The Art of Reframing Familiar Routines for Growth
Article #116 of Life Unlocked - A newsletter by Dr Yath Prem, MD
Dear Friends,
Do you ever find yourself stuck in the rhythm of familiarity? The same paths, the same habits, and even the same thoughts? I had a little breakthrough today that made me pause and reflect on how we approach adventure, growth, and life itself.
I have a well-trodden walking route around a nearby country park that I have done more or less every day. It's beautiful, accessible, and reliable. Over time, however, the excitement has started to fade. I still love the walk but have found myself longing for something different.
For ages, I’ve been eyeing hikes like the well-known Box Hill trail in Surrey, but planning for these always feels like such a project: a drive there, a few hours hike, and a drive back. Something to block off the calendar for, not to be done on a whim. Meanwhile, my usual route keeps being the easy, spontaneous choice.. until today.
Instead of Box Hill, I walked to a neighbouring town for a Gail’s coffee. What would usually be a 7-minute drive turned into a delightful 1-hour walk through two country parks. To my surprise, I discovered a new route and a connection between parks I hadn’t noticed before. This little adventure wasn’t just refreshing; it unveiled an unexplored network of trails I hadn’t even considered.
The Life Lesson: Look Close Before You Look Far
We often gaze longingly at the grand goals, convinced that fulfilment lies on the horizon. But sometimes, what we crave is already right under our noses, waiting for us to see it differently.
Take careers as an example. Many of us fixate on the distant peaks such as promotions, prestigious titles, or bold entrepreneurial leaps. Yet, within our current roles, there are often untapped opportunities: a project we can lead, a skill we can master, or a network we can nurture. By focusing too much on the future, we risk missing the low-hanging fruit of growth right here.
Or think about fitness goals. You might aspire to achieve a perfect workout routine at a fancy gym, but what about taking a fresh approach to what is already available? Perhaps you could try a new bodyweight routine or add a playful element like dynamic movements or a circuit. These adjustments can breathe new life into your workouts and remind you that fitness does not require extravagant plans to be effective and rewarding.
The Gratitude Perspective
I’m reminded of a quote by Marcus Aurelius:
Do not indulge in dreams of what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.
It is easy to romanticise distant goals, but how often do we appreciate the abundance already around us? That country park I have walked through over a hundred times never lost its beauty or potential, it was my perspective that needed to change. With a fresh outlook, I discovered a larger adjoining park, opening up more creative possibilities for my walks.
Your Challenge This Week
Is there a metaphorical "local trail" you’ve overlooked in your life? Whether it’s a hobby, a relationship, or a career opportunity, consider how you might approach it with fresh eyes. Before setting your sights on the distant peak, take a moment to uncover the hidden adventures right at your doorstep.
Warm regards,
Dr Yath Prem, MD
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