Building a Daily Practice · Lesson 4 of 4

When to change it

Boredom, avoidance and completion look similar and mean different things.

6 minute read

Practices have lifespans. When one stops working, three things could be happening: boredom, which usually means the practice needs a small variation; avoidance, which means the practice is working and touching something; or completion, which means it has done its job and can be retired with thanks.

The test is what happens in your body when you think about doing it. Flat indifference is boredom. Slight dread is avoidance, and the practice deserves another two weeks. A quiet 'that's finished' is completion, and holding on past that point turns practice into obligation.

Retire deliberately rather than by drift. Write the date, note what it gave you, and leave a gap before starting anything new. Practices kept out of guilt teach guilt.

Key points

  • · Boredom needs variation; avoidance needs persistence; completion needs retirement
  • · Read the body's response, not the argument in your head
  • · Retire on purpose and leave a gap

Exercise · Audit one

Name a practice you have let lapse and classify it as boredom, avoidance or completion. Act accordingly this week.

Reading journal

Check yourself

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