Do these 2 things, it makes life more interesting.

On novelty and discomfort.

“Echo of Misconception” (2015), Michael Cheval

I used to think being interesting was about working harder or being smarter. Turns out, it’s about something much simpler: seeking novelty and challenge in everyday life.

1. Seek novel experiences

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my sweltering room, struggling to write. I felt stuck, uninspired, and bored.

Out of frustration, I closed my laptop and left the house to grab some bananas from the supermarket.

On a whim, I took a longer path that led past a forest I almost never visit. I kept walking, wandered deep into the trees, and soon got caught in a heavy summer rain.

By the time I found my way back, I was drenched but buzzing with ideas. That random detour through the forest completely shifted my mood. It was the ordinary break of routine that gave my brain a reset.

The point of the story is that novel experiences lead to fresh energy and ideas. And they don’t have to be big. You don’t need a luxury trip or a parachute strapped to your back.

They can be as simple as taking a different route home, trying a new café, or letting yourself get a little lost.

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

– Henry Ford

2. Do emotionally challenging things

Another way to make life richer is to lean into things that scare you just a bit.

For me, that’s public speaking.

Every time I have a speech to give, I feel the nerves come up. I wonder if I’ll forget my words, or if people will be bored. But once I get going, it’s exhilarating. Afterwards, I walk away feeling more alive and accomplished.

When you do things that stretch you emotionally, you grow. You create memories. And most importantly, it snaps you into the present moment.

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Your challenge:

This week, do one thing that breaks your routine. Take a new path, talk to a stranger, or say yes to something that makes you nervous.

Then take note of how much more alive and creative you feel, and what new stories you have to tell.

---

P.S.

Here’s what i’ve been reading list as a part of my 100-day reading challenge:

• The Myth of Sisyphus By Albert Camus

• The Art of Mastery By Peter Ralston

• Radical Honesty By Brad Blanton

As a part of the challenge, I have to let everyone know when I miss a day of reading. So far I’ve missed 3 days this month. 6th, 14th and 17th.