5 Benefits Of Doing Nothing
In 1370 AD, the first public clock tower was erected in Cologne, Germany, and from that day forward, the clock has been running our lives.
And I know that when I read stats like these, they make me crazy:
According to Arwen Curry, before Edison invented the light bulb, the average person slept eleven hours a night.
A Senate subcommittee in 1967 was told that by 1985, the average American would work only twenty-two hours a week for twenty-seven weeks a year. (Technology and Social Trends, Kerby Anderson)
By 2007, the average American worked nearly four more weeks per year than in 1979. (“Vast Majority of Wage Earners are Working Harder,” Lawrence Mishel)
There’s no a complete solution to our overly time-conscious lives, but scheduling a day to DO NOTHING productive is a great starting point.
Yes, you read that right. Schedule a day to DO NOTHING productive. No work. No grocery shopping. No checking “have-to’s” off your list.
Many societies throughout history have baked this practice into a weekly rhythm called the Sabbath. Many of you remember a time when stores were closed on Sundays.
After all, DOING NOTHING has several benefits:
Relaxation: Doing nothing allows you to recharge your batteries.
Creativity: Doing nothing allows your mind to wander and can lead to increased problem-solving skills.
Increased productivity: Doing nothing can increase your productivity in the long run. It allows you to return to tasks with renewed energy and focus.
Improved decision-making: Doing nothing allows you to reflect on your choices and consider different options.
Improved relationships: Doing nothing can also allow you to connect with others and strengthen your connections, which research shows is THE key to long-term success.
Source: Brian Rutherford, Leadercast
“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”
– William S. Burroughs
Did You Know This About DiSC®?
Level of activity
Top – tend to be fast-paced and are often described as assertive, dynamic, and bold.
They tend to exert effort to change their circumstances.
Bottom – tend to be more moderate paced and are often described as calm, methodical, and careful.
They are more inclined to adapt to existing circumstances.
Level of acceptance
Left – naturally more skeptical in nature and are often described as logic-focused, objective, and challenging.
They instinctively withhold trust from people and ideas until those outside elements can be thoroughly vetted.
Right – naturally more receptive in nature and are often described as people-focused, empathizing, and agreeable.
They are biased to see the people and ideas around them as favorable and are thus inclined to trust them.
