Product manufacturers really understand people. They know that we get bored easily, that we want to try something different now and then. Every day, new and improved merchandise are introduced to the buying public: cornflakes come in brighter cartons, soap comes in bigger sachets and ipods come with the capacity to hold more tunes and photographs. Likewise, our lives need regular enhancement. This article shows you how a bit of creativity and sense can transform your lifestyle in 30 days or less.



Are you stuck in a rut? Do you yearn to do more with life? The answers you seek are closer than you think. For instance, when a murder has been committed a detective must first visit the crime scene and examine all available evidence. After that, eyewitnesses may be called upon and if there are many likely suspects alibis and motives will be considered. Oftentimes sleuths go to great lengths only to find that the crucial evidence was at the scene of the crime all along or that the murderer is a member of the police force. Similarly, if you yearn to improve certain aspects of your life, don't run from problems rather see them as big old windows of opportunity.

S ? Substitute - What can you substitute in order to make an improvement? If your everyday life is getting boring, substitute a few dreary activities with adrenaline inducers. For instance, go jogging with friends instead of watching so much TV. Do you never get invited anywhere? Substitute your partygoer status with a party planner rank. That's right, organise your own bash and be the one who makes things sizzle.

C ? Combine ? What processes, people, products, materials or features can you combine to make things better? If you want to do more with life, consider the sort of people, experiences and choices you can combine in order to create your desired lifestyle. For example, plan to keep company with positive people, go on a detox diet, renew interest in a hobby and do some volunteer work at weekends. Sometimes a single alteration is not enough; you have to change several aspects of your life in order to maximise impact.

A ? Adapt - What can you change? What can you exchange for something else? If you want a better relationship for instance, think ?how can I adapt my attitude in order to foster harmony and mutual respect?' E.g. Rather than speaking when you are angry, calm down and organise your thoughts first. Rather than letting your mind wander when your partner is speaking to you, discipline it to pay attention so that the speaker feels loved and respected.

M ? Modify - What happens if you distort or exaggerate certain activities or features? If you want to spend more quality time with family for instance, think, ?how can I modify routine rituals so that they become loving practices?' E.g. At breakfast time, turn the TV off and toss the newspaper aside. Discuss the day's major goals and motivate your loved ones to excel.

P ? Put - Where else can you put things and what other purposes can things be put to? Are you itching for a new challenge? Think ?to what other purposes can I put my current skills and talents?' E.g. If you work as a personnel assistant, consider applying for a position the next level up or explore other careers where your people skills can be utilised e.g. career coaching. Always put your time to good use by finding and developing hidden talents.

E ? Eliminate - What would happen if you removed or reduced certain variables from the equation? Angela worked for a company that couldn't accommodate her need for flexible working hours. As freedom appealed strongly to her, she found out what she enjoyed doing the most (baking), polished her skills, started a home based confectionery business and eliminated her boss!

R ? Rearrange ? Consider rearranging or reversing certain elements or processes. For example, if your busy schedule disrupts your exercise regimen, work out first thing in the morning rather than late in the evening.

By channelling creativity and sense into your life, you can SCAMPER out of humdrum today. According to an ancient Igbo proverb, ?Life is a carnival; if you really want to enjoy it then you cannot afford to stand in one place'. Need I say more?