We do not realize the time passing from between our fingers like sand. It is when you are in your forties or fifties you come to the realization and start asking yourself questions like “Why am I stuck in this boring routine?” or “Is this what my life is?” You just keep marching forward, every single day. Upon looking back you will barely be able to recall the accounts of the moments you spent in the past decade or the decade before that.
Research shows that we humans are quick to experience regret for things we have not done as opposed to the things we have done. Very recently, I came across research conducted by Nael Roese and Amy Summerville, in their research, they reviewed meta-analytics of 11 studies on regret. They ranked the top areas or domains in which participants reported the feeling of regret. In descending order:
- Education
- Career
- Romance
- Parenting
- Self
- Leisure
If you have the realization of being stuck in the same routine and want to break free. Chances are that you have the key to break the shackles that are holding you. All you need to do is to look within and discover. Maybe you need a different lens to see the world.
You are never too old to learn
Anne Martindell in the year 1936 was made to drop out while she was in the very first year at Smith College. Her father disapproved of women being educated. In the year 2002, Martindell returned to Smith College when she was 87 years old. She went to achieve both her Undergraduate as well as an honorary degree. Despite all the resistance she managed to create a wonderful career for herself.
In today’s day and time, all you need to do is make your mind, and school will come to you. Universities like Oxford and Harvard offer online courses for free. All you have to do is search if there is even a little of Martindell in you. Look for the skill or something you wanted to learn but could not finish? Choose something that excites you and stimulate your mind.
Add more “Play” to your work
A typical workday of any working professional is spent completing assigned tasks, planning, critically-thinking, and introspecting. There are days when you become cognitively numb. Walking down this road without looking around or taking a break can cause serious burnout. In order to avoid all of it, you can add fun elements to your job. This can prove to reignite your interest in the job and completely haul your routine.
For instance, you can have a dart board or golf putting equipment. There are many ways to make your workplace interesting. You can have healthy competetions with your colleagues race with them, etc.
Use your creative mind
Most of us get bored doing the same job over and over. It does not ignite the rest of the part of our brain. When you give your brain creative outlet benefits are copious. It is not just about learning something creative but also churning the creative side of your brain. Taking up hobbies like pottery, poetry, interior design, and woodcraft. Accomplishing creative tasks makes you feel satisfied and give you access to a full range of emotions. Even if you do not consider yourself as much of a creative person, you still can engage in reading creative literature (poetry, screenplays, etc.)
Surprise people around and be surprised
It is important that you create opportunities for yourself and for others to experience a delight. The end goal here is not about gifting presents but making your life more spontaneous and cherishable. It is about showing how much you appreciate and value the people in your life. Do not wait for special occasions to surprise someone. These little things often are louder than words.
Practice the art of giving
We are aware and have been at the place where we feel the pleasure when we are able to give something to someone in need. The feeling of giving is better than the feeling of receiving. Working around a boring job does not always mean to give up the job or do something significant about it. Sometimes, you can direct your efforts towards supporting and helping others.
Make giving compliments a habit as it will cost you nothing. Neither will be making a cup of coffee for someone. Organize your workspace and your home and declutter the non-essential work you have. You can also be someone’s mentor if you think you are good at something and can be of help to someone.