Get Bored!

Hello Friends!

We live in a world where boredom has become an enemy. The moment we find ourselves with a spare second, we instinctively reach for our phones, scroll through social media, or dive into a Netflix binge. It feels unnatural to sit idle, doing nothing. Yet, the irony is that boredom, something so often avoided, is one of the best things for our minds.

Today’s article is all about embracing boredom, why it’s good for you, and how doing nothing might just lead to some of the greatest breakthroughs in creativity, focus, and confidence.

What Happens When We’re Bored?

Boredom is often seen as the absence of stimulation, but it’s more than that. When we’re bored, our minds naturally begin to wander. Research from the University of Central Lancashire found that boredom encourages creative thinking. In their study, participants who completed a boring task before a brainstorming session came up with more creative ideas than those who didn’t experience boredom.

This wandering mind isn't random, it's a necessary part of processing thoughts, solving problems, and generating new ideas. Think about some of history’s greatest innovators. Albert Einstein claimed his best ideas came when he wasn’t actively working but rather when he allowed his mind to relax and wander.

Boredom also gives your brain a break from the constant input of information. By doing so, it helps train your brain to focus, reset, and become more effective in solving problems when you return to them.

The Over-Stimulated World

The rise of smartphones, social media, and 24/7 entertainment has left little room for boredom. A study from Microsoft found that the average human attention span dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in 2015 - less than that of a goldfish!

Kids today face even greater challenges. Over-stimulation has led to a spike in ADHD diagnoses, even among children who don’t meet the criteria. Constant exposure to fast-paced, attention-grabbing content trains their brains to expect immediate gratification, making it harder for them to sit still or focus on tasks.

When I was a child, boredom was just a part of life. We didn’t have endless distractions, so we were forced to get creative. We made up games, drew pictures, or simply daydreamed. Those moments weren’t just idle, they were formative. They helped us develop patience, creativity, and self-regulation.

How Boredom Fuels Mindset, Creativity, and Confidence

1. Mindset Reset
   Boredom gives you the space to think deeply and reflect. When you're not bombarded with stimuli, you can process emotions, reframe challenges, and gain a clearer understanding of your goals. Jeff Bezos has a practice he calls the "1-Hour Rule," where he spends his mornings puttering around without looking at his phone or tackling work. This quiet time allows him to set his mental compass for the day.
2. Sparking Creativity
   Some of the best ideas come when we let our minds wander. Studies show that the “default mode network” in our brains - the part responsible for daydreaming - becomes highly active during boredom. This network is linked to creative thinking and problem-solving. Allowing yourself to get bored might just lead to your next big breakthrough.
3. Improving Focus
   Boredom trains your brain to tolerate stillness and delayed gratification. In a world where instant dopamine hits are everywhere, the ability to focus is becoming a rare and valuable skill. By practicing boredom, you strengthen your ability to concentrate on what truly matters.
4. Boosting Self-Confidence
   When you allow yourself to sit with boredom, you build a stronger relationship with yourself. You’re no longer dependent on external validation or distractions to feel fulfilled. This sense of independence can lead to greater self-assurance and confidence.

How to Embrace Boredom

If the idea of sitting idle fills you with dread, you’re not alone. But the benefits of boredom are worth the discomfort. Here’s how you can start:

• Schedule Thinking Time: Like I’ve mentioned in a previous newsletter, I dedicate 1 to 2 hours each week to just sit and think. During this time, I allow my mind to wander, reflect on what I’ve done, and think about where I’m heading. It’s made me more self-aware and focused.

• Limit Screen Time: Create no-phone zones in your day, maybe during breakfast or right before bed. Use this time to let your mind relax.

• Engage in Low-Stimulation Activities: Tasks like knitting, walking, or gardening can provide just enough structure to keep you occupied while still allowing your mind to wander.

• Practice Mindfulness: Sit quietly for a few minutes each day without an agenda. It’s a great way to get comfortable with doing nothing.

A Personal Note

As someone who believes deeply in Thinking Time, I’ve seen firsthand how boredom has transformed my approach to work and life. It’s in those moments of “doing nothing” that I’ve had some of my best ideas, solved complex problems, and gained a clearer understanding of what’s truly important.

Boredom isn’t a waste of time, it’s an investment in your mental clarity and creativity.

Parting Words

In a culture that celebrates productivity and constant activity, boredom has gotten a bad reputation. But the truth is, boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s a gift. It’s an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and realign. By allowing ourselves to step back from the chaos, we gain the space to think deeply, solve problems creatively, and build a stronger sense of self.

So the next time you find yourself with nothing to do, resist the urge to fill the void. Instead, embrace the quiet. Let your mind wander. Get bored, and see where it takes you.

Until next time,
Stay Confident!

Thought Of The Week

A weekly thought to meditate, ruminate, and/or ponder on:

"All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone."

- Blaise Pascal

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