A few of you may have heard the story of Daniel Seddiqui, the USC graduate in Economics who – after having 40 job applications rejected – took a novel approach to doing something about it.  He decided to load up his jeep and try 50 different jobs in 50 different states – a week each.  He tried to find jobs that depicted the state’s culture and economy. And when he got home, he wrote a book about it. He’s continued to travel to each state multiple times and he’s continued to learn. He now is the director of an innovative career exploration program. You can find his story at livingthemap.com.  

Daniel Seddiqui was a keynote speaker at a conference I attended several years ago with other educators. And, as keynotes go, this was one of the more valuable ones I’d heard.  It included a list.  And I love lists. 

He called his list Seven Things You Can Do To Live An Amazing Life.

I hope you – and he – will allow me to give the items on his list my own spin.

1. Fail more.

Madeline Miles says, “By definition, failure means that we didn’t achieve success. It forces us back to square one, more often than not.  But after failing, we know that we can’t approach the same task or goal in the same way. We wouldn’t achieve the same result. So, the act of failure inevitably leads to thinking of new ways to overcome obstacles” 

Failing more = new thinking.

2. Don’t care what others think.

This is a tough one.  

Besides the fact that other people’s thoughts about us are something we have zero control over, they’re something that can hold us back. I like what Hala Shamski says, “Being successful, content, and at peace with yourself involves taking risks in life. This can look like going against the grain or doing something you know others wouldn’t do. Imagine how difficult these crucial decisions are when we are constantly worried about what others think of us? If we prioritize the chatter and views of others, we will end up stifling our own growth. Easing up on this gives us the courage to do what is right for us, no matter what others will think.”

3. Always be willing to learn.

There are many reasons this one is on the list, but Walden University’s take is something we keep hearing more and more.  “Continuing to learn does good things for our brains. Recent research has found that learning keeps brain cells working at optimum levels, which may slow cognitive and memory decline as we age. The best part is, the learning can come in multiple forms. As long as we’re acquiring new knowledge, we’re keeping our brain healthier.”

4. Read!

There are so, so many reasons why this is on the list. 

My favorite is this: it allows us to get out of our own worries for a minute. 

Sarah DiGiulio, quoting Melanies, Green, Ph. D., says this:

“If you need a break from the daily grind or everyday stressors, reading can take your mind away from what’s worrying you — in a good way — by letting you temporarily escape, Green says. ‘People who are absorbed in a story world aren’t ruminating on their own personal concerns.’

Of course, ignoring a problem in the real world isn’t the answer, but spending too much time thinking about things that are out of your control (like current events, a pending job offer or family squabbles) isn’t good either, Green says. So the next time you’re feeling anxious or stressed, use it as an excuse to dust off the novel on your bedside table.”

5. Be curious.

PsychCentral has a lot to say about curiosity, not the least of which is this: “Curiosity — a state of active interest or genuinely wanting to know more about something — allows you to embrace unfamiliar circumstances, giving you a greater opportunity to experience discovery and joy. Indeed, studies show that life is better when you’re curious.”

6. Ask questions.

Yes, this sounds a lot like curiosity.  But it’s not exactly the same. 

Rodolfo A. Neirotti, M.D., Ph.D., in a 2021 medical journal says, “Questions are useful tools, they open lines of communications; give us information; improve interactions, facilitate analysis and diagnostics of a situation; allow us to propose our own ideas; help to understand the priorities of others; stimulate motivation to learn; motivate creativity and … scientific research.”

Questions open.

Give.

Improve.

Facilitate.

Allow.

Help.

Stimulate.

And Motivate.

7. Face Reality. 

Yikes.  This one is super hard sometimes!

David Pereira says it beautifully. “…Facing reality is harsh; it can be painful. However, after we do it, we create a space, which allows us to evolve, to become better. If we choose to ignore the truth, we miss the chance of thriving. At best, we remain stuck, but the odds are that we become even worse. Don’t fall into the trap of creating a comfortable delusion; allow yourself to evolve.”

I can’t wait to hear about how you are building your own amazing life.  And if you need help with any of it, I would be so glad to help. Let’s make a list!

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