask your family members or friends to point out your habits.
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2

Write down the anxieties holding you back from change.

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  1. Write these anxieties down next to the steps in your routine. Try to be as specific as possible. [2] Figuring out your self-judgements and limiting beliefs allows you to recognize when your negative inner voice is holding you back from spontaneity, rather than a true, external limitation (like time or money). [3]
    • Check in with yourself: What's scary about sitting next to a stranger and being drawn into conversation? What keeps you from visiting that new restaurant? [4]
3

Add a few new activities to your routine to shift your mindset.

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  1. Part of spontaneity is about openness—freeing yourself to enjoy the moment and shifting your perspective towards positivity. Add a larger routine shift by exercising or learning to meditate , or you can try out some of the smaller habits below. [5]
    • Take a photo of something beautiful on the way to work. [6]
    • Write down three things that went well for you at least once a week and what contributed to them going well. [7]
    • Pick one enjoyable activity (like reading a book, watching your favorite TV series), and plan it into your evening so you have something to look forward to at the end of the workday. [8]
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4

Clear part of your schedule and see where the day takes you.

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  1. Take an hour, an afternoon, or however much time you’d like to unwind and try something new. Avoid scheduling activities, and see what opportunities come up! Some routine is good—having habits like exercise, regular self-care, and meditating or praying can keep us productive and comfortable—but leaving free time can refresh your perspective on life. [9]
    • Use the time to take a class or learn about a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
    • Wander around town and see if there are cool places or events to check out.
    • Give yourself a day off from chores and go for a hike, cook an elaborate meal, or play video games instead.
5

Act on cravings and spur-of-the-moment ideas.

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  1. If you develop a craving to eat pizza late at night or to become a vegetarian over the weekend, what's stopping you? It's easy to come up with reasons not to do things. Instead of worrying about whether your whim will eventually fail or whether you'll regret your choice, just go for it. [10]
    • Start by asking yourself how you feel about something instead of dismissing your ideas and wants.
    • Use common sense. Don’t act on impulses that are illegal, extremely unhealthy, or that put you in danger.
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6

Connect with new people.

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  1. Feeling stuck in a routine can get lonely, so the next time you go out or plan an evening at home, ask someone to join you. Studies show that engaging with other people, even talking to strangers on your commute, can boost your positive emotions. [11]
    • If your average night looks like enjoying a few beers on the porch or cooking dinner, make it a significant event by including an old friend you’ve lost touch with or would like to get to know better.
    • Strike up a conversation with a stranger by asking about your surroundings. For instance, if you’re at a café, try saying something like, “Wow, the line’s really long today. Have you ever seen it this busy in here?”
    EXPERT TIP

    Our Family Plays Games

    Board Game Experts
    Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world.
    Our Family Plays Games
    Board Game Experts

    Strengthen your friendships by playing board games. Board games are a great way to connect with others, and can even help you make new friendships. Join a local game night or invite people to your house. Board games are a magic conversation starter. You'll be surprised by the connections you forge over the game table.

7

Say yes when a friend asks you to do something.

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  1. The next time a friend asks you to try out a new restaurant or go see a movie, say yes. Just keep in mind that saying yes isn't about forcing yourself to do things that’ll make you deeply uncomfortable—it's about getting yourself to do things you might like and never get around to. [12]
    • Act in your best interest. If you have absolutely no desire to go to that glow-in-the-dark bubble rave or if you can’t afford that restaurant, don't go.
    • As you find activities or new places you like, focus your energy on pursuing those opportunities. Use your spontaneity to make life more enjoyable, not more hectic or challenging.
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8

Go on an impromptu adventure with a friend.

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  1. By avoiding over-planning, you can prevent planning from feeling like a chore and keep yourself open to new and exciting opportunities. Offer to meet up with a friend in an unfamiliar part of town and spend the day exploring. You never know what you might find! [13]
    • Meet up downtown for lunch, and walk around to decide on a restaurant instead of planning ahead-of-time.
    • Go on a walking tour of your city instead of picking a specific destination.
    • Drive to a movie theater and pick a movie to see once you get there.
    • Look through a thrift store or antique market and look for the wildest thing you can find.
9

Switch up the location where you work, study, or eat.

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  1. Mixing up the place where you work or study might even help you improve your brain’s ability to process and retain information. [14] Check in with yourself once you make a small change. Does the change make you feel better or more anxious? [15]
    • Take a different route to work.
    • Bring your lunch for a picnic outside instead eating in the cafeteria.
    • Call a friend and meet for drinks downtown instead of going straight home after work.
    • Study in the library instead of at a coffee shop.
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10

Take a trip without a full itinerary.

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  1. For nearby vacations, just get in the car and drive until you find a place you’d like to stop and explore. For trips overseas or farther away, only plan the minimum logistical necessities like booking a plane ticket, finding a place to stay, etc. Once you get to a new place, follow your instincts about what you’d like to do and see. [16]
    • Ask a local for advice on what to do, or check out a local paper for listings of concerts, festivals, and activities. [17]
    • Use the “near me” feature in mapping apps on your phone to pick fun activities once you get to a spot.
    • You don’t have to spend a lot of money to take a trip. Spend a weekend in the adjacent town or go for a scenic drive.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I embrace my authentic self more?
    Rachel Clissold
    Certified Life Coach
    Rachel Clissold is a Life Coach and Consultant in Sydney, Australia. With over six years of coaching experience and over 17 years of corporate training, Rachel specializes in helping business leaders move through internal roadblocks, gain more freedom and clarity, and optimize their company’s efficiency and productivity. Rachel uses a wide range of techniques including coaching, intuitive guidance, neuro-linguistic programming, and holistic biohacking to help clients overcome fear, break through limitations, and bring their epic visions to life. Rachel is an acclaimed Reiki Master Practitioner, Qualified practitioner in NLP, EFT, Hypnosis & Past Life Regression. She has created events with up to 500 people around Australia, United Kingdom, Bali, and Costa Rica.
    Rachel Clissold
    Certified Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    It's just showing up, like when you're a child—you don't care, instead of walking in a line, you twist, you twirl, you do a dance, and you jump up, jump down, and just show up as you are. So it's almost like embracing that inner child that just wants to play, and, again, it's just showing up. There's something inside of us that wants to come out, that wants to be shared, that wants to be expressed. So it's just doing it, having the courage to speak up, and having the courage to do what you feel like doing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I get out of my repetitive everyday routine?
    Rachel Clissold
    Certified Life Coach
    Rachel Clissold is a Life Coach and Consultant in Sydney, Australia. With over six years of coaching experience and over 17 years of corporate training, Rachel specializes in helping business leaders move through internal roadblocks, gain more freedom and clarity, and optimize their company’s efficiency and productivity. Rachel uses a wide range of techniques including coaching, intuitive guidance, neuro-linguistic programming, and holistic biohacking to help clients overcome fear, break through limitations, and bring their epic visions to life. Rachel is an acclaimed Reiki Master Practitioner, Qualified practitioner in NLP, EFT, Hypnosis & Past Life Regression. She has created events with up to 500 people around Australia, United Kingdom, Bali, and Costa Rica.
    Rachel Clissold
    Certified Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    It could be as simple as taking a five-minute longer journey to work, going the scenic route, going to a different café, trying a different food, joining a new gym, or doing something else different that's putting you out of your normal confines. Simple tweaks shift everything. It doesn't need to be huge, like quitting your job and traveling.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
      2. ↑ Rachel Clissold. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview. 26 August 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201612/7-ways-get-yourself-unstuck
      4. ↑ https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/19-reasons-why-youre-stuck-and-how-to-get-unstuck.html
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201612/7-ways-get-yourself-unstuck
      6. ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/little-changes-routine-make-you-happy-more-productive.html
      7. ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/three-good-things
      8. ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/little-changes-routine-make-you-happy-more-productive.html
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201009/routines-comforting-or-confining
      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/201710/how-be-more-spontaneous
      2. ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-28833-001
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologies.co.uk/why-we-should-all-say-yes-more
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/fashion/making-plans-schedule-free-time.html
      5. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3039180/how-your-daily-routine-is-holding-you-back
      6. ↑ Rachel Clissold. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview. 26 August 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
      8. ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/12-ways-spontaneous-travel/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to be more spontaneous, start by throwing out the rulebook and say “goodbye” to dull routines. A great way to pursue a life of spontaneity is to say “yes” more often, since you never know what unplanned adventures await you. If you’re unsure where to start, try a restaurant you’ve never been to before instead of sticking to your favorites. When you feel bolder, try a bigger change, like going vegetarian or paleo for a month, to know what it’s like. Then, build up to something really big, such as going away for a week to a place you’ve never visited before. Keep reading for more tips, including how embracing mystery can help you be more spontaneous in your life!

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