Chase Boredom

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When is the last time you sat alone with your thoughts?

I wouldn’t be surprised if your answer is the last time your phone wasn’t in your pocket.

Our phones make it so easy to fill any small lull in our days with instant stimulation and dopamine.

And EVERYONE does it.

Next time you are on a train or waiting in line somewhere, look around and see how many people are on their phones.

I’m willing to bet the majority of them are.

Our phones are constantly drowning our brains in distractions.

It’s almost like we are afraid of being bored.

When in reality…

We should be chasing boredom.

Boredom is a vehicle for creative thinking.

It gives your brain the space and time it needs to sort out your thoughts and kickstart your imagination.

Innovation comes from boredom.

Reflection comes from boredom.

Growth comes from boredom.

Too often, we are looking for external ways to fill our time.

Instead, we should be looking for ways to take back our time and give it to our imagination.

Stop letting the abundance of entertainment stifle your imagination.

Be bored.

🌱 This week’s step worth taking

This week, don’t take out your phone unless you have a clear reason for doing so.

Not “just to check,” but with intention—like looking for a specific email you’re expecting.

And when you stop giving that time to your phone, give it to your imagination instead. Let your thoughts wander and see where they take you.

🎥 Worth the Watch

• How to Reprogram Your Dopamine To Crave Hard Work by Rian Doris — simple tools that make hard work desirable

🔄 Misstep of the week

I’ve always seen myself as an introvert—time with others usually drains me more than it fuels me.

While traveling, I met a lot of new people and made great memories. It was fun, but also exhausting. And when I got especially tired, I caught myself shutting down and closing myself off.

Something I want to work on is learning how to relax in social settings—finding a way to stay engaged without burning myself out or retreating completely.

🙌 Step Spotlight

Applying for jobs is tough—especially in today’s market with heavy competition and fewer opportunities.

But that didn’t stop Connor. After a summer full of applications and interviews, his persistence paid off—he just landed a job!

Huge congrats, Connor 👏 Can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you.

Want to be featured in next week’s Step Spotlight? Respond to this issue with a step you’ve taken that you’re proud of.

Until next week.

Step by step,

Nathan

P.S. If you liked today’s Worth the Watch, here’s another one

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