Your "Default Setting" and How to Escape It
By Rachel Reardon
During junior year of high school, my literature teacher had my class read the commencement speech by the late David Foster Wallace called “This is Water.” The speech was profound in that Wallace did not wish the graduating class to be successful in their careers and live grandiose lifestyles. Rather, he encouraged the graduating members to examine their lives in the now and get in the habit of not having “average adult day[s].” Wallace warned of avoiding the “default setting,” in which people develop such routines that they are unable to see the nuances of life.
What is the default setting to a college student? Perhaps it may be a bit confusing to understand. I’ll give an example of my life. I wake up every morning, get breakfast at St. Mary’s or get a quick muffin or granola bar from Second Storey, and go to class. Some days I will go to the gym, and then I’ll get lunch at Cova. I’ll do homework outside Conn, then I’ll have dinner from Belle Air 2.0 (I really miss the original). Then, I’ll walk back to West, do more homework, then go to bed. This routine may sound familiar, maybe not. Maybe you have a much more eclectic schedule, and that’s great. Even still, I think that all people can become accustomed to the default setting of our lives.
The default setting makes us feel comfortable. As humans, we like having routines to rely on. And we do not like to push our boundaries on a daily basis. It makes us tired, and we just want to get through some days. I get it. Yet, I think the question Wallace ponders is whether or not that kind of lifestyle is really going to make us feel fulfilled when we look back. Is simply getting through the day going to make us satisfied? Do we not want better? After all, if you’re reading this, I assume that you like me want to better your life through self-awareness.
Take a few moments to pause throughout the day. When you’re in line at Holy Grounds, notice how many people need coffee, and how accessible it is to you. Why is that? Why is it so easy for you to get a cup of coffee when some people do not have access to water? Or, when you are sitting doing homework, notice the people around you. What are they studying? What are their job aspirations? I’m not saying you need to be a philosopher, but start doing some deeper thinking in your mind.
Then, do something you wouldn’t normally do. Go to Rosie’s instead of Holy Grounds once. Instead of just saying hi to that person in your chemistry class, engage your classmate in conversation. You will have to step outside of your comfort zone. Trust me, I understand that it is much easier said than done. But if you can do something in your day that is unique, something outside of the ordinary routine, I promise you will feel more fulfilled. Break outside the box you put yourself in to live a life of more diversity.
Ask questions and make a slight change in your routine. That’s my challenge for you this week. See how you feel. Examine how it altered your perspective. And repeat. Make life more than a routine.
