What to Do When Systems & Routines Feel Boring
We’ve all been there: trying to incorporate a new exercise routine, meditating every morning, or perhaps setting aside time for reading each day.
We understand the importance of these routines in bettering our lives, yet there’s a lingering feeling of monotony.
So, why does the promising journey of establishing new systems often feel so tedious?
Let’s dive into the science and strategies of it all.
Listen to the Podcast
This post may contain affiliate links in which case I earn a commission. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
The Science Behind Habits and Routines
Every habit we form, from the trivial act of tying our shoelaces to complex tasks like driving, begins with a neural pattern.
Initially, our brain expends a lot of energy to learn and execute a new action.
Over time and with repetition, these actions become automated, transitioning from a conscious activity to an unconscious habit.
Why Do New Systems and Routines Feel Boring?
The introductory phase of any new routine is demanding.
Each time you remind yourself to make your bed after you wake up or wash your dish after using it, you’re essentially training your brain.
This constant effort can feel overwhelming and dull.
A routine will become less boring when it becomes an automated habit.
Is tying your shoes or brushing your teeth boring anymore? No, because you do them without thinking about the action. They have become neutral, no longer inducing boredom or excitement.
The Value Building Habits Slowly
In our enthusiasm, we often bite off more than we can chew. But when it comes to forming habits, less is more.
By focusing on mastering one or two habits at a time, we give our brains the bandwidth to internalize these habits better.
Think about it this way: if you were juggling, would you start with ten balls or two?
The Transition from Conscious Effort to Unconscious Habit
Transitioning from actively thinking about a new routine to seamlessly integrating it into your day is akin to learning to drive a car.
At first, every action, from adjusting the mirrors to changing gears, requires deliberate thought.
However, with time and repetition, you find yourself reaching your destination without actively thinking about each step.
How time and repetition solidify habits:
Repetition is the cornerstone of habit formation. Each time we repeat an action, our brain strengthens the neural pathways associated with that behavior.
Think of these pathways as trails in a forest. The more frequently a trail is used, the clearer and more defined it becomes.
Over time, with consistent repetition, these pathways become so strong that the associated action requires minimal conscious effort.
This is when an activity transitions from a conscious effort to an unconscious habit.
Signs that a routine has become an ingrained habit:
- Effortlessness: Just as you might find yourself at your office without recalling every turn you took to get there, ingrained habits are performed with little to no conscious thought.
- Feelings of Restlessness: When you skip an ingrained habit, you might feel that something is amiss, much like forgetting your keys or phone at home.
- Incorporation into Identity: You begin to see the habit as a part of who you are. For instance, instead of someone who jogs occasionally, you become a jogger.
- Automatic Trigger Responses: Certain environments or times of day automatically prompt the habit. For example, entering the kitchen in the morning may directly lead to making coffee, even without the conscious thought of wanting one.
Strategies to Make Establishing Systems and Routines Easier
- Start Small: Tackle the monumental task of ‘getting fit’ by beginning with ten minutes of daily exercise. Relish in the victories of these smaller steps.
- Incorporate Variability: Sure, routines require repetition, but who said it couldn’t be fun? Alter your jogging route, try a new cuisine in your meal prep, or change your meditation soundtrack. Still complete the routine but try some variability.
- Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend, maintain a journal, or set up reminders. This external nudge can often be the difference between staying on track and falling off the wagon.
- Reward Yourself: Finished a week of regular workouts? Treat yourself! Recognize both the small and big milestones.
- Visualize the End Goal: Whether it’s the image of a healthier you, a calmer mind, or a more knowledgeable self, let this visualization drive you.
Systems and routines, though initially challenging, mold the structure of our lives.
The initial monotony is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits.
So the next time you feel the drag of a new routine, remember: it’s just a phase. Persevere, and soon it will become second nature.
PIN THIS to read again ↓
I’d love to hear from you!
What system or routine feels boring right now? Are you pushing through or letting the boredom win?
