I recently came across a phrase that perfectly captures an approach to life that I’ve long had, but had struggled to explain.

The phrase?

Preferred indifference.

Simply put, we might have a preference for how we want things to turn out. But we can make the best of the situation regardless the outcome.

Ryan Holiday provides a simple example. It’s objectively better to be tall than short. Thus, I would rather be tall if I had the choice.

But I don’t get to choose. I am what I am.

It doesn’t make sense to mope if we’re short or gloat because we’re tall. But rather, to take it for what it is and make the most of the situation we were given.

This idea of preferred indifference seemingly comes up everywhere.

I’d prefer for Michigan’s football team to win every game, but it doesn’t ruin my day when they don’t.

I’d rather not need to wake up before 5 am to make time for exercise, but I can still enjoy the peace and solitude that comes from being up early.

I’d prefer if I didn’t have to mow the lawn or shovel the snow, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy either activity when I have to do them.

Some things in life we get to control. Others, we don’t.

But either way, we have the power to determine how we resopnd to whatever comes our way.

-Brandon