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BERKELEY'S NEWS • NOVEMBER 21, 2023

You don't need a timeline for everything: How to embrace spontaneity

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AUGUST 04, 2022

As busy college students, there seems to be a timeline for everything. From our major courses to our daily schedules, every minute seems to be planned out. Sometimes though, the schedules we build end up failing us. This is why learning how to embrace spontaneity and incorporating it into our daily lives is important. Luckily for you, the Daily Clog has a couple tips on how to better embrace spontaneity. 

Spend one day a week without a clear schedule 

Since college students usually have a schedule full of classes and extracurriculars, try to spend weekends without a plan. Being able to have this free time is a great way to embrace doing things without a cohesive list. It also gives you the time to go out with friends and try new things. Check out a new cafe or bookstore, for example. 

Leave time in your daily schedule to try something new

Even if it’s just 30 minutes, try to leave a gap in your schedule where you don’t have anything to do. Although it can be tempting, try not force more work into this time. Instead, do something new that you have always wanted to try. 

You can try to explore a new area of campus that you’ve never been to before or talk to a friend from high school that you haven’t talked to in a while. These little breaks can help you get used to the time you might have without a proper schedule. 

Make an effort to meet new people

Although it can be difficult, try to make an effort to meet new people. Expanding the number of people you’re around will help you better see the different types of timelines people have in their lives and help you better accept your own. 

By meeting and opening up to others, you can step a little bit out of your comfort zone. By meeting more people, it will also help you expand your point of view. For instance, it can show you that sometimes making timelines or setting specific goals for yourself can be unnecessary. 

Make a list of things you want to do in the future

If you’re super busy, making a bucket list of activities you want to do in the future can help you become a little more spontaneous. It’s important to make sure that the items on your list are those that you would actually enjoy doing. With this list, you can find something to do when you have the down time to be a little bit adventurous. 

Learn how to improvise 

Let’s face it: Sometimes life throws us curveballs. Whether that be something like not getting into a class that is required for your major or just being behind in your daily schedule, it’s important to be open to improvisation. When your timeline doesn’t go to plan, try not to panic and learn how to fix the situation on the spot instead. It’s all about being adaptable and expecting the unexpected.

With these tips, you’ll be better prepared for the unexpected things life may throw at you!

Contact Samantha Herrera at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

AUGUST 04, 2022


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