I challenge you to do nothing

Now that the festivities of this season have put the brakes on the work treadmill for most of us, I challenge you today to put a couple of days aside to do no-thing at all.

Most leaders don’t even know where to start doing nothing. High achievers are wired to get things done. They feel guilty when doing nothing. They don’t know how to just be. They don’t know how to be mindless.

When work stops we often start ticking the boxes of the to-do list at home. Especially around this time of year we decide to fix those little things we didn’t have time for during the year, catch up on the books piled on the bedside table, get the car serviced, renovate, or engage in the frenzy around gifts and big family get-togethers.

The last three years have been tough for everyone. We need to recover now and find a way to bring new energy to our lives. (In my previous article I referred to the importance of proper rest). We need to create space so that we can fill it with positive, creative, productive vitality. But the only way to rest our weary souls is to step out of reality and become mindless.

When I sailed around the world for a year, I learnt the art of mindlessness.

I sat on the high side of the boat for hours just looking out at sea. I forgot what day of the week it was, and I didn’t care. I didn’t have any concept of what was going on in the media, no list of emails?to go through, no traffic to contend with, no intellectual challenges, no?idea of what was going on in my bank account, no shopping to do, no?mobile phones, and no?relationship issues to have to manage. I was just concerned about the?absolute basics of life: the next meal, toilet needs, basic hygiene, core?chores, and how to stay safe, warm and dry. Raw survival.

It was the best thing I could’ve done for myself at a time where my life felt out of control. I took breaths as deep as the oceans I sailed, filled my soul?with crystal clear air, and I was happier and more alive than I've?ever been. I left my stresses and heartache in the wake of the boat and gave up?everything that ever attached me to any broken dreams. I freed my exhausted spirit.

Mindlessness provides space for nothingness - an opportunity to grieve,?regroup, rethink, redefine, gather yourself or simply just be. A moment in time?to create an?emptiness where you?can walk through the bare rooms of your soul, draw the curtains, let?the sun in and enjoy the warmth of the light. Mind minimalism provides room for a?spiritual connection to your very being and helps you rest from the complexities of life.

Every person owes it to themselves to find their moments of mindlessness. This doesn't look?like anything specific - it could be the simplest of actions or inaction - going?for a walk or swim, doing a yoga class, just sitting in your favourite spot for hours,?or taking a road trip without purpose. Finding little pleasures. Just being in whatever way you want to be.

Creating a?state of nothingness and space is the best way to let go. It’s the only way to replenish and fill up so that you can take on the challenges that will surely come your way again.

I wish you a period of total guilt-free mindlessness over this Festive Season. Just do nothing. And I really mean: NO-THING! And really enjoy it!

Connect with me?if you want support for you and your team to take on 2023 with courage and resilience.