Challenging enough and something that is not too easy is something that Mikhail mentioned in his book that would result in happiness. This is another learning I got from reading Mikhail’s book entitled Flow. He said that there are 8 components to enjoy what we do. I’ll talk about one that is being challenged enough that we do not get bored.
We enjoy what we are doing if we are challenged enough and it is not too easy. When we exert enough effort to complete a task a little beyond our existing limit, we enjoy what we do. However, if the task is too difficult for us to do, we get stressed out that we eventually feel hate towards what we are doing, or more, to the people and environment around us.
The concept of challenge and enjoyment intertwines in a delicate balance. Finding the sweet spot between a manageable challenge and an overwhelming obstacle is key to cultivating a sense of fulfillment in our endeavors. It’s a fine line between being engaged and feeling disheartened, and often, this balance can vary for each individual and within different contexts.
When a challenge aligns closely with our current abilities, it can spark a sense of flow, where our focus is heightened, and we feel a deep sense of enjoyment and immersion in the task at hand. This state of being “in the zone” provides both intrinsic motivation and a fulfilling experience.
On the other hand, when a task exceeds our current capacities by a large margin, it can lead to feelings of frustration, stress, and ultimately, aversion. The initial spark of challenge transforms into a daunting mountain to climb, leading to a sense of helplessness and negativity towards the activity. This shift can not only impact our relationship with the task itself but also affect our interactions with those around us and the environment in which we operate.
Understanding our individual thresholds for a challenge and being mindful of the interplay between effort and enjoyment can help us navigate the complexities of engagement and fulfillment in our pursuits. It’s a journey of self-discovery and calibration, where we strive to find that optimal level of challenge that keeps us energized and motivated, leading to a more enriching experience in our endeavors.
At the other end of the spectrum, if the task is too easy, we get bored. Extremely, if we are doing nothing for a long period of time, we feel depressed and sad. If our work is too easy for us, we may say that we are okay however, that does not last for long and eventually, we get tired of what we are doing and look for something else.
When tasks are too simplistic, they fail to engage our minds and provide the stimulation we need to feel fulfilled. The absence of challenge can lead to a sense of monotony and dissatisfaction, ultimately resulting in disinterest in the work we are doing. This phenomenon is often described as “treadmill effect,” where we feel like we are doing the same thing over and over again without progress or excitement. As a result, we seek new challenges and opportunities that can reignite our passion and motivation.
For me, what I had gone through, I can relate to what Mikhail is saying. I was a fast-food service crew in 1999 and looking back, that was a good use of my time. I was working and studying in college then. It was tiring yet, thinking about it, it was not boring, and at the same time, there was enough strain on my body and mind to do the work. I can not remember a day back then when I got bored. I think I enjoyed it.
The next job I had was during my on-the-job training when I have to call prospective clients to sell them computers. I had a list given to me by my supervisor and all I had to do is make calls and if the client says yes, I’ll pass it on to someone who will close the sale. That was so boring and I was so looking forward for noon to hit so I could end my shift and go to school. That I did not enjoy.
Most of us are in our jobs right now because we need the money. That is the very reason. And every day, we imagine doing the stuff we really want but can not because we need the money. So we stick it up and continue our day only to come home with a feeling of defeat, tiredness, and a sense of sadness. The effect is we buy things we do not need, we drink more than our bodies can handle and we lash out at other people.
We find ourselves caught in a cycle of longing for a life that feels out of reach. It’s a deeply frustrating experience, and it can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. The weight of financial pressures can sometimes feel like an insurmountable burden, leaving us feeling trapped in a life that doesn’t align with our true desires.
Moreover, the impact of this internal struggle often spills over into our external world, leading to impulsive actions and negative behaviors. In an attempt to fill the void created by unfulfilled aspirations, we may seek solace in material possessions or temporary escapes such as excessive drinking. These actions, while momentarily numbing, only serve to perpetuate the cycle of dissatisfaction and inner turmoil.
Recognizing and acknowledging these emotions is an important first step toward finding a way to break free from this cycle. It’s crucial to seek avenues for fulfillment and explore ways to gradually align our daily lives with our passions and aspirations. While the process may pose its challenges, taking proactive steps toward creating a more purposeful and satisfying life can lead to a sense of empowerment and renewed optimism.
My key takeaway from this part of the book is if the work we are doing is too difficult for us or even bores us, then it is time to look for something else. Try different work. Maybe that will make us feel something. Maybe it would take us into a state where we are so engaged that we lose the sense of time. And maybe, we’ll enjoy it more than anything else and eventually, find happiness in ourselves.
Leave a Reply