Don't live your life on autopilot

Life is too short to live on autopilot all the time. While some routine is good, too much of it can make us feel as though our lives are stuck in a holding pattern. The axiom "variety is the spice of life" isn't just some tired cliché. The more you continue to do things in exactly the same manner, the less you grow. Rather than being focused on the here and now -- and what the future will bring -- you're stuck in your old tried-and-true ways. In the long run, this will only breed discontentment and regret.

Even little changes can make a considerable difference:

Taking a slightly different route to and from work
Trying out different restaurants
Checking out new events in town
Going to the gym in the morning some days and in the evening on others
Broadening your horizons by exploring new cities/countries
Changing your look every so often (e.g., different haircut or wardrobe)
Eating lunch at different times on different days
Considering new job opportunities once you're no longer growing in your present position (even if that means supplementing your income on the side)
Further enhancing your knowledge on everything from computer programs to cooking styles
Reaching out to and catching up with relatives and old friends every so often

Far too often, people complain of boredom and stagnation in their lives. What they don't realize is that only they can infuse excitement in them -- and it all starts with making slight changes so that each day doesn't feel like a carbon copy of the prior one. We all need a certain level of routine and structure in our lives, but we shouldn't take it to an extreme.

Novel experiences keep life from becoming too mundane and predictable. Rather than make excuses for why we can't aim for them (e.g., we're too busy or tired), we should strive to give our lives flavor through variety. Don't stick to the same schedule day in and day out; keep things in a state of flux (at least a little) and you won't find yourself grumbling of boredom any longer. Savor life!

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