The 82nd Edition

Most meaningful progress comes from doing the same things, again and again.

But most joy comes from occasionally doing something new.

Something to Think About

Repetition builds depth, novelty gives life texture.

Something to Ask Yourself

Where have you become consistent but stopped feeling alive?

Personal Lesson

I’m back in Dahab free diving. And what struck me was how much better things felt. Maybe because I’d already done the the learning and the mistakes.

Last year I came here curious and inexperienced and made a very beginner error, mask too tight, pressure in the wrong places, bloodshot eyes. I left knowing I hadn’t finished what I started.

This time, the first proper dive felt smooth. I was super relaxed, confident, and calm. In the zone. Not because I’d chased novelty, but because I’d earned familiarity. The basics were there. The body knew what to do. And because of that repetition, I was able to focus on what I needed to and the experience felt incredible.

To improve in anything, we must both have repetition and novelty. You don’t progress without both.

Free diving teaches this beautifully. You don’t improve by forcing change. You improve by repeating the fundamentals. But the joy and presence comes from the fact that you’re still exploring something unknown.

Running – Life’s Metaphor

Running works the same way. Consistency is non-negotiable. The same easy runs. The same strength patterns. The same habits that build durability over years.

But when everything looks identical week after week, the mind switches off. Routes blur. Months disappear. You’re progressing, but you’re not fully there.

That’s where novelty earns its place. Shock yourself every now and then, keep the joy for running by throwing in novel routes, novel workouts, new things to challenge yourself with.

Final Thoughts

Repetition is how you get good at something. Novelty is how you remember you’re alive.

There’s research showing that when life becomes predictable, our perception of time accelerates. When we introduce new experiences, time slows. Not because we’re doing more, but because we’re paying attention.

The answer is to apply more contrast, more new things, first time experiences. Do the simple things often enough to build trust in yourself. Then occasionally shake the system just enough to feel awake again.

Progress is built on repetition. A good life needs a bit more variety than that.

Thanks for reading and subscribing!

Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself.

Tommy 🙂