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Let’s do nothing, at least for a while. Let’s take a break. An extended break. Let us have some time when there is no agenda, no target and no deadline.
We live in a world that demands so much of us. We work longer hours, have more to do, juggle many conflicting priorities, attempt to please a range of people. We are required to perform seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We are on call and can be called to action anytime. Traders who trade markets outside their own country stay up at odd hours to look at markets opening, ticking away and closing. TV news gives us one minute summaries of the most sensational news. We need to make the most of our leisure time, cramming in exercise, reading, self-development and self-education. Are you tired just reading this? We are on the go all the time, often dealing with urgent matters regardless of how important they may be.
We are like cars going at full throttle, without time to stop at petrol stations to refuel. We are not even stopping at red lights. We are in too much of a hurry.
Most people have creative and productive ideas popping in their heads at the most unusual times, when they are not under pressure. We get inspirational ideas while we are in the shower, just as we are waking up or as we are walking the dog. In other words, when the pressure is off. This is not a coincidence. These ideas pop up when our mind is ‘free-associating’.
We need to re-fuel. So let’s stop. Let’s do nothing for a short while. Press the pause button. Let’s go on a micro-holiday. For one hour, let go of all agendas. File away all priorities. Dump all to-do lists in the bottom drawer. Turn off the TV or the computer. Do nothing for one full hour. What do you mean do nothing? How do I do that? Do nothing. Sit, stare at the horizon. Watch the waves, smell the flowers, doodle, paint, play (not competitively). The harder this seems, the more you will benefit from this exercise.
You are creating balance in your life. You are allowing your creative brain to take charge. You are re-fuelling. You are turning off the ignition and letting the car cool off. You are closing shop. You are on holiday. At least for an hour. Stop doing. Simply “be”. There is a reason we are called human beings, not human doings.
It is important to have a balance. In your busy schedule, build in some unstructured rest time. Remember: no agenda, no goal, no achievement. It needs to be completely free of targets, milestones or goal posts. Enjoy.
Believe, achieve
Sinan Koray
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