Repetition Is Not Boring; It's Branding

The other day I read a book about an editor who teaches others how to become word heroes. From one section of the book to the next he guides us through the painful stages of word apprentice, word novice, word artist, word wizard and yes there it is, Word Hero!

One of the empowering tools this author teaches us how to wield is word repeaters, i.e. when you want to get your point across you use the technical art of repetition.

The following is something many grew up reading.

I do not like them in a box. 

I do not like them with a fox. 

I do not like them in a house.

I do not like them with a mouse.

I do not like green eggs and ham.

I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.

It’s repetitious. It’s instilling in our mind the fact that the author has something worth saying and is making a point verbally or in written fashion.

Then yesterday I bought a beloved gem written by Ernest Vincent Wright, where the author never uses the letter “e.” Now more commonly known as the book that will never be an “e-book.” In this, he practices another intentional process of repetition. Every single page, every single word, every single descriptive wedding scene void of the letter “e.” (Did you notice my word repeater?)

In doing so both authors - Seuss and Wright - have done something remarkable. They have branded themselves amongst millions of other notable authors.

They have illustrated that repetition is not boring; it is branding. Repetition is intentional. It’s strategic. It’s consistency. Wait, you may be thinking. Doesn’t that sound like a habit? At one point and time, I thought so too. The difference between a habit and repetition:

Habit becomes a form of addiction: It’s controlling. It’s often born from our subconscious. Habits form us whereas we form repetitions…

I’m looking forward to receiving my new book, and I’m anticipating an exciting read because I’ve learned as an aspiring Word Hero that word repeaters – repetition- builds trust.

• The more you reiterate one point and stand by that point of positivity, the more likely people will choose you.

• The more you stick by your designated color palette, the more people will recognize you by your true colors.

• The more you live your life motto and mission statement, the more people will join you alongside your mission.

Because the more you do things intentionally it is repetition, and repetition is not boring; it’s branding.

Re-Evaluate Your Routine

How similar is your yesterday to your today? What about last week to next week? If your days are like a playlist on repeat, you are set into a routine. While exciting lives can be fun and fulfilling, having a routine lets your body know what to expect (good or bad). This can result in a healthier sleep schedule, controlled appetite and organized schedule. If the routine is not any of these from the beginning, then you’re practically scheduling a crash and burn.

Moving can really shake up this routine. Whether moving to a new house, changing jobs or getting a new car, you only realize how much everything is muscle memory and how you’re living on autopilot if something changes.

Take advantage of this otherwise inconvenient situation to re-prioritize your life and maximize your time.

1. Allow for extra time

It’s always that darn snooze button that gets me. Does it really even make a difference? No. It might feel like it at the moment you’re pushing the button, but 9 minutes later, you’re worse than before. Use those 9 minutes to be attentive to your morning routine. Slow down, think positive thoughts and enjoy preparing for the day ahead.

2. Environment

How can this new environment serve you better? How can you use this new routine to be more efficient, organized or fulfilled? Think about the things that feel unnatural as you adjust your routine to be different. Do you have more organization in a new apartment? Maybe your new car has a remote-starter. Observe the environment and use it to your benefit.

3. Awareness

You spend time doing things you don’t even realize. How often do you reach for your phone out of habit? A friend of mine recently forgot her phone at home and after the anxiety of forgetting it subsided, the peace she felt during her day was unusual and surprising. (In her words: Two glorious hours where no one could find her.) During that time, she found herself reaching for her phone. The frequency of which was alarming and disappointing to her. Being hyper-aware of your habits can help you to be more intentional of what should and shouldn’t be habitual.

So are you in a transitional time? Or are you in the middle of a long playlist on repeat? Either way, re-evaluate your routine. Is it healthy, happy and realistic? If not, adjust accordingly for a happier playlist of life.