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Plan Your Life by Accident

Environmental Science North Cascades Group Field Trip.

Sometimes you intend to have an experience, like an internship in your field of interest. Othertimes, there's "just what happened" – like when your internship doesn't pan out and a friend ropes you into volunteering for Alternative Spring Break, or someone nominates you to be on a panel talking about your undergrad research project.

How do you make the most of these "accidental" experiences? Mine them for information about what does – and does not – engage you. Did the experience bring you joy? Did it sap your energy or fire you up? To get more detailed insights, try the “AEIOU” method.

Here’s how Bill Burnett and Dave Evans describe the method in their book, “Designing Your Life”:

When you’re able to identify specifically what makes an experience delightful or dull, you can intentionally choose a next experience, and you’re on your way to designing a fulfilling and happy life.

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