The things you choose to ignore

Occasionally though, our amnesia is selective. We habituate intentionally because there are things we don’t want to notice. When we set an alarm for ourselves, we’re not just setting a prompt or notification. Frequently we’re attempting to install a time machine, hoping that when the bell rings, a more productive version of ourselves will emerge. The one who actually wants to wake up, be productive and be on the hook for getting things done.

Sometimes we grow accustomed to our personal failures. When you fail so often you accept it as a natural consequence. We make small adaptations to our identities. You may accept that you’re “a little lazy”, “not great with people” or “have anger issues”.

More frequently though, we reject and ignore our failures, sweeping them under the carpet. The alarm becomes invisible because it is painful to realise and acknowledge we are acting in a way that is inconsistent with our personal narrative.