Why Should You Bore Yourself?

Because your brain is not constantly distracted by other signals, it gets the freedom to ponder and make connections you otherwise wouldn't have. I have often experienced that the solution to a difficult (often technical) problem presented itself during a walk without distractions.  

The same argument is made by Greg McKeown in his book 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less':

"Today, everyone waiting around in an airport or a waiting room is glued to their technology tools of choice. Of course, nobody likes to be bored. But by abolishing any chance of being bored we have also lost the time we used to have to think and process."

How Do You Bore Yourself?

Simple: By doing something without getting distracted by something else. For example, take a walk without listening to a podcast or music. Fold the laundry without the TV on. Or go stare at the wall as the author of this blog suggests.

Try It Yourself

Engage in a task that you can do quite automatically, such as driving, washing dishes, or walking, without doing anything else at the same time. See if you like it. I find it difficult because I find some tasks so boring that I'd rather be distracted. But every time I resist the temptation, and am alone with my thoughts, it yields something for me.

Will you let me know how it went by leaving a comment below?