Breaking Patterns
Break patterns by adding good rather than removing bad.
Breaking Patterns
“So it’s not the beauty itself we admire. It’s not the force of intellect. It’s not invention, aesthetics, or capacity itself. The greatest talent that we think a man can have?” He plucked one final string. “Seems to me that it must be nothing more than novelty.”
Brandon Sanderson • The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, Book 1)
This is part of the trouble with breaking patterns, especially a pattern of chasing novelty. Consistency helps break patterns but we crave novelty.
When your thinking is contaminated by negative emotions, make as few decisions and engage in as few interactions as possible. This keeps these emotions from spilling over into your life.
Ali Abdaal • ❌ The Problem With Wanting Things
I really struggle to wait to make decisions when not doing well. Love this advice, not sure how to make it happen.
Stuff your conscious mind with information, then unhook your rational thought process. You can help this process by going for a long walk, or taking a hot bath, or drinking half a pint of claret. Suddenly, if the telephone line from your unconscious is open, a big idea wells up within you.”
FS (Farnam Street) • Brain Food: Maximum Flexibility
I’m curious about setting this up as a recurring ritual for myself. How can I break myself free once a week or once a month?
“The secret to change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Dan Millman
Thomas Klaffke • How To Think About Change
Might need to get this tattooed.
If you're struggling with negative thoughts, achieving flow is probably the best medicine. Contrary to popular wisdom, forced positive thinking often makes things worse.
LessWrong • How to Be Happy - LessWrong
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