Ask Some people are so set in their routines that they don't see what is going on around them.

[sandbox]

Some people are so set in their routines that they don't see what is going on around them. If they cut through the biscuit aisle to get to washing powder then that is where they go.

Others are like toddlers in the midst of the "terrible twos". All these new boxes that people are emptying and putting the contents on the shelves but no-one has asked them to join in the excitement. They want to be noticed so they make their presence known.

There are also the ones that want to feel important so they make sure that those working realise they are inconveniencing a very important person. Their path should not be blocked by the hoi palloi. Go around is not in their vocabulary.

Yes, today I am feeling very cynical.

 

[Ahmedo24]

The truth is that habits help us function, but if you choose autopilot dulls awareness. When there is changes on daily routine, we stop scanning for change, opportunity, or warning signs. No doubt, Routines save mental energy, yet they cost peripheral vision. Staying effective means scheduling deliberate "look up" moments. If not life happens around you while you're busy replaying yesterday.

 

[bherniey]

That's a profound observation on the impact of routines on our awareness levels. You're absolutely right that habits can be both beneficial and limiting. It's essential to strike a balance between efficiency and staying aware of our surroundings. Introducing deliberate moments to break away from the routine and observe what's happening around us can enrich our experiences and help us adapt to changes more effectively.