What Could I Do More Of? A Journey to Better Myself (And Probably You, Too)

What Could You Do More Of?

As I sit here in my favorite chair, coffee in hand, staring at a to-do list that I’m fairly sure is mocking me, I find myself thinking about all the things I should be doing more of. You know, the grown-up stuff—reading, learning new things, traveling, spending time with family. The activities that self-help gurus tell you will lead to a more fulfilling life. And, in between questioning if I actually enjoy any of these things, I realize I’ve been caught in the web of modern existence—too much scrolling, not enough living. Maybe it’s time for a change.

More Reading, Less Scrolling

I remember a time when I used to devour books. I’d finish a novel in a week, sometimes less, and feel like I was on some kind of intellectual high. Now? If I manage to read three pages before bed without checking my phone for new memes, I consider it a victory. It’s not that I don’t love reading; it’s just that TikTok, YouTube, and the endless void of social media have figured out how to hijack my brain. They’re like the fast food of the mind—cheap, easily consumed, and ultimately leaving me unsatisfied.

But oh, the thrill of reading! Picking up a good book feels like embarking on an adventure with absolutely no risk. You can travel to distant lands, live through wild experiences, and peek into the minds of fascinating characters—all while sitting comfortably in your own home, hopefully with snacks nearby. Why don’t I do more of that?

It’s easy to blame time, technology, or the pressures of daily life, but deep down I know I’m the one standing in my own way. So, I’ve decided: more reading, less scrolling. I’ll turn off notifications, silence the endless sirens of social media, and instead drown in the wonderful worlds hidden between book covers. Or at least I’ll try…right after I watch that one funny cat video.

Learning: Not Just for School Kids

Now, let’s talk about learning. Real, proper learning. Not the “I just Googled something and now I’m an expert” kind of learning (looking at you, armchair epidemiologists), but actual, mind-expanding, skill-building learning. Remember when learning something new was exciting and not just another chore? I miss that feeling, and I suspect that doing more of it could add some much-needed zest to my daily routine.

It’s easy to think, “I’m too old for that,” or “I don’t have time,” but that’s just lazy talk. Honestly, I’ve spent more time binge-watching shows on Netflix than it would take to pick up a new skill. I’ve seen all of Stranger Things twice, and I still don’t know how to properly fold a fitted sheet. Now, I’m not saying I’ll go out and learn quantum physics (though that does sound pretty cool), but maybe something more manageable, like learning to cook something other than pasta or finally figuring out how to use Photoshop without resorting to the “undo” button every three seconds.

Besides, we live in a time when you can learn practically anything online. YouTube tutorials, free courses, or even apps designed to teach you a new language in just a few minutes a day. There’s no excuse anymore. If I don’t emerge from the next few months as a slightly more knowledgeable human, that’s entirely on me. Well, me and Netflix. Netflix shares some of the blame.

The beauty of learning as an adult is that it can be exactly what you want it to be. No grades, no pressure, just the joy of discovering something new. Whether it’s diving into a book about history, watching a documentary, or taking up a hands-on hobby like knitting or photography, learning offers a refreshing change from the monotony of daily life. So, what’s stopping me? A mindset shift could turn every day into an opportunity to grow a little bit more.

Travel: More Than Just Instagram Opportunities

Ah, travel. The thing we all talk about doing more of, but then life gets in the way. There’s the expense, the logistics, the time off work—so many excuses that we stop dreaming of our next adventure and settle for a staycation. But deep down, we know there’s nothing quite like travel to shake up our routines, introduce us to new cultures, and give us stories to tell for years (or at least until our friends are sick of hearing about that “life-changing” trip to Bali).

For me, travel isn’t just about seeing new places, though that’s part of the fun. It’s about changing my perspective. When I go somewhere new, even if it’s just a weekend road trip, I notice that my brain starts working differently. Suddenly, I’m not thinking about the mundane daily tasks that usually consume me. Instead, I’m wondering how people live here, what their routines are like, and what I can learn from them. Plus, let’s be real—trying new food in a foreign place is probably the best thing ever. No one’s ever complained about eating too many pastries in Paris.

It’s easy to think of travel as something grand and unattainable—exotic destinations, luxury hotels, and passport stamps. But even local trips, exploring your own city or nearby towns, can have the same effect. Every new experience, no matter how small, has the potential to change the way you see the world. And let’s not forget the memories you make along the way—those stay with you far longer than a scroll through Instagram.

Now, I’m not saying I need to become a full-time globetrotter (though if anyone’s offering a job as a travel blogger, hit me up). But more travel, more exploration, even if it’s local, would certainly be good for my soul. And my Instagram feed. Let’s not pretend that isn’t a factor.

Family Time: The Ultimate Self-Care

Now, for the big one: spending more time with family. In theory, this should be the easiest thing on the list, right? I mean, they’re there, I’m here—it’s just a matter of getting together. But life has this sneaky way of making even simple things complicated. Work, social commitments, and Netflix (yes, again) seem to take up all the time, and before I know it, it’s been weeks since I had a proper conversation with my loved ones.

The truth is, as much as I enjoy my alone time (and I really do), I also love hanging out with my family. They’re the only people who can roast me to my face and somehow make me laugh about it. Plus, family time has a way of grounding me. Whether it’s playing a board game, having a deep conversation over dinner, or just watching a movie together, it reminds me of what’s important. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life, but when I’m with family, I realize that those are the moments I’ll remember in the long run. Not the emails, not the deadlines—just these simple, human moments.

So, what’s stopping me from doing it more? Probably my obsession with being “productive,” which is really just a fancy way of saying I’m bad at relaxing. But here’s the thing: spending time with the people I love is productive. It’s productive for my mental health, for my happiness, and for those relationships that matter most. So I’ll pick up the phone, plan that family dinner, and maybe even let them pick the movie this time. Maybe.

More Kindness to Myself

Here’s something that doesn’t get mentioned nearly enough when we talk about self-improvement: being kind to yourself. We live in a culture that glorifies productivity and efficiency, where it’s all too easy to feel guilty for slowing down or taking time for yourself. But here’s the thing—life isn’t just about crossing items off a to-do list. It’s also about rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Maybe I need to do more of that too.

Being kind to myself means accepting that I’m not going to be perfect at any of these changes. It means understanding that I don’t have to read a book every week, or master a new skill, or travel the world in a year. It’s okay to take small steps. It’s okay to stumble along the way. What matters is that I’m trying.

More kindness to myself might mean fewer late nights scrolling through work emails and more time spent doing things I enjoy. It might mean forgiving myself for not being constantly “on” and allowing myself some downtime. After all, self-care is more than face masks and bubble baths—it’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you’d offer to a friend.

Conclusion: Time to Do More of the Good Stuff

So here I am, publicly committing to doing more of the things that matter—reading, learning, traveling, and spending time with family. Will I be perfect at it? Absolutely not. But I figure if I make small changes—like reading before bed instead of doomscrolling, or taking a weekend trip instead of just talking about it—I’ll at least be moving in the right direction.

And honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. So, who’s with me? Let’s stop saying “I wish I did more of that” and just start doing more of it. Worst case scenario, we end up with a good story to tell. Best case? We live a little better, laugh a little more, and finally learn how to fold that darn fitted sheet.

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