Where to find this idea:
Propelled: How Boredom, Frustration, and Anticipation Lead Us to the Good Life by Andreas Elpidorou
Boredom, often wrongly dubbed as the enemy of joy, plays a significant role in spicing up our lives. We’ve all had a taste of it at some point, haven’t we? Even in super exciting situations, like space exploration, boredom finds its place. According to a report by NASA, boredom was identified as one of the main challenges during space travel.
How can we embrace boredom as a tool that helps us better understand our passions and purpose?
Boredom is a guiding emotion, signaling it might be time for a change. It’s your inner life coach ensuring that you’re making the most of your time and finding meaning in what you do.
It’s a little voice that challenges you by asking, “Is this really how you want to spend your precious life?”
So, instead of avoiding or fighting it, listen to it. Sometimes it’ll be a false alarm — your work related tasks might feel boring, but if you still find meaning and purpose in that work, you’ll easily overcome boredom and keep going.
Other times, it’ll be a real signal that you need to try something new. You’ll find it necessary to take a moment, see the bigger picture and reevaluate whether you’re on the right path towards something truly fulfilling and meaningful.
Also, modern life and social media can blur what is genuinely boring or fun to us. What’s exciting to you might be boring to others. Staying in on a Friday night can be joyful for you, but dull for someone else. Remember that what truly matters is not the world’s perception, but your own personal joy and satisfaction.
See boredom as a necessary difficulty in your life and a surprising catalyst for creativity and self-discovery. And next time someone tells you they’re bored, reply with “good for you.”