How is it that we can be on a winning formula and yet fail? I think it’s because we get bored. We adore the romance of something totally new (even if we’re not sure it will work), which is quite paradoxical when you think about how little we like change in other respects. Perhaps we just like change when it is led by our fickle nature!
The winning formula is not at fault. The boredom is not even the problem. It’s that we perceive that we should do something about the boredom. I am increasingly of the opinion that we shouldn’t take any different action but should slog through it without too much thought, sticking to our winning ways. We should look at the lure of the new for what it is: Something different that despite its bright and shiny look, its intrigue and persuasive nature, comes with no guarantee and may lead us down the tunnel of failure if we answer its call.
Boredom that leads to thoughts of change when we know we are succeeding with what we are doing should send out danger signals. I’m not saying that anyone should deny that there is a touch of ho hum from doing the unromantic, unthrilling, same old thing. But if that is progressing us to where we want to be, perhaps the boredom is a necessary stage that has to be lived through to get to where our actions are totally habit driven.
We never seem to get bored cleaning our teeth. And yet it’s the same old, same old. Perhaps it’s because we have gone past the place of boredom (with the help of our parents when we were small) into that secure little haven called routine.
Seeing our boredom as just a phase will take away its sting. It will put it in its proper place—just part of the overall picture—and keep us at peace with our inner selves. We already know the right thing to do. Even if it’s not exciting.