The Boring Routine 💛

For most of my life, I ran from routine.

I craved novelty through fresh experiences, new learnings, and unique adventures. Especially on vacations with family, I never wanted the same day twice, or even a schedule.

Yet ironically, at work, I leaned into routine. It was the discipline that brought teams into alignment, grounded problem-solving, and cleared space for innovation. Mornings were for checking status, setting the course, and defining the day’s priorities.

Lately, something surprising has shifted:

I’ve grown to love routine at home, too.

I now follow a rhythm: when I walk, train in the home gym, read, and go to bed. To my former self, it would have looked extremely boring: predictable and repetitive.

But here’s what I’ve discovered:

In the most boring moments with no phone, no music, and no stimulation, I’ve had my most brilliant ideas. I’ve felt aligned with my purpose. I’ve uncovered insights that have shaped my self-awareness and inner peace.

Just this morning, I saw a short HBR video featuring Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, talking about the power of boredom. It felt like perfect timing. (Thanks Siri, for always eavesdropping 🤓).

Being alone with my own thoughts has helped me tailor my inner dialogue. It’s unlocked critical thinking and sparked a creative flow I never knew existed.

A boring routine, it turns out, is not a limitation.

It’s like meditation in motion: on walks, during strength training, while prepping meals, or the sacred stillness in the morning before that first sip of coffee. Some of my most cherished moments came in the quiet, like watching my kids sleep while I was fully present.

I’ve learned to honor the quiet.

Because in boredom, I’ve found breakthrough.

Next time you commute, walk, or train, try leaving the earbuds behind. Resist the scroll. Just listen to your own thoughts. You might just meet the version of yourself you've been too busy to hear.

Embrace the boring routine. That’s where the spark lives. 💛

Watch Dr. Brooks break it down! ▶️ https://youtu.be/orQKfIXMiA8?si=Zexva7m3eTvqlwLg

© Nuri Dimler 2025