Quote:
Originally Posted by SupersecretIdentity  How do I keep from getting bored with activities I legitimately enjoy, and how can I make sure I don't abandon my own personal development? |
Learn to keep your attention on what you are doing.
Boredom happens when you are doing one thing, but thinking about something else. Whatever hobby or sport it is, honor the act itself by returning your attention to the task at hand whenever it wanders. As a rule, make the commitment to be fully 'there' whenever you engage in any activity.
This is high-quality action. People who perform this way are extraordinary human beings. The top athletes, businesspeople, musicians, artists in the world all operate with undivided attention on what they are doing. They reach levels of greatness others could never approach.
I'll say it again:
honor the act itself. Whenever your mind wanders to something you are not doing right now, return your attention to what you are doing right now. Every time.
When you are doing something as a means to an end (like mindlessly practicing guitar for hours believing you will eventually be a rock star,) the work is not enjoyable and not very productive. You don't get much better at it and you probably aren't too excited to continue. You'll always be looking to something else (another hobby maybe) to find the fulfillment you are seeking. New activities are attractive because you still have this rush of fresh potential in your mind, before distraction and boredom take over.
Example: If you're playing soccer, but you're way more excited about trying out your new snowboard, return your attention to what is happening
in that moment: the voices of your teammates, the breeze on your skin, the sensations in your body, the smell of the grass. Be
there while you are there, no matter where you'd rather be. You can think about snowboarding as much as you want later; this is soccer time.
Make sense?