Staying at home to work or study often feels like a trap of low energy and easy distractions. In the solitude of my room, it’s far too easy to spend the day lying on the bed, mindlessly swiping through my phone or falling into the dopamine-draining cycle of pornography. These habits kill my motivation long before a productive idea can even surface. Today, I decided to break that cycle by heading to the Kaohsiung Main Public Library, and the shift in atmosphere was instant. Instead of the silence of my room, I’m surrounded by a quiet hum of typing and focused energy. Being here makes me actually enjoy using my computer for something useful; I feel surrounded by people and opportunities to better myself, turning a day that could have been lost to boredom into one full of potential.
There is a specific psychological shift that happens when you see other people focused on their own goals. In the library, I see people reading, typing, and studying; they aren’t distracted or browsing aimlessly, and that normalizes the act of being quiet and productive. Tasks that would feel incredibly boring at home suddenly feel worth doing when you are part of a collective effort. At home, the “lonely silence” of privacy is dangerous because it makes it too comfortable to do nothing; with no one watching, the instant rewards of Instagram or porn are always more enticing than real life, leaving me feeling stagnant by the end of the day. In the library, the “productive silence” changes the dynamic entirely. Even if I don’t talk to anyone, there is a slim, vital chance of connection or a new opportunity. It’s about feeling open to the world again – feeling that the train of opportunity hasn’t completely passed my station while I was hidden in my room.
To anyone currently lying on their bed, feeling that pull towards a dopamine-draining app, I have a challenge for you: before you open that tab, go make a cup of coffee or tea and take a short walk outside. Once your feel that small boost of energy, pack your laptop and head to your city’s public library. There is a unique freedom in being there; unlike a coffee shop where you are customer expected to spend money; the library treats you as a curious member of the community. Entering the Kaohsiung library today has completely shifted my mood; I feel like an office worker who is his own boss, surrounded by people and sense of belonging. Even if the work feels less “fun” than a quick dopamine hit, the feeling of sitting in that vibe and deciding your own path is worth it. So, get up, shower, dress well, and put your laptop in your bag. Hold onto your dopamine for a little longer and go find your place among the quiet, focused energy of the world.