Have you ever experienced the feeling of ennui?

Months ago I took my son to the cinema to see the new inside out film. It was actually pretty good. The concept is incredible, but it had some of the same floors of the first movie but one of the great improvements great improvements the addition of complex emotions into the balance. And in amongst them this French term ENNUI.

“Ennui” is loosely translated as boredom, dissatisfaction or weariness – but if I am honest this description massively simplifies what is a very complex feeling. Whether in your everyday life, your work, your relationships or your fitness journey,  I think we have probably all felt ENNUI. And the most complex part about it, is that it feeds into so many other emotions too. It can lead to frustration, anger and sadness, yes. But ENNUI can also be an impetus for change and development. It’s a recognition that there is something more needed.

My life is one of routine and repetition. I respond really well to this structure and I attribute a lot of my success to it. However, the downside of always being within the confined structure is that it can often feel that you are not progressing. And in many aspects of your life, this lack of progression can feel like failure or under-achievement. I have learnt that when this feeling creeps in, it’s time to make an adjustment!

Take my fitness journey, for example. It has taken many years, many setbacks and learning how to progress in spite of them. This has meant that I have needed to be responsive and willing to adjust my goals, to keep moving forwards. This is sometimes as simple as a change in program or an impromptu rest day and sometimes it’s more complicated. There are hurdles to jump over, blocks in the road to weave around. When I look back on the years put in to my personal development (within fitness) I have learnt some of the most important lessons, whilst responding to that tiresome feeling of Ennui.

When I think about it though, It’s funny that I have made such strides forward in relation to my fitness, but in other areas of life it is harder to overcome. In those moments, I am forever grateful to my incredible family who makes it all worthwhile, despite all of the challenges.

TIB 

In case you’re interested… 

I will also be writing a post about anxiety, another character from inside out, misunderstood or calculated, I guess it’s all in the perspective.