Chapter 1: The Busy Trap

For as long as I can remember, I've identified as someone who thrives on being "busy." When asked how I'm doing, my default response is usually about how much I've been juggling. But what does being busy really signify? This question has plagued me throughout my life, especially now. To me, being busy has always felt synonymous with productivity. It implies that I'm contributing meaningfully to society and that I have inherent worth. Our culture perpetuates the idea that inactivity equates to failure, fostering a fear of not achieving success. Consequently, the thought of intentionally choosing to do nothing makes me uneasy. After all, isn't doing more the key to being "better"?

Productivity has always been a passion of mine—almost an art form. When someone remarks, "Wow, you accomplished all of that in a day?" I feel a sense of pride, as if I've defied expectations. However, while I’ll address the pitfalls of this mindset later, I've gained valuable insights on how to optimize my time for maximum output. Whether it's tidying up or exercising, my focus has always been on avoiding wasted moments.

I've experimented with nearly every productivity tool available, from to-do apps to comprehensive planners. It's often my late-night routine to research the latest productivity tools, contemplating whether to overhaul my entire system. Although many tools have proven effective—like ToDoist, which I relied on for years due to its simplicity—I've learned that no tool is universally perfect. You'll find many content creators claiming that a specific system will resolve all your problems, but the truth is that the right tool varies from person to person. Ultimately, the goal is to carve out more time for the activities we cherish.

Yet, despite these tools often being distractions, they can provide valuable insights. I've started to notice which tasks consume most of my time and which actually contribute significantly to my goals. Just because a task is on my list doesn't mean it requires immediate attention. There will always be more tasks and endless opportunities to advance, but pushing ourselves too hard can lead to burnout. I've experienced burnout multiple times, staring blankly at a screen, feeling like I’ve accomplished nothing despite finishing tasks. The dread of opening my laptop or tackling new challenges sets in, accompanied by stress.

When productivity halts, success wanes. The prevailing thought is to simply push through—grind harder, as if burnout is a weakness. The belief is that those who succeed are the ones who sacrifice everything. So, the mantra becomes: never stop.

This line of thinking, while familiar, isn't healthy. Despite my consistent efforts to manage stress through breathwork, exercise, and journaling, my body still signals that something needs to change.

On Sundays, I engage in what I call a "reset" day. I clean, organize, and prepare for the week ahead. Although it's a busy day, I find beauty in the fact that I am not working. While I may ponder my work occasionally, most of my thoughts drift elsewhere. This practice leads to smoother Mondays, enhancing my productivity not just in completing tasks but in making meaningful progress. I realized that this success stems from allowing myself to step back from my larger goals and take a break, knowing I can return to them later. I began to wonder how doing absolutely NOTHING for a day would affect my life. This idea proved easier in theory than in practice.

At first, I was engulfed in mild anxiety, torn between the urge to work and the necessity of doing nothing. I found myself gazing out of the window for extended periods, attempting to validate my decision. A walk to the water, my favorite spot, brought a sense of calm as I watched the sea. It was liberating, and for a fleeting moment, I felt accomplished. But boredom quickly returned, and I found myself yearning for something to occupy my time.

After a few hours, an unexpected transformation occurred. I experienced a moment of clarity where I could observe myself from a distance. I recognized that my "work" doesn't define my identity; it's merely a facet of my interests. The notion of being busy, while appealing, is largely a false narrative driven by ego.

That ego has motivated me for far too long. While I've never pursued tasks for the approval of others, I’ve sought self-approval, wanting to prove my capabilities. However, when I step back, I realize that ticking off tasks or sending emails holds little significance in the grand quest for fulfillment.

I've consistently sought to understand my limits. Yet, finding meaningful boundaries requires introspection and self-awareness. I've always believed that our minds are the primary barriers to our potential. The body can endure more than we often recognize, and our minds are more adaptable than we think. When others doubted my ability to accomplish so much in a day, it became a journey of surpassing perceived limitations. Though achieving these tasks didn't necessarily add deep fulfillment to my life, it has shaped my approach.

Reflecting on my past, I remember moments when I doubted my abilities—like memorizing a speech for over a thousand people in eighth grade or swimming to shore as a junior lifeguard in cold water. I also doubted my capacity to complete an Ironman or create films viewed by millions. Yet, I achieved all these feats. Each challenge came with failures and lessons, but I consistently exceeded my initial expectations. Most importantly, many of these accomplishments originated from moments of boredom, arising from doing absolutely nothing.

As the year transitions and we encounter quieter moments, it’s an opportune time to embrace boredom and explore what truly motivates us. I encourage you to spend time doing absolutely nothing. Put your phone down, switch off Netflix, and allow yourself to be still. The initial discomfort will pass, leading to a moment of realization. Patience is key.

The first video titled "Why Sometimes the Most Productive Thing You Can Do is Nothing" delves into the unexpected benefits of allowing ourselves to take a break from constant activity.

The second video, "Doing Nothing is the Most Productive Thing You Can Do with Louise Miller," explores practical ways to embrace stillness and improve your overall productivity by stepping back.