Has it ever occurred to you why certain songs seem to stay in your mind even after only one listen? Or why even mundane tasks can have an oddly reassuring quality? Despite its complexity, your brain enjoys repetition.
A rationale underlies that. Just as a forest’s paths are formed by repetition, so do cerebral pathways. As you continue to walk that trail, it will become more visible and easier to follow. Herein lies the power of habits, the significance of affirmations, and the very existence of muscle memory.
The focus here is on developing abilities, though. The brain associates predictability with safety, and repetition is a form of predictability. Relying on what you know can provide stability in a world when everything is changing at a dizzying pace.
Do not let this force you to live in a state of automatic pilot. But being aware of how habituation affects your feelings, choices, and self-assurance? It’s quite impressive. Go ahead and use it, or allow it to control you.
If something seems “too familiar” the next time, take a deep breath. Perhaps it’s your brain ensuring your stability.