Are We All Addicted to Something

I’ve been thinking a lot about a podcast I recently listened to again: The Mindset Mentor's episode titled “Is Everyone Addicted to Something?” There's a reason we've had it on our year-wrapped email list for two years running.

Honestly, it hit me this time in a way that felt obviously true whilst being impossibly uncomfortable. 

Think about it—how many of us use something, anything, to avoid sitting with our thoughts or feelings? Maybe it’s food, social media, shopping, Netflix, or scrolling Amazon for things we don’t need. Maybe it’s something less obvious, like staying perpetually busy or filling every quiet moment with music or podcasts or books. The point isn’t what the “thing” is—it’s why we need to fill every moment.

What really landed for me this time around is how uncomfortable we are, as a society, with boredom. We treat it like it’s something to be fixed, instead of a signal to pause and tune in. And here’s the kicker: boredom is often where the magic happens. It’s where creativity, self-reflection, and growth live. But instead of leaning into that stillness, we numb out with distractions.

I’m guilty of it, too.
There have been countless times I’ve opened my phone without even realizing it, scrolling Instagram for a dopamine hit instead of sitting with the discomfort of silence. Or reached for a snack when I wasn’t hungry because being “still” felt unbearable in that moment.

But here’s the thing—it’s not about shaming ourselves for these behaviors. It’s about getting curious. Why am I doing this? What am I avoiding? What would happen if I let myself just be still?

Being able to sit with discomfort, whether it’s boredom, sadness, or unease, is one of the most powerful tools for self-efficacy we can cultivate. It teaches us to trust ourselves, to face what’s beneath the surface, and to make conscious choices instead of reactive ones.

So, here’s my challenge for you (and for me): the next time you catch yourself reaching for your “thing”—whether it’s your phone, food, or another distraction—pause. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself, What am I feeling right now? What am I avoiding?

Boredom isn’t the enemy. It’s a teacher. And the more we let ourselves sit with it, the more we can transform those quiet moments into something meaningful.

What about you? Where does this show up in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts.