What is the correct balance in one’s life between routine activities, and those which are new and exciting to us?
We know that much of how our brains function is pattern recognition. In other words, our brain makes sense of the world around us by trying to associate what stimulus we receive with past experiences. When we do an action repeatedly, we actually become less conscious of it. For example, how often have you driven your car from your house to your place of employment, and once you reach there, realize that you have barely any memory of operating your vehicle during the journey?
A certain amount of routine is necessary, as it allows us to function efficiently as human beings. Otherwise, we would look at our breakfast cereal every morning, study it and sniff it, trying to figure out what it is. Our species wouldn’t have developed theories about quantum physics if we spent all our time trying to understand frosted flakes. But, if our lives become overly patterned, we slow down our learning. Whether you are aged eight months, eight years, or 80 years, you can learn “new tricks.” Indeed, studies show that those who continuously learn throughout their lifetime enjoy better health, and a more satisfying daily experience.
So what is the best balance for you between the routine and the new?