I haven’t posted for a while – but from the activity on here, it seems that a lot of people are interested in the Doom Loop.
Actually, it’s quite simple – on the surface. It’s designed so you can understand it quickly, and most people do.
However, it’s really a lot more complicated that it first appears.
When people first see it, they immediately put themselves into one of the quadrants. That’s kind of funny – but it’s true. “How does it apply to me?” is the silent question.
It offers a new language – “Q1,” “Q2,” Q3,” and “Q4” – each with different meanings.
As in any model, the Doom Loop has its limitations. After all – just like any differential equation based on two variables that change over time, it works only if those variables that remain constant don’t change. That’s pretty standard in mathematics (on which the Doom Loop is based).
There are two pretty common “danger zones” – “Q3” and “Q4.” Most people find themselves in “Q3” (frustrated and bored).
- When they’re in “Q3,” the natural tendency is to want to make a change. But that’s where the danger lies. Some often make a change for the wrong reasons.
- “Q4” is another matter – get out of there as soon as you can! People who retire often find themselves in “Q4” – not being good at doing nothing – and, accordingly, find themselves miserable.
So, don’t brush the Doom Loop aside by its surface simplicity.
It can be your friend, keep you from making a stupid mistake, or lead you out of the woes of boredom and depression in what used to be called “retirement” – now should be a new adventure.