The Power of Boredom

When was the last time you were truly bored? I mean no phone, no TV, and no to-do list? Just you and your thoughts. If you're like most people, boredom has become something we avoid at all costs.

But what if boredom isn’t the enemy we think it is? What if it’s actually a powerful tool that can spark creativity, solve problems, and even motivate change?

Here’s how boredom can actually work for you:

1. Boredom Fuels Creativity
Some of the world’s biggest breakthroughs came from boredom.

• Newton was bored under a tree and boom, gravity.
• Einstein used boredom to spark thought experiments.
• The Post-it Note? Born from a “bad” glue and a wandering mind.

When you're bored, your brain enters a state called “default mode,” which helps it make new, creative connections. Translation: great ideas often show up when you stop trying to find them.

2. Boredom Solves Problems
Ever had a lightbulb moment in the shower or while driving? That’s your subconscious at work.

Companies like Google even bake boredom into their culture (20% time). Letting your mind wander gives it space to work through problems without pressure.

3. Boredom Motivates Change
Feeling stuck? That lingering boredom might be your brain telling you it’s time to switch things up and learn something new, pursue a side hustle, or rethink your routine.

Boredom is like your internal check engine light: ignore it too long, and you might miss what needs fixing.

The question is how do you make boredom work for you? Here are 4 quick, practical ways:

1. Schedule Nothing Time
Try 10 minutes a day with no phone, music, or distractions. Let your brain wander. It’ll feel awkward at first, but clarity comes in the quiet.

2. Limit Distractions
Choose one moment in your day to go tech-free. Challenge yourself during a lunch break or your commute. Small changes like this make a big difference in your awareness and creativity.

3. Use Boredom as a Check-In
Bored at work or in life? Don’t ignore it. Ask:

• Am I growing?
• Do I need a new challenge?
• What have I been putting off?

4. Let Boredom Inspire Action
Don’t just scroll away the discomfort. Lean into it. Your next big idea, project, or adventure might be on the other side of that stillness.

Boredom isn’t your enemy. It’s your secret weapon. Use it.