One Big Day with Bruce

Lynn Valley is home to many creative and interesting people, and one of them is Bruce Grierson. An award-winning writer and deep thinker, Grierson has spent years exploring human behaviour, personal growth, and what makes people tick. His project, One Big Day, is a simple but powerful idea: setting aside one full day to focus completely on something that truly matters to you. No distractions, no multitasking—just one day, one goal.

Who is Bruce Grierson?

If you’ve ever picked up The New York Times Magazine, Popular Science, The Walrus, Time Magazine, or Psychology Today, you’ve likely come across Grierson’s work. He has written for some of the biggest publications, tackling topics that range from longevity to the psychology of change. He’s also the author of books like What Makes Olga Run?, a fascinating look at the habits of a 94-year-old track star, and U-Turn, which explores why people make major life changes. His writing is engaging, relatable, and full of stories that make you think. Grierson firmly believes that "everyone has a story" — and through his work, he helps bring those stories to life.

The big idea of  'One Big Day'

Like most of us, Grierson found it challenging to carve out time for the things he truly wanted to do. We’re swamped with work, distractions, and endless obligations. One Big Day is his solution: dedicate one full day each month to focus exclusively on something important—whether it’s finishing a creative project, learning a new skill, or even just creating space to breathe. In the end, it’s these dedicated moments that turn into lasting memories.Grierson also talks about how we approach our actions: anticipating, doing, and reflecting. Most of us spend our time simply “doing” without reflecting. Without reflection, our experiences don’t turn into lasting memories. According to Grierson, if you didn’t "write" the story—either literally or in your mind—you wouldn’t remember it. The story is what makes an experience memorable, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.How it worksThe beauty of One Big Day is its simplicity. Pick a day, clear your schedule, and go all in. Grierson even suggests monthly themes to help guide your focus. For example, one month might be dedicated to learning something new, another to fixing something, or simply getting creative. 

The value of uninterrupted time

It’s about making real progress without the usual interruptions. This structured approach overtakes procrastination and makes it easier to make real progress. Grierson maintains that the continuous time dedicated to your project is more productive than the same amount of time broken up over weeks or months. With one day you do not have to pause to get set up, take down, or pivot to other tasks.Ideas for a One Big Day in Lynn ValleyIf you’re in Lynn Valley, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your One Big Day. Here are some ideas:

• Get Outdoors & Create: Take a long hike through Lynn Canyon, then find a scenic spot to write, sketch, or snap some photos.

• Finally, Tackle That Home Project: Whether it’s starting a garden, landscaping, or decluttering your space, use your day to check something off your list.

• Give Back to the Community: Volunteer for a local group or event such as Lynn Valley Days.

• Learn Something New: Try a new hobby—baking, woodworking, playing an instrument—and spend the day getting better at it.

• Unplug & Reset: Go tech-free, get outside, meditate in the forest, or simply enjoy some uninterrupted time doing what makes you happy.

Building a community

To paraphrase Bruce - one of the coolest parts of One Big Day is the sense of community that’s growing around it. Grierson shares his experiences and stories from others who have tried it. By reflecting on and sharing these moments, we are reminded that taking time for personal passions can lead to meaningful change and great memories.Why it matters Our attention is continually being pulled in different directions, and dedicating one full day to something important can feel like a game-changer. One Big Day isn’t about perfection—it’s about making progress in a way that feels doable. And who knows? That one day might be the catalyst for a bigger shift in your life than you ever expected. At the very least it’s sure to be a memorable story.Want to learn more and see stories including  Lynn Valley locals and their One Big Day Projects? Check out Bruce’s blog onebigday.net.Written for LynnValleyLife.com by Tina Homsy-Williams

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