Today's Agenda: Do Nothing

Are you serious? Is it really possible to do nothing? ??

I first came across the idea of doing nothing in a local bed and breakfast place away from the city. While I was browsing their list of activities like pottery and planting, I was surprised to see something that said, the art of doing nothing.

Until one day, while in the bookstore with my son, a book caught my attention.?

Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving

I wanted to grab it because I seriously wanted to find out how, but a part of me was skeptical that it might be one of those idealistic ones.?

Months later, as I was choosing an audiobook to listen to, I finally gave in and decided to give this book a chance.?

And I’m glad I did.?

Without spoiling things for you, should you decide to read it, allow me to share some reasons why I enjoyed listening to it (and am planning to buy the book version too!)

?? It’s educational.?

I love that it talked about the history of careers and working. I knew some things about career history as part of my training as a career coach, but this one gave me lots of “Ahhh” and “Ohh” moments. ?? (Hint: Like many of the things we experience now, systems and laws have a huge impact)

Apart from history, Celeste also shared some studies on psychology and neuroscience… I just love understanding the science behind how we think and behave.?

?? It’s practical.

Real talk: A book cannot literally or directly change your life. Only you can, if you decide to put your learnings to practice. This book also includes practical tips (backed by studies) that you can choose to apply.

A couple of those tips stood out for me. (I can share with you which ones after you read the book ??)

?? It aligns with many of the things I value and believe.?

If we’ve worked together, you know that I take my work seriously, keep commitments and try my best to remain efficient and effective. I provide professional service, with a personal touch. And though I don’t share much about what happens behind the scenes, I do give myself a good dose of rest and down time as well. This means that when I say “I’m unavailable” it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m in a coaching session, facilitating a workshop or attending a meeting. It may also mean, I’m cooking, planting or hanging out with the family.?

Ready to slow down and breathe?

If any of these resonate with you, why not add this to your reading list. (This is not a paid endorsement, by the way)

We live in a very fast paced world. I doubt that it will slow down for any of us, any time soon. And it’s for that reason, that we must, out of our own intention and will, carve out time to do nothing. Do less, live more.

Have a Blessed Holy Week and a Happy Easter. ????

Here’s a quick read on why our brains need down time, if you’re not yet convinced: https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/downtime

For more tips on career, leadership and coaching, check out these FREE resources.

?? Free courses: https://kurlydeguzman.thinkific.com

?? My Article in International Coaching Federation Coaching World Blog: Starting a Thriving Coaching Practice from Zero - Read here

?? Follow me on LinkedIn

?? Hit the bell at the top of my LinkedIn profile to get notified when I share content.

?? Subscribe to Career Agility Newsletter.

Coach Kurly de Guzman is a Career and Leadership Coach and one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices based in the Philippines. She continuously seeks ways to help coaches, leaders and teams thrive through her newsletter, leadership and career development workshops as well as group and 1:1 coaching sessions for clients.

To work with Kurly, send an email to [email protected] or book an exploratory call to discuss your organization’s needs here .