The hidden secret no one tells you about

Ugh, writing this project looks like is going to be really boring. I can’t stand doing this hassle. I
might just drop it and go do something fun instead, like watching a movie or playing some video
games…
Does that sound familiar to you? Dropping whatever project you need to work on, or stopping
whatever activity that has a great benefit in the long run because it’s just..boring to do now?
Well if you do, you are not alone. I am not proud to say this, but I must be worse than everyone
else when it comes to this.

Table of Contents:
 My Life Story
 Dopamine: The Driving Force Behind Our Choices and Distractions
 Discipline VS Motivation
 The Unsung Hero of Creativity and Innovation
 Proposing a New Theory of Success Through Embracing Boredom and Monotony
 What is This Theory for?
 How General is This Theory?
 How Could This Theory Be Tested?
 Acknowledgment
My Life Story:

7 years of age, I got into my first school fight ever. There were 2 bullies who made fun of me,
and when I tried to talk back to defend myself, I got beat up to a pulp. I went back home with
my right eye swollen. As soon as mom saw me, her skin got red of shock that evolved to
worrying and then frustration and anger towards the bullies who just made my mom cry in this
moment. At this exact moment, I realized how weak am I, and how this will get even worse if I
stay like that. I wouldn’t even be able to defend my mom who separated from my dad just 4
years before. Ultimately, the bullies got punished by school after my mom’s complaint.
However, that scenario wouldn’t leave my eyes. Just 2 days later, I asked my mom to get me to
do taekwondo, since there was a dojang1 teaching it just 5 minutes from our house. Eventually,
my mom agreed and signed me up the same day. This was the first time I ever practice
something out of school. Every two days, I go back home from school, eat whatever delicious
meals my mom cook for me, then go straight to the dojang. In 3 years, I went from having white
belt to a green one, showcasing my discipline, progress and courage that might have helped me
to get more respect around guys my age. One day, after returning home from my Taekwondo
class, a surprising event unfolded right before my eyes. I witnessed a fight between a guy from
my dojang, who was a blue belt and noticeably bigger, and another guy who was from my class.
This new student, also new to the neighbourhood, executed some incredible moves that swiftly
brought the larger opponent to the ground. This was a startling and novel sight for me, as my
Taekwondo training had primarily focused on leg kicks and similar techniques.

Intrigued, I approached the new student afterward to ask about his fighting style. He told me it
was Judo, a martial art I had only heard about but never seen in action. His skills and the
different approach of Judo fascinated me. Having practiced Taekwondo for three years, I found
myself doing almost the same exercises and training routines, which had started to become
somewhat monotonous and boring. The idea of switching to Judo, with its unique techniques
and new challenges, sparked excitement in me. He was kind enough to show me where the
Judo classes were held. After a week of contemplation and discussing with my mom, I decided
to make the switch.
After venturing into Judo, I was initially captivated by its contrast to Taekwondo. The allure of
new techniques and strategies filled each session with excitement and curiosity. This novelty,
the fresh challenge it presented, was invigorating, making every class an eagerly anticipated
event. Yet, as time passed, the familiar sensation of monotony began to set in. The once-
thrilling moves and exercises gradually lost their luster, leading me to seek another change, this
time to Aikido.
Aikido too began as a thrilling new adventure. It offered a different perspective, combining
martial arts with a unique philosophical approach. However, the excitement was short-lived,
and soon I found myself in the same cycle of initial enthusiasm followed by growing disinterest.
At 12 years old, I decided to step away from martial arts altogether, hoping to find lasting
engagement in sports. Soccer was my first foray into this new domain. The team dynamics and
the game's energy were initially appealing, but my lack of skill and the repetitive nature of
training quickly wore down my interest. This pattern of fleeting enthusiasm followed me
through other sports like swimming, basketball, and volleyball. Each started as a fresh pursuit,
only to end up as another chapter in my journey of unfulfilled interests.

Reflecting on this pattern of hopping from one activity to another, I realized that the issue was
not with the activities themselves but with my approach towards them. I was seeking constant
novelty, abandoning pursuits once they lost the initial thrill. Armed with this realization and a
secret strategy that I had come to understand, I made a conscious decision to alter my
approach. This led me to Muay Thai and weightlifting, disciplines that demanded not just
physical strength but mental fortitude and perseverance.

In Muay Thai and weightlifting, the challenges were relentless, but so was my resolve. I learned
to embrace the routine, finding satisfaction in incremental progress and the resilience it built
within me. This shift in mindset transformed me. The skinny, easily bored kid was now a
focused competitor, achieving national recognition in Muay Thai and sculpting a physique that
mirrored my newfound inner strength. This journey was a testament to the power of discipline
and a steadfast commitment to one's goals, irrespective of the initial excitement or challenges
encountered.

Dopamine: The Driving Force Behind Our Choices and Distractions

At the age of 21, after a journey through various martial arts and sports, I came to a profound
realization about the role of dopamine in my life's decisions and behaviours. This
neurotransmitter, often associated with pleasure and reward, seemed to be the invisible hand
guiding my choices. It dawned on me that my constant pursuit of new activities—from
Taekwondo to Judo, then Aikido, and various sports—was fuelled by the dopamine rush
accompanying each new challenge. The initial thrill of learning something different, the surge of
excitement in those first few sessions, was dopamine at work, driving me towards novel
experiences.

However, this reliance on dopamine also explained why my enthusiasm waned over time. As
the novelty faded and activities became repetitive, the dopamine release diminished. The once
exciting routines turned mundane, and my interest plummeted, leading me to abandon each
pursuit in search of the next dopamine high. This pattern wasn't unique to me; I observed
similar tendencies in others. Many people, I noticed, often forgo essential tasks like schoolwork
or chores, perceived as dull, in favour of activities that promise an immediate dopamine
release, such as watching movies, playing video games, or scrolling through social media.

This insight led me to understand how certain industries, particularly video games and social
media, ingeniously capitalize on our dopamine-driven psychology. Video games are designed
with escalating levels, diverse environments, and ever-changing characters, ensuring a
continuous stream of new stimuli and, consequently, dopamine spikes. Social media platforms
use notification systems and ever-refreshing feeds to create a sense of anticipation and novelty,
keeping users engaged and returning for more.

This dopamine-driven behaviour has significant implications for our attention spans and
priorities in a world increasingly filled with distractions. The constant bombardment of new and
stimulating experiences can shift our focus away from important tasks, leading to a cycle of
distraction and short-term gratification. Furthermore, the overstimulation from such
environments may contribute to conditions like ADHD, exacerbating challenges in
concentration and impulse control. This condition not only affects mental and physical health
but can also have profound impacts on one's overall life trajectory.

Discipline VS Motivation
In the context of my life's journey, the distinction between discipline and motivation became
increasingly clear. Motivation, often fueled by dopamine and the allure of new experiences,
propelled me towards various martial arts and sports. However, it was fleeting, dissipating as
soon as the novelty wore off. This reliance on motivation alone led to a pattern of starting new
activities with enthusiasm but quickly abandoning them once they lost their initial appeal. My
story was a testament to the pitfalls of depending solely on motivation for sustained success.

Contrastingly, discipline is about commitment and persistence, even in the absence of

immediate rewards or excitement. It's about continuing to practice and improve, despite the
routine or monotony that might set in. This realization aligned perfectly with my theory that to
achieve success, one must learn to embrace boredom and monotony. It's not the pursuit of
constant excitement that leads to mastery, but the willingness to remain dedicated to a path,
even when it becomes repetitive or challenging.

Real-life examples abound of individuals who achieved greatness not just through talent or
motivation, but through relentless discipline. Consider Bruce Lee, whose philosophy on martial
arts emphasized the power of repetitive practice. He famously stated, "I fear not the man who
has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
This quote encapsulates the essence of discipline over motivation. Lee's success was not a
result of seeking diverse techniques but rather mastering a few to perfection through tireless
dedication.

Similarly, history is replete with figures who demonstrated this principle. Athletes like Michael
Jordan and Serena Williams, scientists like Marie Curie, and artists like Pablo Picasso all reached
the pinnacle of their fields not merely through initial bursts of motivation but through
disciplined practice and enduring commitment to their crafts.

On the other hand, those who rely solely on motivation often find themselves in a cycle of
starting and stopping, never achieving long-term goals. I, too, was once part of this group,
constantly seeking new activities to satisfy my need for excitement, only to quit once the
novelty faded. This pattern of behavior is a common trap, where the initial rush of starting
something new overshadows the less glamorous but essential work of continued effort and
improvement.

Understanding the difference between discipline and motivation was a pivotal moment in my
journey. It shifted my focus from seeking constant novelty to developing a mindset geared
towards perseverance and mastery. This shift is what eventually led me to excel in Muay Thai
and weightlifting. It taught me that success often comes from doing the same thing over and
over again, refining and improving with each repetition, even when it feels monotonous or
boring. This philosophy, embracing the routine and finding value in repetitive practice, is the
cornerstone of achieving lasting success and mastery in any field.

The Unsung Hero of Creativity and Innovation

In the tapestry of my life's experiences, from engaging in various martial arts to exploring
different sports, I've come to an intriguing realization about the role of boredom. What is often
dismissed as a mere lull in activity, a period of disinterest, has revealed itself to be a critical
player in the arena of creativity and innovation. This insight is not just born from my personal
transitions and quests for new challenges but is also echoed in the annals of art and science
history.

The nuanced relationship between boredom and creativity has been a subject of interest in
psychological and neuroscience research. When the mind is not tethered to constant
stimulation or specific tasks, it enters a state where thoughts can meander and collide in novel
ways. This mental wandering is a form of 'divergent thinking', a crucial ingredient for creative
breakthroughs and innovative problem-solving. It's in these moments of apparent idleness that
the mind can make unexpected connections, leading to groundbreaking ideas and artistic
expressions.

History is replete with examples where boredom played the muse to geniuses. Isaac Newton's
formulation of gravity during a period of enforced idleness due to the Great Plague is a case in
point. Similarly, many renowned writers, artists, and thinkers have attributed significant
creative insights to their moments of inactivity and boredom, where their minds were free from
the constraints of focused tasks. These historical anecdotes resonate deeply with my journey,
where shifts from one martial art to another, and then to different sports, were not just
searches for novelty but also unconscious attempts to stimulate creativity and innovation.

In my personal narrative, each phase of boredom, initially perceived as a stumbling block,

unknowingly steered me towards new paths, be it a different martial art or a new sport. With
each transition, I not only acquired new skills but also developed a richer tapestry of
experiences and ideas. It was in the quiet aftermath of routine training sessions, in moments
where the excitement waned, that I found myself pondering over strategies, techniques, and
life goals, leading to a deeper understanding of myself and my aspirations.

This revelation about the importance of boredom in fostering creativity and innovation has
reshaped my approach to learning and growth. Embracing moments of boredom as
opportunities for mental exploration and creative incubation has become a key component of
my journey towards success and fulfillment. This perspective aligns seamlessly with my earlier
insights about the role of discipline and the dopamine-driven pursuit of novelty. It highlights
that success is not just about disciplined repetition or seeking new challenges but also about
valuing the quiet moments of inactivity that can unexpectedly fuel creativity and spur
innovation.

Proposing a New Theory of Success Through Embracing Boredom and

Monotony

What is my novel idea for a theory of achieving success through embracing boredom and
monotony? My learnings stem from a blend of psychological insights and personal
observations. Firstly, I've learned that embracing the mundane and monotonous aspects of our
endeavours is crucial for long-term success. This is because many tasks that are pivotal for
achieving significant goals are often repetitive and may not provide immediate gratification or
excitement. However, persisting through these phases builds mental resilience, fosters deep
focus, and cultivates creativity, which are vital components for achieving success.

Secondly, I've recognized that this approach enables one to develop a keen appreciation for
simplicity and the underlying beauty in everyday tasks. This mindset is not only beneficial for
maintaining motivation but also for nurturing a sense of contentment and well-being, which are
essential for sustained effort and success.

Below, I present a graphical representation of this theory. "Achieving Success" serves as the
dependent variable - the outcome we aim to understand and predict. The independent
variables, those that influence this outcome, are "Embracing Boredom" and "Persisting through
Monotony."

What is This Theory For?

This theory presents a paradigm shift in our understanding of the path to success. It challenges
the conventional notion that constant excitement and novelty are prerequisites for
achievement and personal growth. Instead, it posits that embracing monotony and boredom is
not only beneficial but a necessary component for achieving profound and lasting success.
At its core, the theory suggests that the ability to endure, and even find value in repetitive or
seemingly dull tasks, is a vital skill that lays the groundwork for significant accomplishments.
This perspective is a departure from the traditional emphasis on constant stimulation and the
pursuit of varied experiences as sources of motivation and engagement. It underscores the
importance of developing internal attributes such as discipline, patience, and focused attention.

The theory also highlights the role of boredom as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. It
suggests that in periods of low external stimulation, the mind is free to explore, imagine, and
create, leading to insights and ideas that might not surface in the midst of constant activity. This
aspect of the theory aligns with research in psychology and neuroscience, which shows that
moments of boredom can foster divergent thinking and problem-solving skills.

If proven valid, this concept could revolutionize personal development practices and success
coaching methodologies. It would encourage a reevaluation of our approach to goal setting,
skill acquisition, and even lifestyle choices. Instead of constantly seeking new and exciting
experiences, individuals and coaches would focus on cultivating the ability to persist through
routine and monotony, recognizing these periods as opportunities for deep learning and mental
fortitude building.

How General is This Theory?

This theory presents a far-reaching perspective, transcending specific domains and resonating
with a broad spectrum of individuals and industries. Its universal applicability is rooted in a
simple yet profound principle: enduring and valuing monotony is key to achieving long-term
success. This principle finds relevance in myriad contexts, from the halls of academia to the
creative studios of artists, from bustling corporate offices to the rigorous training grounds of
athletes.

In Diverse Domains and Professions: Students, for example, face the repetitive nature of
studying and preparation, a process often marked by long periods of seemingly unvarying work.
Professionals, regardless of their industry, encounter daily routines and tasks that demand
sustained attention and persistence. Artists, often perceived as solely driven by spontaneous
creativity, actually spend substantial time honing their skills through repetitive practice.
Similarly, athletes' journey to excellence is paved with routine training and disciplined
repetition. The theory emphasizes that success in these varied fields hinges not on the constant
search for novelty but on the ability to persist through and derive value from routine and
repetition.
Societal Implications in a Rapidly Changing World: In our modern, fast-paced world, there's a
tendency to seek instant gratification and continually pursue new experiences. This societal
inclination often overshadows the importance of dedication to less immediately gratifying
tasks. Here, the 'Embrace Boredom' theory offers a counter-narrative, advocating for a
balanced approach that recognizes the significance of steadfast commitment and resilience in
the face of monotony.

Addressing Individual Variability and Cultural Nuances: The theory also acknowledges the
importance of individual differences and cultural contexts. People's inherent traits, such as
their tolerance for repetition or inclination towards novelty, greatly influence their response to
monotony. Cultural norms and values, which vary significantly across societies, also shape
individuals' perceptions of repetitive tasks. The specific nature of a person's work or area of
study further determines how they might engage with and perceive routine tasks.

How Could This Theory Be Tested?

To empirically support this theory, various research methods can be employed. One effective
approach involves conducting longitudinal studies to monitor individuals' career progress while
assessing their attitudes towards and engagement in mundane tasks over an extended period.
This would provide valuable insights into the correlation between embracing boredom and
achieving success. Additionally, surveys and psychological assessments can be administered to
gather data on personality traits and their relationship to success in embracing boredom.

To mitigate potential biases such as social desirability bias, objective measures of success or
third-party assessments can be incorporated. These objective measures would offer a more
accurate representation of the connection between embracing boredom and achieving success,
reducing the influence of self-reporting biases. By employing a multifaceted research strategy
that combines longitudinal studies, surveys, psychological assessments, and objective success
metrics, researchers can comprehensively examine and validate the proposed theory.

Acknowledgment
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my critical thinking professor, Sebastiano DELRE,
for his invaluable inspiration and guidance throughout the process of writing this essay.
Professor DELRE's insightful feedback and advice have not only shaped my approach to this
work but have also encouraged me to explore and articulate my ideas with confidence. His
commitment to fostering critical thinking skills in his students has been a significant source of
motivation for me, inspiring me to engage deeply with the subject matter and to pursue my
own path of inquiry and expression. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have learned from
such a dedicated and supportive mentor.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has journeyed with me through these pages to
the end. Your interest and engagement are deeply appreciated. I welcome any feedback or
opinions you may have and would be delighted to connect with you on Instagram at
@sam.arete. Your insights and perspectives will not only enrich this dialogue but also inspire
continued exploration and discussion. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

© 2024 by Oussama Jijane. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author,
except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other
noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the author
at the address below.

oussamaevans@gmail.com