I've talked a little about my daily writing routine in our weekly discussions. I didn't intend for it to happen that way, but as I kept writing books, I understood the beauty of boredom and routine.
The comedian Jerry Seinfeld was an inspiration. He made a commitment to himself to write one joke a day.
Not an entire routine or monologue. Just one funny line.
He had a yearly calendar on a wall in his apartment. Daily, he'd write a joke, put a red X on that date and he kept the chain unbroken.
No excuses.
Sounds boring, doesn't it, but that's what's required. Success is learning to stomach boredom on a grand scale.
One of the strategies that will set you apart from others Will be the routine you have established for yourself. The trouble is, most people give up because they are unmotivated and bored. They convince themselves that this is a waste of time, it will lead nowhere, and they may as well try something else.
But here's the thing.
Achievement can be boring.
Some days that thing you love will feel like an anchor around your neck. It will feel like the hardest work in the world. It will feel like you'd rather climb a craggy mountain barefoot than write another chapter, draw another picture, write another lyric.
The key is to learn to expect the boredom and show up anyway.
A love for routine means you're finding a life that works for you and leading your life knowing tiny changes performed consistently will have remarkable results.
I know it may not seem like it from a social media perspective - excitement and adventure are what matter most in those circles, but parts of your life need to be boring and monotonous. It takes that level of tedium for you to bring to bear the intense focus and productivity you need to make things happen.
Writing every day is boring.
Getting in 10,000 plus steps a day is boring.
Working Out every day is boring.
Writing in my journal every day is boring.
Waking up early every day is boring.
Learning something new every day is boring.
Taking quiet/meditative time every day is boring.
I'm glad I discovered the beauty of boredom. Now I know that having a solid routine filled with habits that push you toward your mission every day is one of the keys to success.
Am I boring? Hell yeah and I'm proud of it.
