It is a well-studied fact that boredom can serve as a driving force that can push us to do great things and explore new interests. But…and this is a big one, if you leave your boredom unchecked, expect to experience little to no satisfaction in your life. This too supports my point that it’s critical to engage in proactive activities that align with our interests and goals.
I would even go as far to say that boredom isn’t just a lack of things to do (there is always something to do), it’s a signal that we are not engaging the world around us in a way that fulfills us.
I talk a lot about habits, and it’s a fact that the habits we have play a major role in shaping our daily experiences. Habits are the building blocks of routines, and it’s those daily routines that influence our mental and physical health, our productivity, self-esteem, and even our relationships with others…and ourselves.
Consider your days off. This is where most people fall into the trap of choosing to be bored. On your days off, it’s essential to take inventory on how you spend your time. The choices we make on these days are especially important because time is not an obstacle.
That is one of the main points I want you to take away from this. No one should choose to be unhappy. When boredom or the inability to think of what to do hits you, it’s the choices you make in response to those feelings that will either help you grow or keep you stagnant.
So remember, while boredom is a familiar feeling, it should never act as a full stop to your day. Think of it as a comma, just a pause that asks you, “What’s next?”
Like I said, it’s normal to feel bored sometimes, but it’s what you do with it that defines you. Will you let boredom take your day, or are you strong enough to take back control of your day and turn it into a platform for growth?
Think about it, when boredom strikes, it’s not a dead end, it’s more of a crossroad with one path leading to a stagnant, unfulfilled, (dare I say, boring?) life, and the other leads to new experiences, new knowledge, and new opportunities. Trying new things can be a little intimidating sometimes, but it beats the dullness of doing nothing.
And if you fail at something new…so what! At least you’re moving forward!