We don’t have to live like Bill Murray anymore. Here is how.
When life as we knew it was upended in March ’20, many of us felt an internal shift based on our shared experience. With nearly one third of adults reporting heightened stress and limited decision-making, chances are, you experienced your own version of Ground Hog Day.
For those who are plot-rusty, Bill Murray becomes trapped in an endless loop of an identical day—Groundhog Day. Sound familiar? Only when he embraces improving himself for others’ benefit is he able to move on with a fulfilling life.
Why did this movie strike such a chord that it changed the meaning of a common metaphor? It took time standing still for a man to see the monotony of his life, and the key to exiting it—purpose. And as it were, fellow Psychology Today writers agree.
Ironically, you instinctively seek monotony because you are programmed to master and standardize your daily tasks to conserve energy. Add a pandemic into the mix, and that cloud of tedium can feel more like a tornado. So how can you exit this current cyclone safely? Purpose!
Honestly, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can show your bosses mastery of your craft without always feeling like pressing the eject button. You simply need a little purpose, and you will get through your day (and an eventual promotion) swimmingly. Here are a few tips for doing so:
- Hone your work goals toward your real purpose – Do you look at your company’s goal-setting process as a tortuous formality? Do you list things the company would like to see you achieve versus what truly fulfills you? The reason the universe put you here could very well be to, “Streamline the customer experience while eliminating waste in the supply chain process,” but don’t put that on your dating profile. OK, it can be that, but it can often help to mix in a little of who you truly are as a person. For example, you might have a passion for teaching and developing others. Could you get out there and teach colleagues that which you have already mastered? Could you arrange a service day for your co-workers and you to give to your favorite charity?
- Meet in person again – So vital to our wellbeing and sense of purpose are building and sustaining relationships. That hasn’t been so easy in recent years, and as Zoom as taught us, not all face time is created equal. After being stuck behind a screen for so long, the thought of meeting a friend in person may create some anxiety and unease. It is natural to feel this way. Know that the more you stick your neck out – at your own pace – the more comfortable you will feel in due time. Start by scheduling at least one coffee or lunch a week with a friend or colleague. Make it a priority, knowing building relationships will boost your mood and add excitement to your life.
- Start your day outside – Switch up your morning routine with an invigorating walk. Just 10 minutes can set the tone for a happier, more versatile day. Is there a more accessible antidote to monotony? And northerners rejoice! It turns out cold air has more health benefits than annual snowfall! Too soon? From enhanced brain power and immunity to less inflammation, you’ll hardly miss a morning energizing dose of Vitamin D!
- Practice gratitude – How do you experience gratitude that is healthier than a daily thankfulness that you have finished working? Plaster your work area with pictures, words, and mantras reminding you what your job has brought to your life. Pictures of your spouse, children, and other loved ones can remind you that they are comfortable and better educated because you work. Photos of recent thrilling vacations can also keep you keepin’ on.
- Find purpose in the moment – Our jobs are rife with opportunities to help others. For example, you see hundreds of emails fly across your desktop each day sent by people with real problems, many of them reaching you because you might have something to offer. Whenever you find yourself choking on monotony, provide a helping hand to someone you feel could use it. Providing a useful, concrete solution to help make them successful will make you feel good and gratified.
The monotony that plagues the workplace these days is mostly avoidable. Just infuse your days with purpose, and you may see a warm, bright future instead of a constant frigid winter.
