Consistency is the devil. Avoid it. Avoid predictability. Any pattern in your life is a source of vulnerability. Steel yourself with variance.

Variance is particularly important in relationships. Know what you’re doing -- stay in control -- but mix it up. The IOJ doesn’t advocate eratic behavior, just unpredictable behavior.

For example, if you’ve been cooking dinner at six every day, be late, just by a half hour or so. A few days later, be early. The same applies to your daily gym workout. Mix up days. Even if you have to reschedule standing meetings, do so. These variances will not only instill uncertainty to your relationship partner, but also to business associates and social contacts. Remember, all humans are targets for power. Do not neglect any potential subject. [Note: These sorts of combination opportunities (personal + business), no matter how apparently inconsequential, are extremely valuable and should be used whenever possible. Stay alert; be efficient.]

Warning: If you’ve been in a rut or are viewed as "dependable" or "steady" or some equally despicable adjective, start slowly. Sudden radical changes are seen as eratic. Friends may intervene, question your behavior and counsel you. They will say, “Are you okay? Are you sick? Maybe you should see a doctor.” Or, “How’s your husband? Have you split up? If there’s anything I can do, let me know.” And then, of course, she’ll hop on the phone to call him to express her condolances. Likely you will hear the worst of the lot, “We like the old you.”

Heathens.

Because what they’re saying is that they don’t like you at all. They like WHAT YOU DO. To them you are the roach coach who shows up at 11:35 every morning with their Cyclone push-pops; you are the only mailman who’s never late; you are the kitchen slave who always has food ready for everyone else to eat.

You are a tool. More importantly, you are THEIR tool.

Don’t be a tool.

Inevitably, no matter how slowly you elminate your patterns, your “friends” will attempt to push you back into your routines, drive you back down into your rut like the rock that you were. These “friends” are attempting to exert their power over you. They’ve had it, and now they want it back.

To hell with them. You need to be free.

Some suggested replies to “friendly” questions are:

[insert appropriate day/time/place here] was simply more convenient for me.
I didn’t feel like it.
It felt right.
Aaaah, why not?
What’s that? I was thinking about the opera.

Unpredictability is a critical characteristic to have. Foster it. Change. And then change again. Change your hair. Leave the country. Quit your job. Change and change and change. But always be you on the inside, always be the one questing for Power and Joy.