On boredom and creativity

There is a massive disparity in “busyness” for many people during this lockdown period. Some are more flat out than ever, trying to do their usual roles with severely increased complexity, under the constraints of distance and with the well documented challenges and worries of the pandemic thrown in.

For others, the challenge is a different one. With less work to do, time opens up with little to fill it. Boredom ensues.

As a parent, I know that my daughter’s most creative projects tend to emerge on the other side of periods of boredom. And so it is for all of us. The laser focus of task-oriented productivity is the opposite of the wide, discursive, roaming and non-directed state that precedes creative insight. (For a quick rundown on the neuroscience of these different modes, click here). In other words, your "a-ha" moment is on the other side of boredom.

Many of us have spent years and decades with a tightly packed schedule. We are completely unaccustomed to the sensation of having not much to do for days on end. Rather than being scared of that, or seeking to fill those hours with “valuable” activities, it can be useful to learn to roll with the feelings of boredom and allow them to run their course.

See what comes out the other side. Take note, though, of the included warning about not feeling pressured to come up with new and shiny outputs as a result of this time at home. As I’ve described recently, navigating this new terrain is tiring, and you may well just find yourself needing to rest.

Take care of yourself and others,

Madeleine Shaw

I work with clients from executive leadership teams to the front line, helping them to make clearer decisions about what they want, and adapt faster and more easily to change and transition. I use deep purpose as a key to unlock powerful thriving in work and life.

1. Find out about the flexible, month-to-month coaching program I’ve created specifically to help you navigate these strange times.

2. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

3. Join my list to receive regular articles and insights, early news about programs and offers, and respect for your inbox.

4. Want to find out more? Send me a note and let me know.

5. Prefer to talk? Choose a time and it will drop right into my schedule.

Sharing is caring! Click below to share this on your socials.