“The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom.” When you feel bored, you are robbed of hopefulness and excitement. Boredom forces the mind to slip into a state of complacency and, in a way, weakness. Letting boredom interfere with your happiness is optional – so don’t let it happen! Instead, try these 6 ways to fill your life with fun, exciting things to try.

1. Make a Change
Boredom often comes from a lack of activity or interest, so make a change in your life! Start with a change of mindset, whether that means adopting a more optimistic outlook or being more adventurous.

2. Don’t Limit Yourself
If you really want to stir things up, you need to stop putting limitations on yourself. You’re capable of whatever you want to do – it may take some hard work, but you can get there.

3. Go with Your Gut
There’s a voice in your head saying, “Do it!” and another voice saying, “Wait. Let’s take a pause.” Sometimes it’s good to listen to the rational, logical side of your brain. Other times, you need to go with your gut feeling – especially when you’re trying to branch out and try new things.

4. Baby Steps
Have you ever heard of taking baby steps toward something? We can’t always make giant leaps toward our goals or our dreams. Often, we need to start small. Perhaps that means trying a new ice cream flavor or going to a different mall. Little by little, you’ll begin working your mind into being more adventurous.

5. Make a List
Just like a to-do list, you can make a “do” list. Draft up a catalog of things you want to do for yourself – for fun! This list can include all new things, some old things, or all of the above. The point is to hold yourself accountable to branch out of your comfort zone.

6. Make Plans Quickly
We’ve all committed the age-old foul of making plans too far in advance that when the time comes around, we’re not so excited about the plans anymore. If you make your plans with more immediacy, you’ll hold yourself to them and you’ll be less likely to back out.

As you read through these tips, know that there is no trickery here. You’re not trying to play games with your own mind; you’re learning how to read your mind so that you can accomplish big things and try exciting things throughout your life. Good luck!