Don't live your life on autopilot

Life is too short to live on autopilot all the time. While some routine is good, too much of it can make us feel as though our lives are stuck in a holding pattern. The axiom "variety is the spice of life" isn't just some tired cliché. The more you continue to do things in exactly the same manner, the less you grow. Rather than being focused on the here and now -- and what the future will bring -- you're stuck in your old tried-and-true ways. In the long run, this will only breed discontentment and regret.

Even little changes can make a considerable difference:

Taking a slightly different route to and from work
Trying out different restaurants
Checking out new events in town
Going to the gym in the morning some days and in the evening on others
Broadening your horizons by exploring new cities/countries
Changing your look every so often (e.g., different haircut or wardrobe)
Eating lunch at different times on different days
Considering new job opportunities once you're no longer growing in your present position (even if that means supplementing your income on the side)
Further enhancing your knowledge on everything from computer programs to cooking styles
Reaching out to and catching up with relatives and old friends every so often

Far too often, people complain of boredom and stagnation in their lives. What they don't realize is that only they can infuse excitement in them -- and it all starts with making slight changes so that each day doesn't feel like a carbon copy of the prior one. We all need a certain level of routine and structure in our lives, but we shouldn't take it to an extreme.

Novel experiences keep life from becoming too mundane and predictable. Rather than make excuses for why we can't aim for them (e.g., we're too busy or tired), we should strive to give our lives flavor through variety. Don't stick to the same schedule day in and day out; keep things in a state of flux (at least a little) and you won't find yourself grumbling of boredom any longer. Savor life!

Comments

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it? After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...

This will spell the end of your relationship

When asked to think about the most common culprits for a relationship's going south, most people will point to cheating, complacency, and taking one's partner for granted. While these are all valid -- and documented in various posts on this blog -- there are certain habits on the part of partners that may not kill the relationship right away, but cause it to erode more gradually. Among the most egregious of these is expecting your significant other to be perfect. They pick at your follies any chance they get. Nothing you do is ever good enough. In fact, you will never measure up to an ex, neighbor, or accomplished co-worker. Perhaps this all sounds a bit familiar. When you feel as though you're constantly being put under the microscope, it can inflict lasting damage on the relationship and your self-esteem. You're walking on eggshells all the time, praying you don't say or do something that's going to trigger your partner. This is no way to live, let alone ca...

How To Understand People

Search This Blog