Do something different. The results might surprise you.

I really enjoyed a recent LinkedIn post by writer Bruce Kasanoff. He described the pleasant surprise he experienced when he paddled a canoe for the first time. It was something he never intended to do because he didn’t think canoeing would be as sporty or satisfying an experience as kayaking. It turns out that when he tried it, it was delightful. Smooth and navigable. A completely unanticipated result.

He then referenced the Seinfeld episode (The Opposite) in which George Costanza decides he can turn his life around by doing the exact opposite of what he would usually do. George is in the diner explaining to Jerry and Elaine how nothing has worked out for him in life (even given all his promise ☺) when the waitress comes to the table to confirm his usual order “tuna on toast, coleslaw, cup of coffee.”

George habitually agrees to the order, but then catches himself and declares “No, no, no. Wait a minute. I always have tuna on toast. Nothing ever works out for me with tuna and toast. I want the complete opposite of tuna on toast.” He then defiantly orders “Chicken salad on rye, untoasted, with a side of potato salad and a cup of tea! Ha!”

Elaine follows with “Well, there’s no telling what can happen from this.” (Then, true to form, Seinfeld explains how chicken salad isn’t actually the opposite of tuna. Salmon would actually be the opposite because it swims against the current, and tuna swim with it.)

George’s opposite adventure is as entertaining as all get out. He certainly does things differently than normal, and the outcomes are quite unexpected (and hysterical)!

Kasanoff makes the following suggestions to help us create our own opposite adventures.

Instead of… Try this…

Watching television Read

Frowning Smile

Talking Listen

Making assumptions Observe details

Using words Draw pictures

Typing on a computer Write with pen and paper

Focusing on costs Focus on benefits

Obsessing with one solution List 10 possible solutions

Working alone Work with others

Filling every moment Sit still for 20 minutes

Driving Walk

Walking Run

Running Swim Working late Work early

Being rational Be silly

With a little curiosity and a willingness to try something opposite, we might happen upon our own unexpected outcomes. They likely won’t rival George Costanza's in hilarity. But as Elaine suggests "there's no telling what can happen..."

Love,

Molly