Things you should do.

[wheel]

Here's the things I've done that are extremely uncomfortable to do initially - but in retrospect were some of the biggest growing things I've done in my life.

I'd encourage others to do these as well:
- direct sales
- public speaking
- run for local political office

Hated all three to start. Having done all three, I'm better prepared for anything life throws my way.

What's your list? Comments on mine (I'm betting most here are too chicken to do any of my three :) ).

[weeks]

Since not everyone can or should run for political office, I'd add to that "Or work on a political campaign, or work as a reporter covering government and politics."

And, of course, running your own business is extremely uncomfortable and very good at "building personal growth." (LOL!)

Interesting, I can't say the same thing of working in the corporate world, which I have done "successfully." And, while I've never done it myself, working for any government seem to be something to be avoided, unless it's the armed forces or the police, both of which provide lots of insight.

[jecasc]

Haha, funny. Because this is my things to avoid list:

- direct sales
- public speaking
- run for local political office

[Lapizuli]

Had a kid

Facilitated meetings

Quit a job

Started writing web content

[wheel]

Haha, funny. Because this is my things to avoid list:

They were on mine too. Until I've done them. They are all uniquely satisfying, particularly for most of us tech folks.

[rocknbil]

Jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You will never feel the full ecstasy of being alive until you do.

Karaoke. This breaks down any barriers you have in public speaking. Oh, and you have to do it sober or it doesn't count. :-)

Track down the people you've wronged and apologize. You know, the girl or boy you picked on in school, an ex wife/husband, no matter how trivial. It makes a difference to both of you.

Learn to let go. Sometimes we hang on to a thing, or a place, or a person, for years just because we feel like we'll be losing ground if we give it up. But once you let go, you realize it's liberating and how much that thing owned you. This, I think, was my hardest lesson, you have to let go of the things you think are dear to make room for exciting new ones.

[grandpa]

Raise a child
Public speaking/performance
Drop Out
Live Just for Today


I got over the first item. I don't really think I want to do it again.

First time I did an open mike performance I was visibly trembling. Now I wonder why I was so afraid.

Dropping Out was not easy. So many unknowns, such an uncertain future. All I knew was that I was extremely unhappy where I was and something had to change.

Finally, living just for today is very refreshing. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow might not come, but I can deal with what is right in front of me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[wheel]

Karaoke? I've done it. It didn't end pleasantly for anyone involved.

[buckworks]

- direct sales - closest I've come to that is SEO/PPC management for someone who does. I've worked in B&M retail, though
- public speaking - done that, in a number of contexts
- musical performance - done that, in a number of contexts
- run for local political office - done that, ran for city council
- had a kid - done that, three times. Enjoying grandchildren now!
- quit a job - done that, never again (own boss now)
- facilitated a meeting - done that

------

Some general goals on my to-do list:

- travel and learn from different cultures
- learning, period, about anything and everything
- more charitable giving

One specific goal on my to-do list:

- master Liebestraum on the piano

[rocknbil]

Karaoke? I've done it. It didn't end pleasantly for anyone involved.

But it did. :-) You're just not seeing it.

You didn't die of embarrassment. This is a big discovery many have to get over.

Those watching were, at the very least, amused. If you were *really* bad, you probably boosted their confidence. ("Good god, even I can sing better than that . . . . ")

Your singing may not be that bad. You just picked the wrong song. Part of it is finding the right song for you, which teaches you what you think you want is not really what you want. It helps you find your voice, and helps you find who you are. And who you are not. :-)

"Drum till your hands fall off. Sing as if no one can hear you." (and sometimes, pray they can't . . . . lol . . . )

[weeks]

You should DANCE wildly.
[news.yahoo.com...]

[rocknbil]

LOL . . . "Here is where you live." -Hitch

[skibum]

Take at least 6 months off and travel with no deadline of any kind. Stay as longer than you planned at multiple places, go places that pop up along the way. Feel a sense of freedom and learn about things you never knew existed and gain an appreciation for so much more than you see at the daily grind whether self employed or (especially) in a corporate environment! Original plan was for 2 months, it's going on six now!

[jecasc]

Oh, here is something you should do:

- Load all your possesions on a truck and take it to the local dumpster. (Or give it away)

I did that when I finished university and moved away from my small student apartment. All material possesions I had after that was the clothes I was wearing and some clothes in a small bag.

I never felt so free in my entire life.

[wheel]

- Load all your possesions on a truck and take it to the local dumpster. (Or give it away)

A bit more difficult to do with a house, spouse, and some kids :).

Unless I can unload the kids too. Because then I'm interested in you proposal :).

[SevenCubed]

- Witness natural child birth, I was present for the completely drug-free natural birth of both of my daughters, I almost passed out for the first one! Oh yeah and my wife was in extreme pain too...

- Land a plane without the engine running, or if you aren't fortunate enough to experience that then at least take an introductory flight at your local flying club -- on your very first flight you will actually be in complete control under the guidance of an instructor.

[Mark_A]

- direct sales
- public speaking
- run for local political office

My 11 year old ran for school political office and was elected, for that he had to deliver a speech to his class and this weekend he will be at a car boot sale with me selling his old toys directly!

Your 3 done by age 11 :-)