A mediocre life is your responsibility. If the job sucks, it’s on you. If money is always a problem, it’s on you. If every friendship or romantic relationship turns into painful loneliness, it’s on you. I really like this idea. Knowing that I can change this setup to a more meaningful and productive life, makes my future brighter.
Case in point, my family asked me to play at least one round of Yahtzee. I've never been a fan of the dice rolling game, but I said sure. As i sat there my analytic brain went to work as it often does in game mode, trying to find a strategy, a way to get better roles, and then I realized, this isn't a family game, its a family playing individual games and then comparing their scores. I have ADHD and fairly high intelligence, so once my math concluded it was impossible to win, boredom sat in. And nothing I did to add flair to my rolls really helped, and it looked bad to my kids when I got a little loud and quit when I didn't get a yahtzee in one roll. I said it didn't matter I couldn't win. I'm usually a good sport at games, but as I've aged I've lost tolerance for games that have little to do with me, just what some randomness in the game produces.
I was always too hyped up dancing, singing, going to drama classes, teaching, cleaning, cooking, working, being a mum. I've always been a doer. The only time I've ever been bored is after operations in hospital where I'm in pain and can't move again yet. It's more a total frustration than it is boredom, I think. Ican't remember the last time I had nothing to do...like, ever.
I think it stems from people thinking they have nothing better or grandiose to do, when in essence there is so much that we can humbly do. Like sweep our floors, or help the proverbial old lady across the street.
Ultimately it stems from a lack of self-worth. If people value themselves enough, they would live in gratitude for even the smallest thing, as these little things add value and love to their lives, vs living in the suffering state.
I’ve never thought of boredom in this way before, seeing it from this angle invites so much compassion. Self-love and self-worth really are everything..
"Boredom is a sign you’re living a life designed by someone else." I currently feel like I am being destroyed by "boredom" but know that this is really a cop out for feeling like my life path is not genuine to who I am and also to my accepting mediocrity. What scares me to my core is that my kids are learning to mislabel similar issues as "boredom". This past "long" weekend (like one day more is really that long! Weekends and weekdays wouldn't seem so different if we weren't so "bored" at work or school) I saw and heard so much of "I'm bored" from my kids and felt compelled to relieve this "boredom" with entertainment or activities, but internally I felt nothing would really address the root issue. I will take action in my own life and show my kids a better way.
You write well. You're on Substack. All kids say, I'm bored, even when they aren't. I should know as I taught grade school for over 20 years. (They all do!)
Because you write well, and coherently, because you're reading this, because you replied Ravi, you are definitely not going to accept your mediocrity. Why? Because you are not mediocre, that's way. Don't put yourself down, boost yourself up, instead.
All the tools you need are right here on Substack. So, read them!
For the past two years I have been substitute teaching. Towards the end of the last school year about mid-June, intense anxiety started setting in to the point that I could not imagine stepping foot in another classroom. That feeling of anxiety persisted and even intensified during the summer to the point that I felt paralyzed and helpless about my future work prospects. Your kind reply to my comment provided sufficient hope and energy such that today I felt strong enough to return to the classroom. In fact,, I am writing from the science class that I just completed. Thank you dear friend.
I never had the luxury of being bored as my childhood was all about survival and resilience. Whinging was seen as being an ungrateful wrench. You had two choices for dinner - take it or leave it. Simple as..
Boredom is a sign that you aren’t doing what you’re supposed to be doing. You know you aren’t giving full effort into something so you’re choosing the easy path.
You need to figure out your goals. Write them down. Then tackle them. I think it’s that simple but too many of us just think it’s harder than it really is.
When my children were small and would come to me whining that they were bored I would say "Wonderful......now go sit in that and see what comes up!". I think they secretly liked it although they would moan and groan. I consider boredom to be the seat of imagination and creativity. But most people have little tolerance for it for sure.
Trust me in that really losing the will to live is far more disabling. Although a meeting can be as dull as dog dirt, or make you half fall asleep. Contemplating ending your own life is at least 10 million times worse.
That was spot on and rough as it needed to be. It's a good reminder of what one should be doing. I know this having been one of those fools who just let one day slide into the next while waiting for an event to happen...until I woke up and realized the power was in my hands, eyes, and mushy brain. Then I had too much to do, too much to correct, and I felt a lot better burning as much as I could. If I failed...oh, well...new direction! And off I went...
A mediocre life is your responsibility. If the job sucks, it’s on you. If money is always a problem, it’s on you. If every friendship or romantic relationship turns into painful loneliness, it’s on you. I really like this idea. Knowing that I can change this setup to a more meaningful and productive life, makes my future brighter.
We are 100% in control
I was told by my parents that boredom is a sign of a lack of imagination.
Do you think it's also a lack of intelligence when people are always bored?
The reverse is also possible.
Case in point, my family asked me to play at least one round of Yahtzee. I've never been a fan of the dice rolling game, but I said sure. As i sat there my analytic brain went to work as it often does in game mode, trying to find a strategy, a way to get better roles, and then I realized, this isn't a family game, its a family playing individual games and then comparing their scores. I have ADHD and fairly high intelligence, so once my math concluded it was impossible to win, boredom sat in. And nothing I did to add flair to my rolls really helped, and it looked bad to my kids when I got a little loud and quit when I didn't get a yahtzee in one roll. I said it didn't matter I couldn't win. I'm usually a good sport at games, but as I've aged I've lost tolerance for games that have little to do with me, just what some randomness in the game produces.
I’ve never been bored so it’s hard for me to even know what you’re talking about.
Same for me. Did you experience boredom as a kid?
No. I was too busy, just surviving.
I was always too hyped up dancing, singing, going to drama classes, teaching, cleaning, cooking, working, being a mum. I've always been a doer. The only time I've ever been bored is after operations in hospital where I'm in pain and can't move again yet. It's more a total frustration than it is boredom, I think. Ican't remember the last time I had nothing to do...like, ever.
Boredom is a sign of arrogance.
Totally agree. What causes it?
How so, Roman?
Thank you Tim and Sol for your question.
I think it stems from people thinking they have nothing better or grandiose to do, when in essence there is so much that we can humbly do. Like sweep our floors, or help the proverbial old lady across the street.
Ultimately it stems from a lack of self-worth. If people value themselves enough, they would live in gratitude for even the smallest thing, as these little things add value and love to their lives, vs living in the suffering state.
Does that help clarify? What do you think?
I’ve never thought of boredom in this way before, seeing it from this angle invites so much compassion. Self-love and self-worth really are everything..
"Boredom is a sign you’re living a life designed by someone else." I currently feel like I am being destroyed by "boredom" but know that this is really a cop out for feeling like my life path is not genuine to who I am and also to my accepting mediocrity. What scares me to my core is that my kids are learning to mislabel similar issues as "boredom". This past "long" weekend (like one day more is really that long! Weekends and weekdays wouldn't seem so different if we weren't so "bored" at work or school) I saw and heard so much of "I'm bored" from my kids and felt compelled to relieve this "boredom" with entertainment or activities, but internally I felt nothing would really address the root issue. I will take action in my own life and show my kids a better way.
You write well. You're on Substack. All kids say, I'm bored, even when they aren't. I should know as I taught grade school for over 20 years. (They all do!)
Because you write well, and coherently, because you're reading this, because you replied Ravi, you are definitely not going to accept your mediocrity. Why? Because you are not mediocre, that's way. Don't put yourself down, boost yourself up, instead.
All the tools you need are right here on Substack. So, read them!
For the past two years I have been substitute teaching. Towards the end of the last school year about mid-June, intense anxiety started setting in to the point that I could not imagine stepping foot in another classroom. That feeling of anxiety persisted and even intensified during the summer to the point that I felt paralyzed and helpless about my future work prospects. Your kind reply to my comment provided sufficient hope and energy such that today I felt strong enough to return to the classroom. In fact,, I am writing from the science class that I just completed. Thank you dear friend.
I never had the luxury of being bored as my childhood was all about survival and resilience. Whinging was seen as being an ungrateful wrench. You had two choices for dinner - take it or leave it. Simple as..
Has this served you well Bronwyn?
The world is too fascinating to be bored. Sometimes I get a feeling that I guess might be boredom, if I’m home too many days in a row though
What do you do when you get bored Rachelle?
Leave the house 😂
I have scheduled every hour of my waking time with some meaningful work to avoid boredom.
Writing, journaling, reading, cooking, meal planning.
I wanted to do daily physical exercise but I am failing to be consistent on that!
I read, "To engage in mindless activities like scrolling social media at 11 PM." and watched the clock at 11 PM. That hurt.
Creativity is born out of boredom.
When you have nothing to do or inspires you, your mind starts to come up with crazy ideas.
Some are dangerous, others inspiring or silly. Some get you in trouble, and others make you money.
Boredom is the trampoline for creativity.
It was a boring day when we came up with the idea to:
- Fish with dynamite
- Climb a mountain without gear
- Sit back to back on a motorcycle and going backward as a passenger at 130 mph
- Start a new company
- Decide to learn a new language
- Write a song
- Fly an air balloon and glider
- Travel to another country just with the clothes on your body, meet strangers, and have fun.
- Made a slingshot with valve rubber that went 250 feet
- Placed a box of bolt gunshots in the bonfire
The mind is incredible in curing boredom.
Thanks for an amazing alternative viewpoint, and yes, the creative mind is truly amazeballs!
P.S. Have you done any or all of those activities yet?
Yes, these were just a few examples of what I've done.
I have so many good memories.
I´m wiser today and have a family to care for, so I do less dangerous things.
I'm rarely bored but every time it happens, I remind myself to shake off the feeling of entitlement.
Does it work?
It does. It's like motivation to do something good with my life by actually putting in work.
Boredom is a sign that you aren’t doing what you’re supposed to be doing. You know you aren’t giving full effort into something so you’re choosing the easy path.
How does one shake that feeling Michael?
You need to figure out your goals. Write them down. Then tackle them. I think it’s that simple but too many of us just think it’s harder than it really is.
When my children were small and would come to me whining that they were bored I would say "Wonderful......now go sit in that and see what comes up!". I think they secretly liked it although they would moan and groan. I consider boredom to be the seat of imagination and creativity. But most people have little tolerance for it for sure.
My husband, in turn would say, "if you are bored that means you are boring...now go make yourself interesting".
I’ve been bored stupid in “management” meetings that were so dull and tedious that I lost the will to live.
Trust me in that really losing the will to live is far more disabling. Although a meeting can be as dull as dog dirt, or make you half fall asleep. Contemplating ending your own life is at least 10 million times worse.
Gratitude is the most powerful force in the universe.
——The Power (written by Rhonda Byrne）
Brilliant quote you dear Deer Worth!
That was spot on and rough as it needed to be. It's a good reminder of what one should be doing. I know this having been one of those fools who just let one day slide into the next while waiting for an event to happen...until I woke up and realized the power was in my hands, eyes, and mushy brain. Then I had too much to do, too much to correct, and I felt a lot better burning as much as I could. If I failed...oh, well...new direction! And off I went...
You got da power! And your brain is not mushy anymore.
In fact, that was quite well-written, so anything but mush.
Glad you went OFF! So good to hear.
One human being saved: RichardT.
I don't do boredom, if it even smiles at me, I punch it in the throat!
I wanted to wish you a belated Father's Day Tim, I just learned Australia celebrated it in August. Hope it was fantastic! 🤩
Way to go, Power Woman, Note from Kim!
I start indoor walking when I feel bored.
This is phenomenal ha! I love hoe direct, no BS, and somehow loving thud piece is. I agree, and...it's a practice.