Do you ever wake up and think, “Is this it?” You’ve checked all the boxes — career, home, family — but something still feels flat. In this episode, Andrew and Cat unpack why life can suddenly feel boring even when everything looks good on paper. They share insights on midlife lulls, lost curiosity, and how to bring energy, novelty, and purpose back into your everyday routine.

Big ideas

• Boredom isn’t bad. It’s a signal — not a failure. It’s your brain’s way of saying, “We’ve mastered this level. Time to evolve.”
• Comfort kills curiosity. The more predictable your life becomes, the less stimulation your brain gets.
• There are two kinds of boredom:
• Situational boredom — nothing to do.
• Existential boredom — plenty to do, but nothing excites you.
• Tiny novelties matter. You don’t need to blow up your life; even small changes reignite joy.

Key takeaways

1️⃣ Add micro-novelties. Try a new coffee shop, walk a different route, or rearrange a room — fresh experiences reawaken your senses.

2️⃣ Stay curious. Learn something new just for the fun of it — a language, an instrument, or even a random hobby.

3️⃣ Reconnect with purpose. If your kids, job, or routines no longer “need” you the same way, find new outlets for meaning.

4️⃣ Let boredom guide you. Sometimes it’s not about doing more — it’s about resting deeply.

5️⃣ Reach out. Loneliness often hides behind “busy.” Text the friend you’ve been missing — they’ll probably be relieved you did.

Small shifts to spark excitement

• Replace scrolling with doing. Ten minutes of learning beats an hour of endless swiping.
• Start a “Done List.” Track what you accomplished today instead of what’s missing.
• Take curiosity breaks. Watch a documentary, visit a farmer’s market, or read about something new.
• Try the Groundhog Day reframe: Instead of escaping monotony, add playfulness to it — like Bill Murray learning piano and French.
• Practice boredom without guilt. Rest is not laziness; it’s restoration.

Quotes & reflections“Boredom is your brain’s way of inviting you to grow again.”“The plateau isn’t punishment — it’s a charging station.”“You don’t have to burn it all down to feel alive again.”Glimmers

• Cat: Recording in person with Andrew in their Canada home — first time in ages and totally glimmery. 🇨🇦
• Andrew: Finally solving the technical setup to make it happen — and proving that collaboration always feels better than perfection.

Connect

• Website: fiveyearyou.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @fiveyearyou
• Email: [email protected]

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