The Power of Boredom

From Isaac Newton to Self-Discovery and Success.

Joy Ogude

10/28/20235 min read

Feeling utterly lost? Do you constantly yearn for an escape from the relentless chaos of life, an opportunity to connect deeply with your true self? Or have you been thrust into stillness by a life-altering event, such as a tragic accident or the loss of a cherished loved one, forcing you to rethink your perspective?

Join me as I unravel the incredible potential of embracing boredom – the key to unveiling your ultimate authentic self and embarking on a journey towards unparalleled success."

Once upon a time, boredom was considered a problem reserved for the privileged, but in today's fast-paced society, it's become a universal challenge. We often overlook the tremendous benefits of boredom, such as the opportunity to reconnect with our true selves and the world around us. Instead, we fear being alone with our thoughts and find ourselves trapped in the cycles of anxiety, FOMO (fear of missing out), and loneliness.

In the year 1665, as the plague swept through London, a 23-year-old Isaac Newton found himself in a world turned upside down. Forced to leave the University of Cambridge, he retreated to the countryside, away from the chaos and contagion of the city. It was a time of isolation and boredom, and like many others, he yearned for a return to normalcy.

But Newton was no ordinary young man. His mind was inquisitive, and he saw the opportunity in this enforced solitude. As his professors struggled to solve the intricate mathematics of gravity, Newton embraced the silence and solitude to delve into the challenge himself.

The problems with stillness

  1. We lose our identity.

When we find ourselves in moments of boredom, really - stillness, we suddenly lose the various roles we have played – the coworker, the employee, the friend, the partner, the sibling, the parent, etc. In essence, we detach from the identities created by our relationships, work, and societal expectations. Boredom provides a space to reevaluate the alignment between our outward persona and our true selves.

  1. It's boring, lonely, and exposes our weak points.

Let’s face it. Boredom is, well, boring. Stillness often feels dull and tedious. We must start from scratch, rediscovering who we are. This process can be unsettling, as it may expose our fears and insecurities, potentially separating us from the people and structures that have consistently offered us a deep sense of security, albeit sometimes false. Moreover, learning something new about ourselves implies taking action, forging a path ahead that we haven't trodden before.

  1. We must venture into the unknown.

Another level of challenge is that pursuing your newly discovered truth may involve learning new skills, taking courses, reading, watching videos, maybe even moving to a new place – essentially, you're venturing into the unknown with no safety net. This journey demands discipline on emotional, physical, and mental levels, even when the results aren't immediately evident.

  1. We have to face our fear of success.

In addition to the above challenges, while the fear of loneliness, anxiety, and the hurdles of acquiring new skills can feel like significant mountains to conquer, they often pale in comparison to the more profound fear of success.

Success, in this context, implies a radical transformation. It forces you to recognize that your familiar support network will change. Some, maybe even most relationships will drift away, and you'll no longer fit the molds you once did. Letting go of your old identity is a process that can feel like a mental and emotional upheaval, as you release beliefs, patterns, and standards that have defined you.

The Crossroad: Winners Vs Losers

The critical crossroad we face during moments of boredom ultimately determine whether we're on the path to success or stuck in the status quo. This moral dilemma can last for months or even years, but at its core is our fear of the unknown.

My question to you today is: How ready are you to stare that fear in the face and declare, "Watch me"?

In a world that rushes to fill every moment with stimulation, embracing boredom may be the key to unlocking our full potential. The opportunity to slow down, reevaluate our true selves, and pursue our passions can be the magic wand that transforms our lives. As we navigate the vast expanse of our inner world, we uncover the strength to break through the barriers that have kept us from achieving our true potential.

How did Newton do it?

In the year 1665, Isaac Newton embraced the silence of isolation to unlock the mysteries of gravity, even as his professors struggled with the same problem. He too experienced the profound power of boredom. In moments of quiet contemplation, he watched an apple fall from a tree, and his mind began to unravel the intricate equations governing the force of gravity and the motion of celestial bodies.

Newton's story serves as a testament to the potential buried within boredom. He took his enforced solitude and made it a crucible for groundbreaking work. During this time, he formulated his laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which changed our understanding of the universe forever.

What this means for us today.

As we navigate the crossroads of boredom and embark on the journey of self-discovery, we can draw inspiration from Newton's journey. In the stillness of solitude, we can discover our true selves and the potential to create magic in our lives. The opportunity to reevaluate our direction, align our outward identity with our core purpose, and pursue our passions awaits those willing to confront the fear of success.

While Newton's brilliance lay in understanding the physical laws of the universe, we can find our own brilliance within by reevaluating who we are, what we want, and how we can make a difference in the world. Boredom, when seen through the lens of opportunity, allows us to break free from the mundane and embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. In this journey, we discover our true power and our ability to transform our lives and, ultimately, the world.

The common denominator in both Isaac Newton's story and our personal journeys is the willingness to confront boredom and fear. While most people desire distractions, you must bear in mind that history's fearless individuals have displayed a higher tolerance for boredom, knowing that real power and success can only come through mastering their craft with consistency and discipline.

In a world that often values speed and constant activity, the power of boredom and the introspection it offers can be the key to unveiling our true potential and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and success. It is through moments of stillness that we find the strength to break through the barriers that have held us back and create a life that aligns with our deepest desires and purpose.

Take Action NOW!

While it may seem like you have all the time in the world, the only thing in life that’s guaranteed is the here and now. Not the next hour, not tomorrow.

Want to know how to use your stillness to discover your unique path to success? Then click this link to book a coaching call with me now.

I’ll help you seize this opportunity of stillness to identify your old destructive patterns and create new, positive ones to align with your purpose in life. Whilst others are contemplating their next move, guess what? You'll be out here knocking mountains over like the giant that you are! So BOOK NOW!