Unlocking New Possibilities Through Life Experiments
Written on
Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
In January 1994, I was a fresh college graduate yearning for an exciting adventure. With nothing but a suitcase and a dream, I boarded a flight to Las Vegas. Just a week later, I secured an apartment and landed a job as a room reservations agent at one of the opulent new resorts. The allure of Las Vegas captivated me, but what truly fascinated me was the prospect of embarking on a grand life experiment.
A year later, I found myself disillusioned by the overwhelming extravagance surrounding me, prompting my return home. In retrospect, perhaps I had thrown in the towel too quickly, but at that moment, it felt like the right decision. Despite the move to Vegas being labeled a failure, it ignited a passion for life experiments that has persisted for nearly thirty years. I continue to challenge myself and push the boundaries of my comfort zone.
Every life experiment I undertake is rooted in the potential for limitless possibilities. Each endeavor starts with the hope of a transformative experience, fueled by unrestrained optimism.
Ready to embrace the challenge?
I understand that not everyone has the luxury to explore numerous experiments. If you're seeking to narrow down your options, here are five life experiments that have proven particularly beneficial in areas such as health, finances, mental well-being, civic engagement, and creativity.
Section 1.1: Health - The Power of Intermittent Fasting
Every now and then, I dive into intensive health regimens, most of which fizzle out within two to six months. One notable failure was my attempt at veganism, which lasted nine months. Eventually, the allure of a steak proved too strong, and I returned to a diet rich in animal products.
However, some of my health experiments have yielded transformative results. In 2019, I began practicing intermittent fasting and have maintained it ever since. While many adopt this method primarily for weight loss, the benefits extend far beyond just shedding pounds. Research from the NIH suggests it may even enhance neurological function.
Although the science behind intermittent fasting is still evolving, it has worked wonders for me. It hasn’t transformed me into a superhuman or rejuvenated my athletic prowess, but it has positively impacted my lifestyle choices. It’s crucial to approach lifestyle changes with a long-term perspective, evaluating their effects over years rather than weeks.
After experimenting with countless health products and routines over three decades, intermittent fasting remains the only one I’ve adhered to for over a year.
Section 1.2: Financial Freedom - Embracing a Skill-Based Side Hustle
Side hustles used to be seen as a futuristic trend, but for many, they are essential for making ends meet. Even if you have a stable job, a skill-based side hustle can offer both financial and professional independence.
Keep in mind the following considerations:
A skill-based side hustle relies on talents you possess or can hone, such as writing, coding, or marketing. Avoid confusing these with gimmicky side gigs like cryptocurrency trading or jobs that depend on an employer, such as ridesharing or bartending.
With a skill-based side hustle, your own abilities take center stage. You aren’t reliant on an employer, which can create bottlenecks. For instance, if you’re a copywriter and a client stops using your services, it merely means losing a customer, not your entire income.
Chapter 2: Nurturing Mental Health Through Journaling
As someone who has journaled almost every night for six years, I can confidently say that many abandon their journaling practice after a few months for various reasons: it lacks ritual, becomes too complicated, or fails to provide benefits.
Let’s change that. Incorporate journaling into your nightly routine. Spend ten minutes writing in your notebook as you wind down for the day. Don’t let the excuse of not knowing what to write hold you back. Reflect on your day—consider what you experienced, your concerns, and your triumphs. If you’re stuck, start from the moment you woke up and recount your day in order.
Another technique that works well for me is jotting down my worries. Putting my thoughts on paper alleviates stress and aids in falling asleep. This practice acts as a way to clear out the mental clutter accumulated throughout the day.
Activism: Engaging Through Political Volunteering
For much of my life, I viewed politics with disdain, feeling I was above it all. However, this changed in 2017, culminating in my decision to volunteer for a political campaign in 2021. At 50 years old, I found myself working alongside a team of primarily twenty-somethings, all eager to make a difference.
This experience became one of my most rewarding experiments. I transitioned from a passive observer of politics to an active participant. Volunteering offered insights into the diverse perspectives of my community while exposing me to rejection—often harsh and personal.
Regardless of your interest in politics, I encourage you to volunteer for a campaign. You may find it transformative, or it might inspire you to become even more engaged, as it did for me.
Creativity: Writing Daily
In 2016, I initiated a writing challenge, committing to produce a minimum of five hundred words each morning. Often, I exceed this target. While much of my writing remains unpublished, some eventually finds its way into my blogs or emails to followers, and a significant portion contributes to a long-standing novel project.
The act of writing itself is what truly matters. It generates ideas, sparks creativity, and helps organize my thoughts, making my perspective clearer. Writing 500 words doesn’t take long; simply express your thoughts. If you hit a wall, try stream-of-consciousness writing with pen and paper—it’s a surefire way to clear mental blocks.
Remember, your writing doesn’t have to be perfect or world-changing. The goal is to get your thoughts on paper and reflect on them in their raw form. If more people engaged in this practice, we might see less nonsense dominating the online world.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Own Experiments
If my successful experiments don’t resonate with you, consider embarking on your own. Life experiments open doors to new possibilities and enrich your worldview, even when they don’t lead to lasting changes in your daily habits or interests.
Chapter 3: Inspiring Creativity with Science
Discover exciting science experiments that can be done at home to inspire creativity and curiosity.