Man if I only knew. I have it every now and then. For me a combination of meditation, physical activity and relentlessly working on things that inspire me helps. If I have a week full of those 3, I can enter that state. But not on autopilot.
The post was extremely knowledgeable and informative. It helped me look into the matters that were always overlooked. I found the "Today’s Stoic Gameplan" really helpful and would follow it
Spot on with your diagnosis of boredom. It’s not the world’s chaos demanding our energy; it’s our own restlessness demanding release.
The best move is simple: don’t complain—have a plan and produce. Cato knew it; Seneca lived it. Real strength isn’t raging at what’s broken out there. It’s building something solid in here, day by day, until the noise fades to background static. That’s what I’ve been doing since taking a six-month hiatus from Substack. Thanks for the reminder to stay steady.
I loved the writing, as usual. However, there is an irony here for me. Bemoaning the state of the world that criticizes out of boredom. The main positive action I could discern is to avoid criticizing. Yet entire post is itself a criticism.
Might we wish to distinguish between constructive criticism and that which is mindless? What I sense here is the work of discernment, not one of judgment and condemnation. All the same, I find your point to be well taken and worthy of being raised. Thank you.
Another great post, really enjoyed it. Going phone free on the commute for two hours a day I am beginning to feel like the world expert at boredom. I spoke to someone this morning who shared the increasingly common "good to be bored occasionally" idea. This piece is a great way of understanding exactly why. It feels like boredom is a term that needs to be broken up, so you listen clearly to what's coming - 1. calls to use the phone, 2. recurrent worries etc etc. Identifying the specifics of boredom is where it gets really helpful.
Much respect to you, that's a great move. I found my mind was such a mess I couldn't stick to reading. This more direct approach oddly felt more implementable for me. Plus I think I'm learning from it. But yes, the "no books" thing has definitely caused some debate!
Agreed re actually being able to get anything done on British trains. I'm writing tomorrow about this; if you watch people on the commute (where nearly everyone is using some sort of tech) they often seem caught in a kind of darting "stop-start" cycle. No disrespect to them - that is totally the way my mind works too.
I appreciate your accurate headlines. This article was helpful, exactly what I expected it to be, and more. Looking to reading more. I love the historic references too. Now to change these habits. UGH. LOL <3
Love this — I’d add that the goal isn’t just to stop criticizing, but to notice what emotion is underneath when we reach for criticism. For example, when I feel the urge to criticize, it’s often really anxiety or a need for control in disguise.
At some point I wrote “Thus sayeth the Raven: “Never Bored!” The true poem’s word is “nevermore”. But to me time is precious for learning and friendships that uplift us and these we must pursue creatively. It takes passion over passivity, kindness beyond criticism. Be the change you want to see in the world! You have written a great post on this!
If you can sit still without the need for distraction for 30 minutes, and feel grateful and happy, you are ahead of 99% of people.
Man if I only knew. I have it every now and then. For me a combination of meditation, physical activity and relentlessly working on things that inspire me helps. If I have a week full of those 3, I can enter that state. But not on autopilot.
The post was extremely knowledgeable and informative. It helped me look into the matters that were always overlooked. I found the "Today’s Stoic Gameplan" really helpful and would follow it
Criticise or create. This is so profound.
So on point. And I can use that. Inspiring people with more than "watercolours"!
Spot on with your diagnosis of boredom. It’s not the world’s chaos demanding our energy; it’s our own restlessness demanding release.
The best move is simple: don’t complain—have a plan and produce. Cato knew it; Seneca lived it. Real strength isn’t raging at what’s broken out there. It’s building something solid in here, day by day, until the noise fades to background static. That’s what I’ve been doing since taking a six-month hiatus from Substack. Thanks for the reminder to stay steady.
I loved the writing, as usual. However, there is an irony here for me. Bemoaning the state of the world that criticizes out of boredom. The main positive action I could discern is to avoid criticizing. Yet entire post is itself a criticism.
Might we wish to distinguish between constructive criticism and that which is mindless? What I sense here is the work of discernment, not one of judgment and condemnation. All the same, I find your point to be well taken and worthy of being raised. Thank you.
The Buddhists call it discriminating awareness 🦋
Extremely worthwhile
Fantastic read! 🥰
Thank you
Another great post, really enjoyed it. Going phone free on the commute for two hours a day I am beginning to feel like the world expert at boredom. I spoke to someone this morning who shared the increasingly common "good to be bored occasionally" idea. This piece is a great way of understanding exactly why. It feels like boredom is a term that needs to be broken up, so you listen clearly to what's coming - 1. calls to use the phone, 2. recurrent worries etc etc. Identifying the specifics of boredom is where it gets really helpful.
I’ve learned to love commutes as I’ve turned it into uninterrupted reading time. Phone stays in pocket and laptop stays away.
The British train system isn’t ideal for working on laptops anyway so it’s a good time to have a guilt free read.
Much respect to you, that's a great move. I found my mind was such a mess I couldn't stick to reading. This more direct approach oddly felt more implementable for me. Plus I think I'm learning from it. But yes, the "no books" thing has definitely caused some debate!
Agreed re actually being able to get anything done on British trains. I'm writing tomorrow about this; if you watch people on the commute (where nearly everyone is using some sort of tech) they often seem caught in a kind of darting "stop-start" cycle. No disrespect to them - that is totally the way my mind works too.
Excellent! I needed to read this today. Thank you.
I appreciate your accurate headlines. This article was helpful, exactly what I expected it to be, and more. Looking to reading more. I love the historic references too. Now to change these habits. UGH. LOL <3
https://open.substack.com/pub/willryoung/p/a-or-c-minus-you-decide-what-standard?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Was
Criticize or create, this is very knowledgeable 🤝
Build instead of Blame. Love this ❤️
Love this — I’d add that the goal isn’t just to stop criticizing, but to notice what emotion is underneath when we reach for criticism. For example, when I feel the urge to criticize, it’s often really anxiety or a need for control in disguise.
At some point I wrote “Thus sayeth the Raven: “Never Bored!” The true poem’s word is “nevermore”. But to me time is precious for learning and friendships that uplift us and these we must pursue creatively. It takes passion over passivity, kindness beyond criticism. Be the change you want to see in the world! You have written a great post on this!