Hi, my name is Mike, and I’m one of those people.
You know, the ones with the steady nine-to-five job that pays the bills but doesn’t exactly set their soul on fire.
My after-work hours?
A combination of binge-watching shows, scrolling through social media, and wondering if eating cereal for dinner again is a cry for help.
But one day, somewhere between rewatching my favorite series for the tenth time and debating whether my cat was judging me, I had a revelation:
There’s got to be more to life than this!
So, I decided to get off my lazy butt and figure out what could make my days actually exciting.
Here’s what I’ve learned about finding purpose—and laughing at myself along the way.
1. Stop Waiting for Inspiration and Start Creating
I used to sit around thinking, Why hasn’t anyone created a product that makes folding laundry more fun? until I realized…why can’t I be that genius?
Whether it’s writing a show, inventing something everyone needs (like a way to prevent socks from disappearing in the dryer), or just scribbling silly ideas in a notebook, creativity is the cure for boredom.
2. Make Fun of Yourself—It’s Therapeutic
When I first tried to learn guitar, my fingers cramped, and my dog left the room.
Instead of giving up, I leaned into the humor: “Well, it looks like I won’t be headlining Coachella anytime soon.”
Laughing at myself made it easier to keep going—and now I can almost play three chords.
3. Find “Your People”
I joined a board game group at the library because I figured, why not?
Turns out, not only did I meet some incredibly weird and wonderful people, but I also learned how cutthroat Catan can get. (Pro tip: Never trust the person with too much sheep.)
4. Turn Everyday Life Into an Adventure
Instead of sitting at home, I decided to explore my city on a budget.
Did I get lost trying to find a free art exhibit?
Yes.
Did I accidentally wander into a Zumba class and participate out of sheer awkwardness?
Also yes.
But it’s these random adventures that make life more fun.
5. Stop Scrolling and Start Doing
I realized I spent more time staring at my phone than actually living my life.
So, I set some boundaries: no doom-scrolling after 8 p.m. (unless I’m researching how to win at Wordle).
Suddenly, I had time to try new hobbies, cook fancy meals, and even take a stab at writing this very article.
6. It’s Okay to Start Small
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel (or even know how to use a power drill).
Start with something manageable: plant a garden, join a book club, or—if you’re me—try to write the next million-dollar idea between bites of cold pizza.
7. Embrace the Chaos and Laugh Along the Way
Not every attempt will be a success.
My DIY birdhouse project?
Now a cat toy.
My painting?
Abstract art (a.k.a. a mess).
But the point is to try.
Because life is way more fun when you’re laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
I am still paying the bills with my nine-to-five.
But I’m not just waiting for the next season to drop.
I’m learning, creating, and sometimes failing in spectacularly hilarious ways—but I’m living.
If I can do it, so can you.
Now excuse me while I go invent a sock tracker.
