Hey Weekly Growth Fam!

In an effort to keep these newsletters concise and jam packed with tangible strategies we can use to grow, I’m going to consolidate the previous 2 sections into a single section. Sometimes the topic may come from a book, a podcast, or just some self-reflection! But either way, we’ll keep the personal growth going, and most importantly we’ll keep evolving!

Embrace Boredom

This week, I want to delve into a concept that might sound counterintuitive: embracing boredom. I got this idea from a discussion between author Cal Newport and Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman.

Now, before you click away thinking this is a productivity guilt trip, hear me out! Science actually suggests that short periods of unstructured time can be incredibly beneficial for our brains. This has been referred to as the gap effect, which shows that letting your mind wander after learning new information can actually help consolidate that information into long-term memory.

Think of it like this: when you're constantly bombarded with stimulation (hello, endless scrolling 🤳), your brain doesn't have a chance to process and solidify what it's learned throughout the day. Boredom, in small doses, creates the quiet space your brain needs to connect the dots and make new information stick.

Of course, putting down our phones and embracing boredom can feel uncomfortable at first. It's like flexing a muscle we haven't used in a while. But here's the challenge: the next time you find yourself in a waiting line, on a short commute, or even just between tasks, resist the urge to grab your phone.

Instead, try these alternatives:

• Observe your surroundings. What details catch your eye?
• Let your mind wander. Daydream a little! You never know where inspiration might strike.
• Practice mindfulness. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment.

Remember, growth isn't always about doing more. Sometimes, it's about giving your mind the space it needs to do its magic. Throughout this week, try incorporating mini-boredom breaks into your routine and see how it affects your focus, creativity, and overall sense of well-being. I’d love to hear from you if embracing boredom leads to any unexpected breakthroughs! Here's to embracing the power of stillness, and growing together!

Quote of the Week

"Just as a field needs fallow periods to rejuvenate the soil, so does the mind need periods of quiet to cultivate creativity." - Mark Albion 

Announcements

As some of you know, medical school graduation is just around the corner! To help me document this exciting new chapter (and make content creation easier during residency), my incredible wife Madison created a wishlist fund for a small, high-quality camera that I can easily carry around. If you feel called to contribute, any amount is greatly appreciated! You can find the wishlist link below.

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The growth we want to see in the world starts with us. You just made an investment.

See you next week,

JR