This last week I got the chance to do something I’ve wanted to do since 1986… Yes, 1986. That was the year I graduated high school and the same year Ferris Bueller’s Day Off arrived in theaters. I must’ve seen that movie a dozen or more times as I worked at a movie theater when it was released.
I envied Ferris that he was able to take the day off and enjoy life on a beautiful day in Chicago. He got to see many exciting things and was able to experience them with the people that he cared about most. Ferris was the type of guy that I wanted to be – filled with passion, self-confidence, and zest for life. I was a rule follower, not a rule breaker. Not to mention I was way too much of a scaredy cat to do something as brave and spontaneous like Ferris.
But deep down I longed to be a little more edgy and adventurous than my “goody two shoes” persona, no doubt! The things he got to do on his day off playing hooky were simply amazing. He accomplished so much because of his mindset and his desire to not waste the day. And, the fact that he chose to share his special day with his friends was also a gift.
I’m not condoning that we inappropriately take a day off, students play hooky or break the rules. I am saying, however, that we should have the courage to do the things we want to do. It might take some planning and forethought but start the process now before life gets in the way and passes you by.
If you have not seen the movie, it is worth the watch. If you have seen the movie, it is worth seeing it again from a more tenured (that’s all fancy talk for saying old) set of eyes.
So, this week I got to check an item off my bucket list. My wife, one of my sons and I traveled to Chicago and did the Ferris Bueller‘s day off challenge. We took the day off, boarded a plane (not a Ferrari as in the movie) to Chicago and attempted to accomplish as many things as possible that Ferris Bueller did in his quest for adventure. Except, we decided to take 2 days instead of one because, hey, we were in Chicago!
We adopted the spirit of the adventure by embracing Ferris Bueller’s statement, “The question isn’t ‘what are we going to do,’ the question is ‘what aren’t we going to do?’” My son also took the day off work and my wife (who is much prettier than Sloane Peterson) ventured off to see Chicago like Ferris and his friends. And, we completed just about everything they did…and so much more! If you are interested, the bottom of this blog contains the list of activities we accomplished.
I would have never had the chance to do these things if I did not take action and just make it happen. I’ve been talking about doing this for years! I’m so glad I did! The sights, sounds and energy of Chicago was amazing. But even more amazing is that I got to experience it with my wife and one of my kids.
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked! It is all about taking chances and seizing the opportunity when it presents itself. Don’t be like me and wait almost 40 years before you check a doable item off of your bucket list.
Take action! Stop what you’re doing and enjoy the day! Stop what you’re doing and take that risk! Start appreciating all that life has to offer! Start a business and work for yourself if you so desire! That’s exactly what did.
Just like I talked about doing a Ferris Bueller’s day off challenge for years, I realized I talked about making a significant career change for years without taking action. I thought and thought about what I was doing and took a chance by starting an online business. Now, I am enjoying spending time with my family, and doing the things that I want to do on a regular basis (like an impromptu and overdue trip to Chicago). I’m also working harder and feeling more satisfied than I have in a very long time. I’m really enjoying my new found opportunities.
And, sometimes I get a chance to get away and mark off an item on my bucket list like I did this last week. What is holding you back from taking chances? It might be something that needs to wait, but if not, you may want to consider taking action now on that thing you really want to do. Do it for YOU! If you are interested in hearing more about what I am doing, please continue to follow my blog and check out a few back posts.
Now off to check off another bucket list item…after I recover from a fantastic adventure in Chicago! Thanks for inspiring me, Ferris, and as Cameron says, “Ferris Bueller, you’re my hero.”
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
“A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” – Leonardo da Vinci
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
Why did the fish play hooky? Because it wanted to get off the hook for a day!
Why did the bucket cross the road? To check off “crossing the street” from its bucket list!
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
*In case you want to know, here is what we did in 2 days visiting Chicago: Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Field Museum (The Art Institute of Chicago was closed so we did this instead), brunch at a fancy restaurant, attended a baseball game at Wrigley Field (Cubs lost to the Brewers 3-2), parking garage, view sculptures (The Bean, Flamingo and Picasso, Navy Pier), Food (devoured a deep dish pizza, several Chicago hotdogs with the works, Italian Beef Sandwich and a thin slice pizza), Daly Plaza, free Symphony in the park and a tour of the city on a Hop On/Hop Off open bus tour taking in all of downtown.
Honestly, we wanted to spend a week, but life at home called!
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Hey, Ernie! Congratulations! It’s a big deal to have a Ferris-like day and you had two! I can see you embracing that mindset in your day to day life as well. I’m smiling to see it 🙂 I’ve recently signed up with an online group to learn Russian. I’ve wanted to read Dostoevsky in his own words for decades now. I don’t yet see the clear path forward, but I suppose I have to begin somewhere and I’m daring to commit. I have some time now that I’m making my own schedule. So, here it goes! Here’s to building the life of our dreams! Nakina
Hi Nakina – This is wonderful! Learning a new language is like learning a new culture and is truly a gift. I applaud you for your efforts and have no doubt that you will succeed in both your new language challenge and in business. I truly appreciate your visit in your comments to my post and have a wonderful day and week ahead!
Having fun and enjoying life is a mindset. Every moment, in order to be savored, must be done in a state of joy. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Congratulations for taking a few days to regain that feeling of unmitigated happiness! And for sharing your stories with us!
Hi Kate – I agree that every single moment must be savored! Thank you for your visit and for your constant encouragement and friendship!
Hi Ernie,
What an inspiring post! It’s great to see you finally checking off that bucket list item and are channeling your inner Ferris Bueller.
Your adventure in Chicago sounds like a blast and a perfect reminder to seize opportunities and enjoy life’s moments.
The connection you make with taking risks in life and running an online business insightful. Sometimes, it’s those bold moves that lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Thanks for sharing your journey and motivating us to take action on our own dreams. Looking forward to hearing more about your next adventure!
Meredith
Hi Meredith – Yes, it was so much fun! We did seize the opportunity and try to accomplish everything on the list and actually accomplished so much more. When I was on this trip, I was thinking that this is like my business and that I waited so long before I started. And it came to me, I can make a blog out of this. So, I did and it was one of the most fun blogs to compose as I got to relive my adventures in my writing. Thank you so much for your visit, has always!
Ernie I was just waiting for you to say you got to drive Cameron’s dad’s car too! Nun the less I’m glad to hear you got so much enjoyment from your trip, we all need that along the way. Somehow I knew you would catch a baseball game.
Yes, Ken! I really did want to drive that Ferrari but Alas all I could afford was a plane ticket. 🙂 And, yes, a game was mandatory!
Wow, what an incredible adventure! I loved reading this post, It really brought a smile to my face. Thanks Ernie. It’s inspiring to see you finally check this off your bucket list and embrace the spirit of spontaneity. I don’t do it that often and your blog has given me some motivation to plan something for me. Your journey to Chicago sounds incredible, and it’s a great reminder that sometimes we just need to seize the day. Thanks for sharing this—and for the nudge to take action in my own life.
Hi Sarah! You’re so nice to comment on my blog the way that you did as your comments could be turned right back to you as I smile every time I read one of your posts. They’re just so real! Yes, it was a fun trip and it was totally worth it and I would love to do it again or something similar. I absolutely adore spending time with my wife, but when I get to spend time with my children who are now adults, I see them in a completely different light and I am so proud! Thanks for your visit and your comment and have a great day!
Ernie, I loved reading about your Ferris Bueller-inspired adventure! It’s amazing how taking a day (or two) off can not only help us relive a bit of childhood whimsy but also rejuvenate our spirits. Your trip to Chicago sounds like it was packed with fun and memorable experiences.
It’s so true that stepping away from our daily routines and embracing a bit of spontaneity can offer a fresh perspective. I’ve found that taking time off, even if just for a short break, can boost creativity and motivation in our work lives. Your story is a great reminder that it’s never too late to make those bucket list dreams a reality.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey and the practical advice. It’s a great nudge to take action and not let life’s responsibilities overshadow our dreams. Looking forward to hearing more about your future adventures—both in business and beyond!
Hi Friend! I feel like I can call you that now as you and a few others have been very loyal and faithful to follow my posts and I am a fan of your post as well! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes, it is so beneficial to step away from the daily routine and to appreciate life. Is the spirit and intention of this spontaneous trip and it was a success Now back at it so that I can plan (and afford) my next adventure! Have a great day!
Ernie, I’m glad you got to fly into Chicago. A Minesota friend and her hubby were on a summer trek last week and she commented on the massive increase in traffic through Chicago this year, facing a wall of trucks basically parked on the freeway for hours.
Taking action is certainly some good advice. And you taking the day off like Ferris is epic. Way ta be on ticking off a bucket list item!
Yes, there was a lot of traffic in Chicago. Fortunately, we just Ubered everywhere so we didn’t have to fight the traffic we just rode in it and enjoyed the view. I never appreciated a bucket list until I got to a certain age and now I am starting to make those lists and hopefully be able to take action on them. Thanks for your visit, my friend!
I’m so glad you finally realised your dream of visiting Chicago and had your Bueller-like day(s) off. You are so right, we have to grab life while we still can. Wow, you got so much done in such a short time.
Hi Andy – yes, we have to take action when we can. In the past, I have often put off doing things like this because there was a bunch of excuses. Frankly, this was a big item and I don’t know if I could repeat something like this very often but it would sure be nice to plan and make it happen. Thanks for your visit to my blog and hope you’re having a great day and a great week!
Ernice,
Oh yes, I watched that movie multiple times and would certainly watch it again. I think it is great that you and your family took the time to visit Chicago and do “all the things”. I agree we MUST find the time to do what is important to us and check things off our “bucket list”.
Sherri
Hi Sherri – What you say is so true and that we must find the time to do the things that are important! We often put those things aside to do the things that we think we should because they sound more of a priority. And sometimes they are. Spending this time with my family was the most important thing at that moment and to be honest, the most important thing of all! My business venture will wait and will be here for me. I will work extra hard to catch up but I cannot get that time back with my family. Plus, it was a pretty cool adventure! Have a great day and see you on the blogs!
Wow Ernie, good for you… What a great adventure for you and your family. I love that movie and have seen it multiple times too. What a great story and memory. Here’s hoping you don’t wait too long for the next adventure.
Thanks, Vanessa! It truly was a great adventure and I’m so glad that we went. We were very creative on how we spent our time and planned our adventures so it would not only be cost effective but we could get in as much as we could in the short amount of time that we had. I agree, I can’t wait for my next adventure and hope it’s not too far in the future. Thank you for your visit!