By and large, human beings, with all our complexities and nuances, are creatures of habit. Once we find a rhythm, a routine that works for us, it’s easy for us to settle into it. Often our routines quickly become second nature, to the point that we’re basically on autopilot. Think about it – do you actually make a lucid, conscious decision to brush your teeth in the morning, or to tie your shoes before you walk out the door? No, yet you do these activities the same way, every time, each day.
There are plenty of legitimate psychological benefits to having the same routine each day. Routines can cut down on decision fatigue, which can be a cause of stress for people. This is partly why a lot of entrepreneurs choose to wear the same outfit every day. Routines can also lead to better sleep quality, and allow for better overall time management.
If we don’t particularly enjoy our routines, it usually isn’t long before they start to feel monotonous, boring, and even restricting. For a lot of people, these feelings can start to surface when they’re feeling unfulfilled or under-challenged at work (or at home, for that matter). If left unaddressed, a routine can turn into a rut. When our actions become rote, they become devoid of emotion; we do more, but feel less.
Even if we’re actively dissatisfied with the way things are in our lives, many of us are resistant to – and sometimes even paralyzed by – the prospect of change. This is understandable. Routines, for better or worse, give us a sense of certainty and control over our existence, and choosing to give that up can be scary.
It’s also easy to rationalize sticking with something simply because it’s familiar. Say you’re feeling dispassionate or uninspired at the same office you’ve worked at for ten years. You might dismiss the idea of looking for another job because that would somehow render your last decade of work meaningless. This is an example of what’s known as the Sunk Cost Fallacy, and it’s unfortunately what keeps a lot of people in jobs and relationships simply because they’ve invested a lot of time and effort into them.
But I am here to tell you: change can be a beautiful thing, perhaps one of the best things.
Change is an inherent part of life. If we don’t change, we can’t grow, and we can’t evolve. Every time something changes in our lives, it’s an opportunity for us to learn something new about the world and about ourselves.
Too often we frame the prospect of change as giving up what we have already accomplished or become proficient in. Instead of framing it as a loss, we should focus on what we can gain from affecting change in our lives. It’s a chance for a new beginning, filled with endless possibilities.
The time that each of us has here is limited, so why not shoot for the moon? Plan that trip to visit another country. Apply for that job whose mission statement speaks to you. Sign up to coach your child’s sports team. Strike up a conversation with that person you see every day at the coffee shop. You never know, it could be the first step to something new and amazing!
Greek philosopher Heraclitus is quoted as saying, “Change is the only constant in life.” As long as we’re breathing, we are all works in progress. Let’s continue to work on ourselves and try to be the best, happiest versions of ourselves that we can be!
Another great read, Ben. With my life full of constant change, this has not only been a good reminder to embrace it lovingly but to also make time to create routine. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
Thank you Ben. Sometimes change is purposeful other times it is not. What I believe is important is how we embrace that change, it is not always easy.