Comments on: Boredom Is The Opposite Of Strength…Sometimes

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:40:48 +0000

Willy, great points, all of them. I recently read a book with this goal in it: “Have no more unalert days and you’ll be happier.” I like your quote just as much, I think. Thanks for a thoughtful comment.

By: Willy A.C. Holmes-Spoelder

Willy A.C. Holmes-Spoelder — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:46:12 +0000

Dear WorldStrongestLibrarian, a comment from another blogger about a comment from you, (with a link to this website) *intrigued* me. The first topic my (bored) eyes caught was about boredom – lets see what *he* knows, has to say about that unpleasant *partner* of so many of us. And: all true I nodded as I continued reading the (profound) article until the very end…..YUK,YUK,YUK, boredom is a debilitating, even deadly illness and albeit true…you have to *outsmart* the monster, which is not at all easy. Recognizing boredom is not enough, although much better than *programming* yourself that you are actually *liking* it – your life, your partner, your job, someone, what others recommend you should like, do now, join (because *everyone* does).
As an observer and a critic with good intentions for myself wishing to make the most out of MY life, I managed to come up with a *wiseguy* quote some years ago already, based on my own experiences until then:
Being alone is BORING, but being with someone who IS boring (me) – IS WORSE.
Boredom !!! probably the nastiest invader of your GOOD life. How to safeguard yourself? Be alert. Ask yourself whether you want this, or that, and firmly SAY NO!! – to yourself, and to others. Like yourself, treat yourself well and start again, again, every new day – i.e. do not slump. Not easy!! I know, but in this one life you OWE it to yourself, besides you deserve the best.

By: Catching Up On World's Strongest Librarian: June 22-26 | World's Strongest Librarian

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:29:12 +0000

[...] We discussed the sinister (or helpful) nature of boredom [...]

By: Forest

Forest — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:16:00 +0000

Very thought provoking post Josh … there’s a lot that goes into making a decision to change what you’ve got going on … probably a lot more if that has to do with your life path than your training program

I know for me, I felt like I wasn’t really accomplishing anything meaningful when I was working for someone else. The risk involved of going out on my own was there for sure, but I would rather take a risk and at least know that I tried rather than settle for a little comfort and never really knowing what could have been. Just some food for thought -

Hope all else is well!

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:04:21 +0000

Josh:

Yep, I’ve been that guy who was glad to get a new job and that some company out there thought enough to hire me then I got bored and the new job excitement went away. I was also busy and bored (at the same time), too.

I am as guilty as anyone out there for seeking comfort and familiarity — even if those feelings will keep me dissatisfied. Even now, in my job search I need to get out of my comfort zone.

Thanks for this great reminder for me as I stand at the crossroads of my life.

By: Letitia Sweitzer

Letitia Sweitzer — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:13:59 +0000

Good essay on boredom. This line in particular adds to my understanding of boredom:

“I want to try every new tool and method. And when I do, I abandon the progress I was making, long before I ever would have hit a plateau.”
I take an interest in boredom. See my ThePowerOfBoredom.com