~Bruce Mau

I wrote this down in my notebook the other day and it pretty much sums up "me" better than I can explain most of the time. I even changed my bio to add this little credo.

I feel like we always need an answer for ourselves -- more specifically a "plan." It's true that I value spontaneity a little more than most people, so maybe you should take this post with a grain of salt.

When you're a kid your parents ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When you go to college teachers and friends ask, "what's your major?"

Later, employers ask, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

I never answered these questions truthfully because I had no clue. Sure, I knew what to say to make people happy, but I really just said it so they'd get off my case. I've always been good at saying the "right thing" and I'm afraid that's gotten me into more trouble in the long run.

When I was a kid I told my parents I wanted to be a doctor. Great answer.

When I was going college I said my major would be psychology. Safe answer.

When I interviewed at my first salaried job I said I'd like to be at the same company -- that's just a no-brainer.

The truth is I just want to be alive and happy.

I used a picture of my niece simply because it's easier to illustrate the positive side of not planning. She's almost two years old now and doesn't plan a thing. It's beautiful.

In my limited experience, I've noticed the more I try to plan my life; the more life kicks my ass.

I'm not telling you to throw away your calendar or new year's resolutions. I'm just saying that some of my happiest moments I can remember were not planned.

Believe me, I have goals and things I want to do. But a checklist shouldn't ruin your life -- or validate it, for that matter.

~Alex Bogusky

You can read his story about why he left advertising here.

photo credit: Rennette Stowe

I almost joined a rock band and moved to Las Vegas.

Dad said, "No."

I'm so glad I had him to make that decision for me. Sure, I was mad as hell for about a week. It felt like my life was over -- but it wasn't even close.

I was oblivious to the idea that 'everything happens for a reason' until this summer. I had a similar situation, though thankfully nothing as stupid as moving to Vegas with a rock band.

I had an opportunity to move to San Francisco and join a startup but it wasn't meant to be. This time I bounced back in a day.

And the beat goes on.

Think about how tremendous something has to be for you to truly use that phrase.

Recently I used that phrase with a book and the change has been dramatic -- for the better.

I'd like to think experiences are more apt at changing lives than devices or tangible things. In this case, I feel like a book can be an experience.

What tangible thing or experience has changed your life for the better?