Saturday, September 29, 2012

What are the Things That We "Just Don't Do?"

It has recently been brought to my attention that there are certain things we "just don't do," but they are different for each person.  They are a large part of our identity, and some are evidence of our character, while other ones are probably needlessly holding us back.  Some have good reasons behind them, while others are merely habit and comfort.  As I examined these limitations in my own life, I tried to figure out where they came from, and whether or not they were a positive influence on my decisions and identity.

I don't lie, which I believe is a universally positive thing.

I don't quit, which gets me to a lot of interesting places, including into trouble occasionally, and might indicate a pride issue at heart.

I don't relax, which is clearly a problem, but without a simple solution.

I don't forget, pretty much anything...ever (although I am discovering some exceptions recently).  This is helpful in many cases, but makes it harder to fully forgive people, or to move on from certain things in the past.

I don't act in an undignified fashion (or "act" in pretty much any other sense).  I don't really have a "silly" side to me, and I can't relate to most people who do, at least when they are expressing it.

I don't waste things, which is good, but may be rooted in an irrational fear of lack in the future.  I even reused duct tape while building this summer, which turned some heads.  But that was because it was easier to deal with when less sticky the second time around, so I was really trying not to waste time, as opposed to tape.

I don't do things for the sake of appearance, which makes me more genuine, but probably doesn't improve the first impressions that I make.

I don't spend extravagantly.  It is harder to appreciate the "nicer" things in life, because I am distracted by the cost.  My ability to subconsciously calculate expenses averaged down to the minute doesn't help. (See "I don't relax" above)

I don't act impulsively, but always plan ahead. So if I don't have a plan, I guess it logically follows that I won't be doing anything for a while. (Besides making a plan;)

I don't give up, no matter what the odds, as long as there is the slightest chance of success.  This easy to see when I am playing cards or a board game, where it pays off more than one would rationally expect.

I don't change, which grounds me, and makes me dependable, but probably holds me back in many ways too.  That level of inertia can hamper growth.

3 comments:

  1. "I don't really have a "silly" side to me, and I can't relate to most people who do, at least when they are expressing it."

    This I can vouch for, or at least the silly side part. However, you are able to relate to me very well when I express it. Mostly in a witty sort of way. Happened today when we were speaking about Malthus and human food production.

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  2. Don't confuse "acting silly" with "having a sense of humor."

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  3. You mistake me, I meant that you do not have a silly side, but you can still relate when people like me are displaying mine.

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