“They do not fear boredom as much as work without pleasure; they actually require a lot of boredom if their work is to succeed. For thinkers and all sensitive spirits, boredom is that disagreeable “windless calm” of the soul that precedes a happy voyage and cheerful winds. They have to bear it and must wait for its effect on them.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

Why do we hate to be bored? 

We will do anything to avoid it. We effortlessly avoid boredom in this technology-driven and hyper-connected world.

It seems like it’s harder to be bored than not bored in today’s world.

What if boredom is a vital part of our success?

“Some of Newton’s, Einstein’s, Descartes’, and Archimedes’ greatest insights have all been attributed to boredom. Nietzsche credited boredom with breathing life into some of his most influential ideas… The only obviously adaptive advantage of boredom is its ability to inspire the creativity, curiosity and restlessness that motivates us to explore, seek novel experiences, and take risks… Without boredom, we would most probably not have many of the inventions which have changed the course of history.”

James Suzman, Work

I have noticed that I do some of my best creative work after reaching a state of boredom. I don’t seem to be able to “force” the content to come out of me. It takes time to think and meander around before I arrive at ideas. If I keep myself continually busy and distracted on my smartphone, email, podcasts, and social media, I never really feel like sitting down to write or read challenging material. 

Our quality of work suffers as a result of being so busy and distracted.

On the other hand, when I create space for boredom – think no smartphone or internet, I become more creative and curious. I notice things. I think and make connections. Ideas pop into my head. Then suddenly, my work seems to come to me effortlessly.

Why does our culture prize being so busy? Could we be missing out on powerful insights and innovations? Could boredom be the key to our best work?

Reflection

• Get off the busy hamster wheel, create some space in your schedule with no digital distractions.
• Spend time being bored and watch the next big idea jump out of you.