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Ryan Avery Playing Bingo

The Power of Randomness: How Breaking Routine Fuels Growth and Joy

By Adventure, Communication, Food for thought, Motivation, Personal Growth, Self-Improvement No Comments

The Power of Randomness: How Breaking Routine Fuels Growth and Joy

In a world often defined by planning, schedules, and structure, there is something refreshingly liberating about doing something random. Last week in New York, after one of my keynotes, a spur-of-the-moment Bingo game presented a chance to break away from the usual rhythm and I said… YES! And amid the laughter and the thrill of the unknown, a few surprising lessons emerged, reminding us all that embracing randomness brings more than momentary fun—it fuels growth, self-discovery, and joy.

Why Embracing the Random Matters

Structure brings clarity and direction, but when life becomes one routine after another, it’s easy to slip into autopilot, missing opportunities for connection, creativity, and self-reflection. Breaking that routine with something spontaneous not only refreshes the mind but expands perspectives and enhances our adaptability. Randomness encourages us to expand our comfort zones, to do things we hadn’t anticipated, and to learn from unexpected sources. It’s in these moments of unpredictability that new ideas, relationships, and insights often emerge. The question is, when is the last time you did something random? 

Examples of Random Acts and Their Benefits

  • Bingo Night Adventures: Playing Bingo, something commonly associated with laid-back evenings or family gatherings, was surprisingly engaging and far from the usual grind. Bingo required minimal strategy but drew everyone into the same moment—celebrating wins, laughing at near misses, connecting without overthinking. Moments like these remind us that fun can be found in simplicity, teaching the importance of presence, lightheartedness, and letting go. And shout out to Stephanie from CT if you are reading this, was fun to sit next to you all night 🙂
  • Taking a Different Route Home: Altering our daily commute can seem trivial but carries surprising benefits. A different route opens up new sights, stores, parks, and possibly conversations. It’s in these subtle shifts that fresh inspiration strikes or interesting people are met, enriching life beyond the typical path. Drive home a different way today and see what happens!
  • Signing Up for a Last Minute Dance Class or Cooking Workshop: Activities like dance or cooking workshops challenge our routines and ignite creativity. For those who love structured environments, these classes offer a playful setting where mistakes are part of the fun. My mom and I love taking cooking classes together and I always meet fun people. Learning something new alongside others brings a sense of shared curiosity and laughter, often uncovering hidden talents or new interests.
  • Impromptu Conversations: For structured personalities, sparking a random conversation with a stranger may feel out of place. Yet, these exchanges can reveal fresh perspectives or even spark unexpected friendships. A simple question at a coffee shop or a compliment in passing can lead to connections that stick with us far longer than anticipated. Last week I met a woman at a restaurant who let me sit with her because it was a two hour wait. We ended up talking for hours and had so much in common, it was amazing.

How to Incorporate Randomness for Structured Minds

For those who thrive on order (insert my name here, lol), randomness can feel counterintuitive, almost unsettling. But with a few approaches, embracing spontaneity can become a natural part of life without disrupting the whole routine. This is something I am working on.

  1. Set Small “Random” Goals: Aim to do one spontaneous thing each week, I know it might not sound random if it is scheduled, however it might help get the ball rolling for people like us. It could be as simple as ordering a dish never tried before or choosing a new park to walk through. Small doses of randomness can ease the more structured mind into the experience without feeling out of control.
  2. Embrace Micro-Adventures: Create opportunities for random moments by engaging in new activities. Perhaps it’s visiting a museum that was never on the list or attending a free community event. These mini adventures invite unexpected experiences and remind us that life’s excitement often lies right beyond our typical plans.
  3. Practice Saying Yes: When something unplanned comes up—like a friend inviting us to an event we wouldn’t usually attend (thanks Victoria) — say yes without overthinking. This open-mindedness brings surprising rewards, fostering flexibility and a sense of wonder.
  4. Set Aside “Unscheduled Time”: Block out time in the calendar that’s deliberately left open, I do this every Friday. During this time, commit to doing something unplanned. This space allows random choices to emerge, helping ease the tension between structure and spontaneity.
  5. Embrace the Power of Imperfection: In our random experiences, we’re likely to encounter mishaps or laughable mistakes — these are part of the adventure. Instead of aiming for perfection, approach these moments with curiosity and the willingness to simply experience.

Lessons Learned from Randomness

Random moments don’t need to be large or grand to make an impact. Through these small, unpredictable experiences, we gain perspective, adaptability, and joy. They remind us that life isn’t merely about the path we’ve mapped out but also about the unexpected stops along the way. Stepping into randomness builds for me the fuller, richer life, encouraging us to look beyond what’s known and find fun, laughter, and wisdom in surprising places. So here’s to the next random adventure—whether it’s Bingo or a bold, new endeavor. Let’s embrace life’s little surprises and let them remind us of the beauty in the unexpected.