Why 'I'm Bored' Has No Place In A Millennial's Mindset


— Louis CK

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is people who say they're bored. They almost use it as an excuse: an excuse for someone to bring up something for them to do, an excuse to sit around and do absolutely nothing or an excuse to just find another way to make excuses.

I feel like we say, "I'm bored" without even thinking twice about it. We don't see what the meaning behind true boredom really is.

The main idea of the word "bored" means the state of being weary and restless through a lack of interest. Now, let's think about this for a second.

How often do you actually get bored? Is this a common thing for you?

Let me ask you this: Where are you not being or doing all you could because you're simply "bored?" Do you constantly feel as if you have to be with someone when you're doing something in life because, if not, you'd be "bored" to go alone, or just wouldn't go at all?

This, in and of itself, can be a potential problem when you're finding out who you are and facing the everyday activities you have.

In life, you're going to go through the ringer a time or two. You're going to have many uphill and downhill battles to face, most of which you will have to face alone. In other words, you have to be comfortable with your independence.

Let's say someone asks to go have drinks with you at a bar. You get dressed up. You're very excited.

But, he or she bails on you at the last minute. Oh no, now everything is ruined. You can't do anything.

So, you sit at home and get bored, all while thinking about how great of a time you could've had that night. Right? Wrong.

Who says you can't still go out to the bar solo, make friends, share some laughs and have the time of your life? You can. This is your life.

Don't restrict yourself over something so petty, and then sit on the couch all evening, having yourself a pity party. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

You may not be the most boring person. Maybe you have a fun-loving, energetic, active and exciting personality to be around.  But, depending on the certain group of people you associate yourself with, you constantly have no interest in everything you do.

It's time for a lifestyle change. This is obviously easier said than done.

I'd be lying to you if I said I haven't gone through this myself because I have. It's hard, but it makes you such a better you.

Finding those people who share the same interests as you can teach you to throw the word "bored" out of your vocabulary. It's amazing how a single group of genuine human beings can turn you around. Surround yourself with the people who will build you up and make you a better version of yourself.

Never feel like you must hang out with someone simply because you feel obligated to. This will help you want to learn new things. This will help you feel comfortable with doing things solo, without using the excuse of constant "boredom."

Who says you can't travel somewhere by yourself, see a show by yourself or even go out to eat by yourself? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Yes, it's sad that so many of us believe that the people who are by themselves are "lonely." Or maybe, you think, "They look like they could use a friend."

When you're surrounded by the same people every single day — the same people with the same views — it's hard to explore what is inside of you. Don't be afraid to step outside of your so-called "circle of friends" and hang out with other people you may find interesting.

A quote that will always stay with me is,

Boredom is hostility without enthusiasm.

Think about it. What I'm trying to get at is, the excuse you use of being bored should be removed from your vocabulary once and for all.

This world is so big, and there are numerous possibilities out there for all of us. Obviously, you are interested in something.

Find a hobby. Read a book. Put down that cell phone, and go out and make a stranger's day.

Do something each day that will impact your tomorrow. Force yourself into doing things you love, and I promise you that you'll truly enjoy life much more.

Or, you can even try something new, something you thought you'd never do. Who knows? You might be great at it.

In a generation where we basically have the world at our fingertips, it's amazing the excuses people make. Don't be one of those people.

I encourage you to go against the current. Let go of the unnecessary distractions that you feel are constantly holding you back.

Reassess what you want and what you value in life, and work toward that every day. The best way to overcome any obstacle or any source of boredom you have in this life is by fully embracing the life you have been given.

Be well.