💡This Causes Boredom - Do This Instead

It’s what causes the thrill of victory and romantic passion, and it’s not what you’d expect. I’ll share how to get more of it.

Whoa is that a shark!

Michelle peered over the side of the walkway into the water.

Yeah right, lemme see.

Sure enough, there was a 5-foot nurse shark right below the surface.

We’ll call her Tina la tiburoncina (Spanish for “the sharkie”).

A moment later we saw another fin pop out of the water 20 yards out in the water.

What was that?!

Michelle pointed me where and soon it popped up again…dolphins.

Ok, these morning walks, she said. We should keep doing these.

Why You Get Bored

You know what’s funny?

We work so hard to create certainty and comfort in our life.

And when we achieve it, how long are we satisfied?

How many days of a perfectly productive routine until we need to change something?

How many weeks can you stand where everything is predictable?

Let me tell you why we act this way.

One of our greatest human needs is certainty.

We need to feel certainty about:

• Where we’ll get our next meal

• Having meaningful, loving connections

• Being safe from danger

• Earning money provide for our family

But another of our greatest needs is uncertainty/variety.

If every day was predictable and mundane, wouldn’t you lose your mind?

I sure would.

Uncertainty or variety is what produces:

• Passion and chemistry in relationships

• Debates that lead to new insights

• Excitement from traveling

• Satisfaction from competition and physical challenge

The problem is, most people think life should be all Yin and no Yang.

And that’s where boredom is born.

An Accidental Discovery

In 2022 Michelle and I were recovering from a cold and were spending all day inside.

We were bored and just sick of being sick. You know that feeling?

Finally, Michelle decided we needed fresh air so we went for a walk.

I’m no doctor, but these walks healed us.

The sunlight, fresh air, and movement to get our blood flowing was so needed.

And it puts us in such a positive mood.

We didn’t realize at the time, but it’s because we needed the uncertainty and variety.

On our walks we saw iguanas climbing trees, manatees, dolphins, sharks, squirrels, beautiful sunrises, and found coconuts to take home.

Every walk was a little adventure we could look forward to.

And it’s hard to keep feeling bad when you’re excited about something.

Our Favorite New Habit

If you read about my beetle attack or my covert trip to Oktoberfest, you know I enjoy a good adventure (and maybe a bit more risk than most).

But I can’t always be exploring another country.

This, my friend, is where most people give up.

They think that adventure:

• Needs to be scheduled or have an itinerary

• Is irresponsible or too risky

• Isn’t possible with a busy schedule

• Doesn’t lead to success

They plan their 1-3 trips per year.

Live everyday like a checklist.

Seek only comfort and certainty.

No thank you.

That’s why Michelle and I have our daily walks.

That’s all it takes to add a little extra adventure and fun to your day.

The Bottom Line

There’s no excuse to not have a little variety and adventure to your daily life.

Adventure doesn’t compete with your success, it creates it.

My challenge for you this week is to transform a part of your daily routine into something more adventurous.

Take business calls outside, turn grocery shopping with the kids into a treasure hunt, or do a workout in the park.

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Complementary Call

If you’re craving more adventure in your own life, be it related to health, career, or relationships, there’s no better time than now to embark. Grab a time to chat —> here.

Recommended Video

Want to plan an incredible long weekend adventure? Look no further than Curaçao, one of the friendliest, fun, and beautiful places I’ve been. This is a little video I did from 2019 → here.

That’s all for now my fellow adventurer.

👉 If you know someone who would love perspective and stories like these, please forward this email or share this link with them to check out past issues: https://jimwall.beehiiv.com/

📢 In next week’s issue I’ll try a totally new format. It’ll be about those funny conversations we have in our head and a trip to Cuba.

Keeping living your Great Adventure.

Jim Wall