Plan Your Perfect Day and We'll Tell You Where You'll Be in Five Years

Steven Miller

6 Min Quiz

Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

The premise of this quiz is that one day in your life is going to serve as a microcosm of the bigger picture. The choices you make and the preferences you have are sure to guide us in making some assumptions about what those proclivities will lead to in the future. After all, the future is determined merely by a collection of attempts at living the best day possible along the way.

For example, if you're the kind of person who is extremely physically active and always taking on the next adventure in your life, we'll assume that this trend will continue into the future. We're guessing that you will always be the kind of person who is crossing items off your bucket list and eternally trying the next new thing that comes along.

For you, life is not about material possessions or accolades, but gathering as many memorable experiences as you can. On the other end of that spectrum, if your ideal day consists of plenty of peace and quiet, we're guessing that you're the kind of person who is striving towards a more simple and serene lifestyle. If you are drawn to meditation, yoga and other mindful activities, then it seems clear that you are on the path that leads to a more balanced and centered life.

Imagine an ideal day in your life. We then encourage you to attempt to experience that day as often as possible over the next five years. Carpe diem.

What time are you getting up in the morning?

I'm getting up before the sun rises.

I usually wake up a little after dawn.
I wake up whenever I feel like it.

I always seem to wake up at 8 or 9.

Are you taking a shower or a bath?

I always take a shower in the morning.

I'll probably take a bath, but I'll do it before bed.
I'll probably take a shower in the morning and another one after some kind of physical activity.

I think a shower in the morning and a relaxing bath at night sounds like a great combo.

How much time will you spend getting dressed and ready for the day?

I set everything out the night before, so it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes or so.

Maybe five minutes at the most.
It's an important part of the day for me. I take a good hour for it.

My showering and dressing routine takes about 15 minutes.

What's the closest to what you'd have for breakfast?

A full spread with every breakfast food you can imagine.

Eggs and toast.
Cereal.

Pancakes.

Which morning activity sounds best for your perfect day?

I'll do some meditation and yoga.

I'm up for a new adventure, maybe something like snorkeling or skydiving.
I'm taking a long and scenic drive to clear my head.

I'd like to go on a hike in a beautiful place.

Are you spending the morning alone or with others?

There will be a couple of us that get together.

I'll spend the morning with one other person.
I'll probably keep the morning just for myself.

There would be a whole big group of us getting together.

Which beverage fits your morning the best?

Orange juice.

Milk.
Tea.

Coffee.

Are you at home or on vacation for your perfect day?

I might take a brief trip away from home, but nothing too far.

I'd much rather just hang out at home.
I'm definitely somewhere new and exciting.

I'll start the day at home, but I'll end up somewhere completely different.

Which setting best matches where you'd like to spend the day?

In the mountains.

In the backyard.
Near the ocean.

In the city.

Are you going to be on the phone a lot or will you turn it off on your perfect day?

I'll have it on, but I won't use it that much.

It will be off for the entire day.
I'll shut it off for most of the day, but I'll check it occasionally.

I'll shut it off for short periods of rest, but I'll need it to coordinate the adventure.

How will you ideally get to where you're going?

Walking or biking.

Airplane.
Car.

Someone else is driving.

Of the following, which kind of restaurant would you rather eat at for lunch?

Fast food place.

Whatever I'm craving in that moment.
The co-op or other organic food grocery store.

Something I've never tried before.

Will music be involved in your perfect day?

I'll have a playlist all set up for the whole day.

I'll be checking out some live music at some point.
Yes, but I'll likely just listen to some of my old favorites.

Sure, whatever's on the radio.

If you could visit any of the following countries, which would you choose?

Mexico.

India.
New Zealand.

France.

Are you going to pack a lot of activity into your day or are you going to take things nice and easy?

It's going to be jam-packed with one thing after another.

It's going to be totally focused on relaxation.
I'll do a variety of things, but I'll take time to chill out as well.

I'll do a few things, but it will mostly be about clearing my mind.

Will you be taking pictures or video of your perfect day?

I'll pay someone to do a video of the day.

Maybe one or two pictures, but that's about it.
I'll definitely take some pictures, but not so much that it feels like work.

I'll be taking pictures and videos of all the cool stuff I'm doing.

Which midday activity sounds the most appealing to you?

Reading a book under a tree.

Maybe some rock-climbing or something adventurous like that.
Maybe going and catching a movie.

Whatever tickles my fancy in the moment.

Will you take an afternoon nap on your perfect day?

I won't take a nap, but I might watch some TV and fall asleep with my eyes open.

I'll definitely lay down for a little while.
There's no doubt, I'm definitely taking a nap.

There's no time for that on this whirlwind day.

Will sports play a role in your day?

I might get involved in a fun little pick-up game of some kind.

Outdoor adventure sports will be a main focus of my day.
No, I don't think so.

I'd love to go and watch some kind of sport in person.

Do you plan to spend more of your ideal day indoors or outdoors?

It will probably be mostly indoors.

I'll go outside for a little while, but most of the day will probably be inside.
It's going to be pretty much completely outside.

It will probably be about equal.

Will there be a significant other involved in your perfect day?

Only if I'm lucky.

Sadly, I don't have a significant other.
Yes, having them along will be wonderful.

Honestly, I'd rather have a break from them.

Do you have children?

I'm thinking about starting a family, but I'm not there yet.

I either don't have children or they don't live with me.
I have young children. I just need some time away from them for a little while.

I have children, but they aren't babies anymore.

Where would you rather eat dinner?

At home.

Someplace that's exotic.
The local steakhouse would be great.

That really upscale, fancy place.

How will you cap off the night?

I'd just like to watch the sun set with a cold beverage.

I'm going to do something that allows me to cross another thing off my bucket list.
I might do a little writing.

We're going out dancing.

Which style of dress best matches your overall plans for the day?

Formal attire.

Athletic gear.
Comfortable clothes.

Casual attire.

How late are you going to stay out?

I'll be home before midnight, for sure.

I'll be home before it gets dark.
I might stay up all night.

I have no idea. I'll just play it by ear.

Which beverage best matches your perfect day?

Beer.

Water.
Wine.

Soda.

What time are you setting your alarm for the next morning?

I don't set an alarm.

It's always set for 6 a.m.
I'll set it for 8.

I'm sleeping in tomorrow. My perfect day was fun but very tiring.

Which late-night snack sounds most appealing?

I don't eat snacks late at night.

On my special day, something new and exciting.
Ice cream.

Cheese and crackers.

Which description best matches your overall day?

A nice break, nothing too extravagant.

Just another awesome day in my amazing life.
A peaceful, rejuvenating day.

A day filled with amazing experiences that I'll never forget.

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