Summary of the Key Points
This article focuses on how to deal with the uncertainties in life: Changes, whether major (such as industry shifts) or minor (like changing jobs or moving homes), are a part of everyday life. However, the human brain naturally dislikes uncertainty because it is unpredictable, demanding effort, and carries risks. As a result, we tend to avoid, procrastinate, or passively endure these changes, which can lead to wasted time and increased anxiety over the long term. The author suggests a solution: establishing a stable daily routine. By setting up fixed points in our lives—such as habits, hobbies, or long-term projects—we can enhance a sense of control and increase our inner control (the feeling that we can take charge of our own lives). This, in turn, allows us to face changes more calmly and even create a positive cycle where we move from fear to action, to resolution, and then back to less fear.
Why Do We Want to Avoid Change When It Comes Around?
Have you ever experienced this? When given a new task, your first thought is, “This is so troublesome; can I put it off?” Or when considering a job change, despite being dissatisfied with the current situation, you’re hesitant to take the first step? This isn’t due to laziness but rather an instinctive response of our brains.
The brain prefers certainty because things that are certain don’t require much mental effort and consume fewer resources. Uncertainty, on the other hand, can be daunting. For example, adapting to a new work environment or clients, or facing sudden industry changes, makes us think, “I can’t predict this; it might take a lot of effort and could even go wrong.” Our instinct is to avoid it—either by ignoring the issue or by delaying until it disappears on its own, or by enduring it in the hope that things will return to normal.
The problem is that changes are inevitable in life. Continuously avoiding them only leads to increased anxiety. Forging ahead without taking action, while worrying about potential risks, wastes time and makes problems worse.
A Stable Daily Routine: The Key to Dealing with Change
So how can we overcome this? The author emphasizes the importance of finding anchors in our lives—things we do regularly every day, hobbies we maintain for a long time, or friends we keep in touch with. These anchors act like the moorings of a ship; no matter how strong the waves are, the ship won’t drift away.
Why are anchors effective? The key is that they enhance our sense of control. For instance, if you set aside time every day to read or have dinner with friends weekly, or if you have a hobby you’ve been pursuing for half a year, these activities are within your control. Knowing that you can influence certain aspects of your life gives your brain the impression that everything is on track, freeing up energy to deal with changes (just like a company with a stable cash flow is better prepared for crises).
More importantly, a sense of control boosts our inner control, making us feel that we are in charge of our own lives. Studies show that people with strong inner control tend to be happier and more willing to take proactive actions when faced with problems, rather than being easily overwhelmed by anxiety. For example, in the face of work setbacks, some people think, “I can find a different approach to solve this,” while others feel that it’s beyond their control. The former demonstrates a stronger sense of inner control.
Seven Small Steps to Establish a Routine
You don’t need to make earth-shattering changes; start with small, everyday actions:
1. Keep a diary: Don’t just record daily events; write down how you solved problems or what you learned. For example, note when you overcame a work challenge or how your views on something have changed over time. This helps you see your progress and feel that you can make positive changes.
2. Develop diverse hobbies: Don’t tie your life solely to work. If you enjoy painting, even if you only spend an hour a week doing it, it gives you a sense of identity beyond your professional role and provides a psychological buffer in tough times.
3. Maintain stable habits: Keep your daily routine intact. Eat, sleep, and exercise regularly. This shows your brain that you can handle unexpected situations effectively.
4. Look for small successes: Think about what you achieved each day, such as learning a new skill or making progress on a project. Recording these achievements motivates you to keep moving forward.
5. Pick up a long-term project: Choose something you enjoy that’s unrelated to your work, like writing a novel, crafting, or video-making. The focus is on the process, not the outcome. It will provide you with a sense of purpose and help you stay active in the face of change.
6. Maintain social connections: Stay in touch with old friends and make new ones. Even just chatting or doing something together can make you feel less alone and supported.
7. Take care of your health: A healthy body is essential. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Your brain will perceive you as having the resources to cope with challenges if you’re in good physical shape.
Avoid Common Misconceptions
Two important points to avoid:
1. Don’t over-control everything: Not everything is within your control. Focus on what you can influence—your habits and actions—and don’t waste energy on things like the weather or others’ thoughts.
2. Don’t be rigid: A stable routine doesn’t mean doing exactly the same every day. Your brain needs variety; occasionally trying new things (like learning a new recipe or visiting a new place) can boost your energy. The key is to make these changes voluntarily, not out of necessity.
In summary, the essence of a stable routine is a sense of inner control. Knowing that you have the ability and resources to handle life’s uncertainties gives you the strength to stay composed in the face of change.
No matter how big the waves of life are, as long as you have your own anchors, you can remain steady. I hope you can find your own “anchor” that will help you navigate through life with more ease.