“You Only Live Once” or YOLO had its moment, but it’s feeling a bit tired now.
You might be thinking, “Does anyone still even say this?” and sadly, I can confirm that they do. If you’re one of these people, you need to find another way to express the same sentiment. Here are some different ways to capture the idea of seizing the day without seeming outdated and a bit annoying.
1. “Life’s too short to wonder ‘what if’.”
This encourages taking chances without the recklessness sometimes associated with YOLO. It reminds us that regret can be more painful than failure, nudging us towards calculated risks rather than wild abandon.
2. “Why not now?”
Simple and to the point, this question challenges us to stop procrastinating. It’s less about wild adventures and more about tackling the things we’ve been putting off, whether it’s starting a new hobby or having a tough conversation.
3. “Make it count.”
This is simple, but it encourages mindfulness and intentionality. Instead of just doing something for the sake of it, it prompts us to consider how we can make our actions more meaningful and impactful.
4. “No time like the present.”
A classic for a reason, this saying reminds us that waiting for the perfect moment often means waiting forever. It’s about seizing opportunities as they come, without the pressure to do anything extreme.
5. “Let’s write a good story.”
This frames life as a narrative we’re actively creating, even if it is slightly cheesy. It encourages us to make choices that will lead to interesting experiences and memories, without necessarily being reckless.
6. “Embrace the adventure.”
This saying acknowledges that life itself is an adventure, with its ups and downs. It’s about approaching both the exciting and challenging parts of life with an open, positive attitude. It can make the tough times just a little bit easier to deal with when they crop up.
7. “Create memories, not regrets.”
This saying encourages positive action while also reminding us to think before we leap. It’s about making choices we’ll be happy to look back on, rather than ones we might come to regret. It also helps reframe your perspective so that you see bad experiences as just something else you go through rather than something to obsess over.
8. “Life’s for living.”
This is a simple reminder that we’re here to experience life, not just exist. It encourages active participation in our own lives, whether that means trying new things or simply appreciating what we have.
9. “Make today interesting.”
This phrase challenges us to find ways to engage with life, even in small ways. It’s not about grand gestures, but about finding moments of joy or growth in our everyday routines. Sure, some days are going to be boring and mundane, but we can choose to try and make them more exciting!
10. “Why not me?”
This question challenges the self-doubt that often holds us back. It encourages us to see ourselves as capable and deserving of good experiences, prompting us to take chances we might otherwise talk ourselves out of.
11. “Let’s see where this goes.”
This captures a spirit of curiosity and openness. It’s about being willing to explore new possibilities without necessarily committing to anything extreme or permanent. It also conveys some hopefulness and excitement.
12. “Time to add to the bucket list.”
Instead of just ticking things off a bucket list, this encourages us to keep dreaming and setting new goals. It’s about continually expanding our horizons and aspirations. There are so many experiences you can have in this life — try to grab as many of them as possible.
13. “Let’s make it happen.”
This is all about taking action. It’s a call to stop talking about what we want to do and actually start doing it, whether it’s a small personal goal or a bigger life change. There’s no sense in just talking about things — you have to make them a reality.
14. “Today’s the day.”
Similar to “why not now,” this phrase creates a sense of immediacy and opportunity. It’s about recognising that every day offers a chance to do something meaningful or enjoyable. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, after all. Don’t let today pass you by.
15. “Here’s to new experiences.”
This toast-like phrase celebrates the idea of trying new things. It’s less about wild risks and more about being open to novel experiences that enrich our lives.
16. “Let’s make it worthwhile.”
This encourages us to add value to our experiences. Whether it’s work or leisure, it’s about putting in the effort to make our time and actions count for something.
