For example, instead of seeing a banana on the table as just a piece of fruit, pick it up and start talking to your dentist. Cultivate your impulsive side by acting in ways you might not normally act. Being mischievous relies on your ability to act spontaneous. The point is to always be on the lookout for an opportunity.
For example: it’s late at night. You and your friends are bored and hungry. That’s the perfect opportunity to go outside and find an adventure. Why not take a late night walk to the 24-hour diner across town?
Don’t ask for advice from this person, but instead observe how they act. You could even try to hang out with them if it is appropriate. There are many famous characters who are mischievous. For example, Peter Pan values play and friendship over anything else. Peter Pan can be reckless, but that is what makes him an influential and mischievous leader to the Lost Boys. [2] X Research source
There is a line between mild jesting and being a nuisance. It is not always clear, in the beginning, what side of the line you stand on. Take advice from your peers seriously. If your friend says you are acting hurtful, you are becoming more of a nuisance than a mischief.
One aspect of acting on impulses is to take a step outside of your comfort zone. For example, instead of taking the same route home, go a different route, even if you’re unclear about the directions. You’ll be forced into a new area and will rely on your instincts to direct you. Try to spend a day channeling your inner-practical joker. You could pick up a whoopee cushion from the dollar store and test it out on people. Another easy joke is the fake gum pack: purchase a trick gum pack and offer a stick to your friends. Instead of a stick of gum, they’ll get a small pinch.
You and a colleague play a contest of who can say “meow” in professional conversations the most. Play a game of who can get through a crowded hallway or sidewalk the fastest. See how many high fives you can get in a day.
Don’t cross the societal boundaries by swearing at the bank or in school. Use swear words with caution. [6] X Research source If you’re uncomfortable cursing, you can use safer words that give off the cursing effect like: “dang,” “frick,” or “shoot. "
You can use this idea for any part of your life. For example, try walking as slow as you can on the sidewalk or into class. Use it in your speech for fun. For example: during a conversation with a family or friend, start slowing down your words. It will add a small bit of mischief to an everyday event.
Being untidy signifies a carefree mentality, which can be interpreted as mischievous. [7] X Research source If you tuck in your shirt everyday, leave it loose one day and see how you feel.
The punk rocker is a classic icon of mischief. Be a punk who values loud music and has an in-your-face attitude. To get inspired, try listening to classic punk bands like The Ramones, The New York Dolls, or The Clash.
When your teacher steps out of the room, run up and either erase something or write something unusual. The same thing can be done to your boss. If they step away at lunch, move their pencil cup or rotate their computer in a new position. Do this in small increments each time. Then they are left to wonder at the change.
Be aware of angering people around you. Try not to annoy somebody on the street. If you’re confronted by someone, apologize and be silent.
If you’re in an office, you can do the same technique, but on an office seat. Use duct tape to tape the base of an air horn to legs of an office chair. When your colleague goes to sit down, they bounce back up with a fright from the air horn.
You could even take the prank further by writing out “I love Kanye” or whichever celebrity you plan to use. Write out this phrase several times on multiple sheets of paper.
For an added effect, wrap their entire desk with the same wrapping paper.
