Previously, I had mentioned about the 3 kinds of things one can do to improve themselves everyday. They have been working for me as I no longer look like Humpty Dumpty. However, thinking a bit about it further, I still stand by its rationale, but would prefer to take some edge out of it.
I find few things as dull and comprising to “improve oneself” by using stiff schedules.
Having a day already planned out robs it of its surprises and allure. The unexpected message from someone you like won’t feel anything special if you already expect it. The same meal every week slowly becomes devoid of flavour. The everyday commute is barely noticeable.
Discipline is great, rigidity is awful. It is a good habit to exercise everyday. But the same workout every time becomes a chore, and eventually the motivation to go to the gym erodes. But when your gym trainer has a fresh technique or skill to teach you, there is a rush of adrenaline to try something new which makes the workout interesting. The feeling of freshness is unparalleled.
This is why extremely time-specific morning routines and nagging habit tracking apps lose my interest. Doing something for your betterment must come with joy. If you want to learn how to play the keyboard, you will find it easier to learn your fingers are itching to hit the notes. If you want to read that book, do it when you want to do nothing else. The mind becomes sharp and you really absorb what you are doing.
Previously, I used to have an (almost) weekly schedule for Audible Coffee. But now I write when I get that indescribable surge. It allows the proverbial pen to move in a way that feels just right. It makes me want to shill my work further.
The path is never a straight line. And that’s good. There is freedom and something to look forward to when you don’t know how your day would look like.
"The burnout society" is real.
People often try too hard to stick to schedules which never work and then end up being disappointed with themselves for failing to adhere to these schedules