While driving cross-country the last few weeks, and visiting places I have seen in past decades, I was struck at how little some things change. Since I was seventeen I have moved on average every five years. These are not moves within a city or even within a state, some have been out of the country. I have never been a fan of change for change sake but I’ve come to the realization that growth is change.When I was a teenager, my goal was to be the same person as an adult as I was then. How short-sighted can a person be? Thinking back, I should’ve realized when I was sixteen there was no way I wanted to be the same person I was when I was six. How could I be the same person I was ten years before? Even now after I’ve passed the half-century mark why would I want to be the person I was when I was twenty-four, thirty-four or even forty-four. For me that would be stagnation.The thing about driving long distance is it gives you a lot of time to think about things you would normally not think about. So besides moving how do I fight stagnation?Travel: this doesn’t mean you have to travel to the ends of the earth. Start with places that are local to you. Somewhere you’ve never been. These new experiences break the everyday routine I believe many people resign themselves to. Once you feel you have seen all you want to see close by, venture farther out. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars traveling the world, you can start by exploring your local city, county, or state. Once you’ve exhausted locations at the state level venture forth to other states, and eventually other countries.Education: I can feel your apprehension at this one through the computer screen. Education doesn’t have to be sitting in a classroom, listening to boring lectures. Today it can be so much more. Try new things. This can be something as simple as going to a museum, trying to play a new sport, or learning a new skill. Education, however, you may perceive it to be mundane, helps your brain create new connections. I won’t bore you with the data, but studies suggest learning new skills fends off Alzheimer’s. Even by traveling as suggested above you can’t help but learn new things simply by traveling.Try something new: I have not found the courage to try insects for food. That doesn’t mean you can’t. I have tried more strange foods than many people have even heard of. I’m not suggesting you start off with Icelandic fermented shark or Japanese sea cucumber, but try something different. If you’ve never had Indian food give it a try. Moroccan food is delicious. Normally what we get for ethnic food here in the states, has been Americanized. Try something different, the worst that can happen is probably some gastric discomfort. It doesn’t just have to be food it might be something as simple as driving a different way to work, reading a different kind of book, or maybe even listening to a different genre of music.What has any of this to do with writing? There are times I think writers become stagnant. Not just in their stories but also in their routines and lives. I think it’s important for authors and non-authors alike to live a full and meaningful life. I think you must be happy to enjoy this one chance that we get at life.These were just three ideas to help you fight your stagnation. If this is something that interests you I highly suggest starting with baby steps. The goal is not for to do everything at once. For some of these items you should consider your personal health situation, you should always ask your physician before trying anything that might cause damage to your body, mind, or soul. I hate that I must put a disclaimer up but better safe than sorry. Have a great day, and good luck breaking your stagnation.