Why can we do the issues we do?
For me, it’s a continuing thriller.
I typically discover myself in a routine of normality, attempting my greatest to determine the right way to hold issues the identical. When the world round me is shifting, I crave the acquainted.
Throughout the pandemic, to my very own shock, I developed new routines that may not have made any sense a number of years in the past. Watching complete seasons of reveals on Netflix is just not regular for me, however now it’s. I might have by no means used Uber Eats in 1,000,000 years, now it’s second nature for me. I’m nonetheless susceptible to go for a drive for no motive than to easily go someplace. It helps that my neighbor bought me his BMW for a track.
As people, we are inclined to gravitate to no matter causes the least quantity of stress. Change is hectic, so most of us cling to what’s repeatable and identified. Even when the choice doesn’t actually make sense we would observe a sure course solely as a result of it appears extra predictable.
One curious routine that’s nearly inexplicable to me is that I’m identified to put up my Wordle rating on Fb every day. I’ve a number of associates who like my posts, however truthfully it’s now simply a part of a course of I’m following to make the occasions of the day appear much less chaotic. Every morning, after journaling and learning for some time, I’ll do the Wordle puzzle and put up the outcomes.
In the event you observe this column, you already know I’m not all the time enamored by Fb. The corporate is just not identified for his or her charitable strategy. They make cash from advertisements once we click on on stuff. There’s some worth within the social connections we’ve, however mindlessly scrolling via the photographic file of people that we do not even know and can by no means meet is just not precisely a better calling.
And but, I’m nonetheless posting my Wordle.
I’m unsure my closest kinfolk and rapid relations care about my rating. I don’t even care about my rating. It’s a solution to fend off the vagaries of inconsistency. What’s predictable can also be repeatable. When one thing is repeatable, we really feel like we are able to management it, or at the very least study from it, develop and mature, and perhaps even enhance. I view this “productiveness engine” as so necessary, I even wrote a ebook about it.
I consider Wordle is meant for folks like me preferring to cling to repeatable actions in an try to maneuver ahead in life. We’re in search of reduction from not altering too quick, at the very least with one small exercise every day. Gradual change results in progress, whereas quick change simply makes us confused.
One other shock? Whereas I’m embracing the day by day routines of life like posting my Wordle rating, I’m additionally stunned how a lot I’m keen to strive new issues. These days, it’s bubble tea and sushi, tomorrow it is perhaps skydiving and enjoying video video games once more. I do know one factor: Life wants a basis, someplace to plant our ft and stake out our declare.
The course forward might need twists and turns, however at the very least after I go searching at my rapid environment, I see my Fb feed and a puzzle sport that by no means adjustments. I like issues that approach.