Brushing Quote by Daniel Z. Lieberman
““What do you think about when you brush your teeth? Probably not brushing your teeth. You’re more likely to be thinking about things you have to do later in the day, later in the week, or some other time in the future. Why? Maybe it’s a habit. Maybe it’s anxiety. Maybe you’re afraid that if you don’t think about the future you will miss something. But you probably won’t. And by not thinking about what you’re doing, you will definitely miss something, maybe even something you never noticed before, something unexpected.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Science of Everyday Life, 2015
Our minds drift to future tasks during routine actions, revealing anxiety and habit loops that can cause missed present moments.
In simple terms: Mind wanders to future during habits.
Key Takeaway
Be present, notice the now.
Themes
mindfulness
anxiety
habit
future-thinking
attention
Mood
calm
thoughtful
Type
psychological
practical
When to use this quote
- brushing teeth
- commuting
- waiting in line
- exercise
- meeting preparation
Key Concepts
cognitive psychology
neuroscience
behavioral habit
Questions to Reflect On
- What simple habit can anchor you to the present?
- How does anxiety shape your daily routines?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on future can increase stress and reduce enjoyment of current tasks.
![“He [A. J. Balfour] was eminently one of the Cole Porter school of famous men, who only fell to rise again. Picking himself up and brushing himself down became a minor art form, ruefully admired by his contemporaries.” quote by Arthur Balfour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d36/arthur-balfour-15770_admired_he-a-j-balfour-was-eminently-one-of-the_43746.jpg)
