Adrian Volenik
I’ve grappled with this “seize the day” thing for quite some time now.
But whenever I make an effort to take advantage of a day and maximize my time doing something that’s actually worthwhile, I hit a snag in the form of an illness (either mine or my wife’s or my son’s), or something unexpectedly happening (like pipe bursting and flooding the apartment).
Each time, it’s back to square one.
That’s why I set out to see what people who seize the day tend to do in these situations and what personality traits they have.
There are some interesting things here, so make sure to read the article to the end.
1) They bounce back from setbacks
I just mentioned some curveballs life commonly throws at us. But the thing that separates us and people who seize the day is that they hit these curveballs out of the park.
They don’t see the bad things that happen to them as setbacks or defeats. On the contrary, they see them as great learning points so they can come back stronger the next time.
That’s why my family and I are constantly working on boosting our immunities because we have a three-year-old who keeps bringing diseases back from daycare.
And while to be honest, we still get sick all the time, we’ve managed to stay sick for less time. So, instead of being sick for a week at a time, we only stay sick for two to three days.
That’s quite a difference, and it means I have more chances to squeeze out opportunities out of more days.
2) They see the glass as half-full
To seize the day, you often need to have optimism about the world and about your own life. If you consider life’s worth living to the fullest, you’re more likely to make the most out of your days on Earth.
You start seeing all challenges as opportunities.
As someone who was a pessimist and defeatist for the longest time, I can’t stress enough how much that attitude and outlook on life holds you back.
In other words, when you expect you’re going to fail at whatever you try doing, then the outcome is almost always a failure.
It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
3) They’re eager to explore and learn
To really seize the day, you need to be curious and adventurous. You need to have a thirst for knowledge about the world and about how things function.
Go-getters have this drive to understand and improve on things. They know that they can be better in life by simply learning new things. Things they can apply in their daily lives.
How do you learn new things? Well, first, you don’t spend most of your time doing meaningless things like watching TV.
You spend your time interacting with other people or reading so you have enough knowledge that you can implement for your next venture, project, or adventure.
4) They’re always up for trying new things
Let me ask you something. Do you love taking risks, embracing new things, and stepping out of your comfort zone?
To seize the day, you should. You should be open to new experiences and try things you haven’t done before.
Whether it’s trying a new cuisine, learning a new skill, or venturing on a spontaneous journey, people who seize the day are ready for the excitement that new experiences bring.
Being up for trying new things implies a flexible mindset.
That’s why they don’t rigidly stick to routines but instead welcome the unpredictability that comes with trying something different. Something very unexpected.
5) Thrive on the unexpected
If you always need to know the outcome of your every endeavor, you’ll never fully seize the day and grab it by the cojones.
You need to love and enjoy the unexpected. In other words, you need to have a spontaneous spirit.
You must see life as a chance for new experiences, growth, and the possibility of something unexpectedly wonderful.
For example, instead of meticulously planning every detail of a vacation, go on a whim to take a weekend getaway, exploring new destinations without a fixed itinerary.
And when you get a last-minute invitation to something, don’t say “no.” Go to that event, party, celebration, or even work thing with an open mind instead of staying at home and doing whatever.
Be open to adjusting your plans. Life rarely goes exactly as expected, so having flexibility allows you to adjust to changing circumstances.
6) They embrace different perspectives
I realize that I’m very rigid and not so open to different opinions and viewpoints. I also think it’s holding me back.
That’s why I’m taking a page from the book of folks who regularly seize the day. I learned that they approach conversations and interactions as opportunities to broaden their understanding.
This trait not only reflects their open-mindedness but also underscores their belief that everyone brings things to the table.
You know the old “two heads are smarter than one,” right? But how often are you going to others and partnering with them on your (or their) problems? Probably not enough.
7) They think outside the box
People who seize the day aren’t confined by conventional ways of approaching things. They embrace creativity and are open to uncommon and even strange solutions.
They’re breaking free from the usual and exploring new and innovative paths.
What I’ve learned from them is to question why things are done a certain way. Just because it’s always been done that way doesn’t mean it’s the best way.
I’m also not afraid to brainstorm and explore unconventional ideas, even if they seem a bit out there.
When I’m passionate about something, I find innovative ways to pursue it. Whether it’s a hobby or a career, infusing creativity makes everything more fulfilling.
But, many times, you also have to be obsessed about things and face them head-on.
8) Pursue what excites them
Talking about passion, it seems to me that most people, including me, aren’t that passionate about anything, really, or they become intense about wrong or completely irrelevant things.
Culture wars are the first thing that comes to mind, and people are incredibly emotional about their “team,” a.k.a. the left or the right.
In reality, it should be us against them and not as they want it – divide and conquer.
But let’s get back to the topic.
To seize the day, you need to figure out what genuinely excites and energizes you. It could be a hobby, a career path, or a personal goal.
Once you’ve identified your passions, set goals, from learning a new skill to planning an adventure. So, you know, the meaningful ones.
Visualize where you want to be and what you want to achieve. Having a clear vision can motivate you to pursue your passions with dedication.
Remember that life is too short not to pursue what truly excites and fulfills you. So, what’s something that genuinely excites you, and how do you plan to pursue it?
9) They face challenges head-on
Those who seize the day are known for facing challenges head-on. They don’t back down when things get tough; instead, they tackle obstacles with courage and determination.
That’s why, instead of letting fear dictate actions, those who face challenges head-on acknowledge their fears and take steps to overcome them.
Each challenge is an opportunity to build confidence. So, successfully going through difficulties boosts self-assurance and reinforces the confidence that you can handle whatever comes your way.
But the biggest take for me is to take a proactive approach to life. What I mean is to anticipate issues and not wait for them to escalate or to arise in the first place.
10) They live in the moment, not the past or future
And lastly, living in the moment is also a key trait of those who seize the day. They appreciate the small things and know how important being present is.
I’m not so much occupied with the past, but my mind is constantly thinking about the future.
Because of that, I now practice being present in the current moment. I try to pay attention to my surroundings, sensations, and thoughts.
In reality, that simply means staying offline or putting the phone down. It’s incredible how absorbed we’ve all become by them, isn’t it?
Final thoughts
If you, too, want to start seizing the day, start by identifying your passions and setting exciting goals that align with them.
Don’t shy away from challenges, and remember that you simply need to make the most out of each moment.
Allow yourself to be bored from time to time. When you don’t occupy your mind with things all the time, it will take you to unexpected lengths, especially when you’re trying to crack a problem.
