How to Keep Your Favorites From "Getting Old"

I am a creature of habit.

Every Saturday I read over notes from a book I read so that I keep the ideas fresh in my mind. I obsessively listen to the same songs. I talk to the same people. I love the same snacks, cherish the same clothes, even repurchase the same concealer.

But the newness tends to wear away. The shininess dulls. The love for the item or action fades out.

Today I'm going to discuss how you and I can deal with - and maybe even delay - this "getting used to" feeling.

Note: These "favorites" can be anything from notes, a fandom to an actual human. Please be aware that each situation is different and not all of these tips can apply to everything - though I tried my best to encompass as much as I could.

Ask questions

When in doubt, question everything. But don't just ask questions - seek answers! Be a curious philosopher! Go on a hunt. Dig deep within yourself. Bring new views to life. Ask yourself Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Make notes, change your perspective and get yourself thinking.

Best for, but not limited to: Written materials such as notes, important things you want to remember, visualizations, cherished memories and so forth.

Reapply - or nah

You know what happens when you have to replace that 2 week old band-aid that's on your finger (or worse, your knee)? You have to rip it off and apply a fresh one.

The same can be done for most anything in life.

If there's an aspect that's slipped away, try to reiterate it back into your life. You have memories of the good ol' days, when the dress still fit or your friendship was still cozy. Change it up by applying it differently - just as an experiment - and see what happens.

Don't let the ideas that are worn - but still beautiful and supportive - slip away.

Best for, but not limited to: Band-aids, friendships, ideas, concepts, memories, substances, etc.

Develop practice problems

If you need to remember something or think of it in a fresh new way, try to develop problems that use, help wrap your brain around or develop that idea. Do something that will engage your brain. Be positive and try to think of the best, the worst and the in between.

Best for, but not limited to: Math, reading materials, things you want to remember and a change in perspective.

Lastly, chew on this...

If I could take a guess at the percentage amount our brains put glamours over the stuff we see, I'd say 89%. That means that, in my own opinion, I believe we see things as better, worse, impressive, lovely, etc. etc., even when they may not actually be the best things for us.

Why?

Due to our feelings.

This is a touchy subject, but I believe it to be true. Some of us (not all of us) tend to judge and evaluate based on our feelings. And if we feel unworthy, low, grumpy or even just plain mad, there's a chance we may let those emotions cloud over our judgement - and cause us to think negative things about something we wouldn't have otherwise.

The next time you feel like you're getting "used" to something, step back and make an emotional evaluation. Separate your self-worth from what you're studying, and don't let the struggle get the most of you.

Did I miss something? Comment down below with your own suggestions!

And consider this: What are you getting used to? And how are you going to change that?