Breaking the Routine

Hey - I hope you’re well.

It’s been one of those weeks for me.

17 hours of Zoom calls across three days.

And these calls were far more than listening,

Rather, driving discussions towards solving complex issues.

It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m somehow keeping my cool (for the most part).

So today we’ll explore the concept that’s been crucial for me this week.

Embracing novelty.

Novelty acts as an antidote to the mundane.

By switching up our routines, we can create what’s known as a pattern interrupt.

For example, on Wednesday, I woke up feeling groggy so I changed things up & went to the gym first thing. This was the first morning workout I’ve had in over month, but it offered a refreshing chance of pace.

When we introduce new experiences into our lives, we open ourselves to surprises & a renewed sense of wonder.

In my experience, cultivating this sense of wonder is exceptionally helpful during challenging times.

Seeking out new things is about changing the default program, infusing our days with lightness, possibility & excitement.

To lighten the load when the world feels heavy, I’ve been optimizing for novelty in various ways:

Starting the day differently: I used to love pursuing the ‘perfect’ morning routine. What I’m learning is that every morning can look different. Sometimes meditation is what I need most, other times a work deliverable takes priority. Today, it was writing this newsletter. Just one new AM action can shake things up enough to make a world of difference.

Changing environments: Sometimes, a change of scenery can work wonders. Consider working from a new location, such as a coffee shop or even a different room. This can present a new perspective or energy. I’ve been doing most of my creative work at a co-working space called Venture X. It’s like WeWork, just not publicly traded (or bankrupt).

Reading a new book: If you typically stick to one genre of books, try branching out & exploring something new. You might find a new favorite author or discover a new interest. The book that did this for me recently is The Art of Possibility by Rosamund & Benjamin Zander. In the interest of time, here is a phenomenal book summary from James Clear that delivers of ton of value.

Remember, the key is to embrace newness with an open mind & a sense of curiosity.

Each new encounter has the potential to spark joy & inspiration in unexpected ways.

I appreciate you reading & hope these insights resonate.

See you next time.

Aidan