Why We Should All Goof Off More Often (Seriously)

Hey, you. Yes, you. The one scrolling LinkedIn at work and telling yourself it’s “research.” I see you, and I applaud you. Because here’s a little secret: that “goofing off” might just be the best thing you’ve done for your career all day.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that being productive means being serious, focused, and crushing it every second of the day. But I’m here to tell you that the opposite might be true—sometimes the best ideas come when we let go, step back, and (gasp) waste a little time.

Now, I’m not suggesting we all start binge-watching reality TV in the name of professional development (although...if you’ve learned life lessons from The Great British Bake Off, we should talk). What I am saying is that a little daydreaming, a random walk around the block, or even doodling during a meeting might be just what you need to crack that problem you’ve been stuck on for days.

There’s actually science to back this up. Our brains are at their creative best when we stop obsessing over the problem at hand. Ever had a great idea hit you in the shower or while staring blankly out a window? That’s not magic—that’s your brain in “diffuse mode.” It’s like your mental slow cooker, simmering away in the background while you’re busy doing something completely unrelated.

Personally, I’ve had some of my best “aha!” moments while walking to get coffee, zoning out on a flight, or wondering what the heck my kids just glued to the dining room wall. (Spoiler: it was glitter. It’s always glitter.) These moments feel random, but they aren’t—they’re little bursts of creativity that wouldn’t happen if we stayed locked in serious mode all day.

I’ve spent enough time around conferences, business events, and creative brainstorms to notice a pattern. The real breakthroughs—the moments that make you sit up and say, “Hey, that’s actually brilliant”—rarely happen when we’re buried in our notes or laser-focused on a single outcome. They happen during those in-between moments. The chats in the hallway. The unscheduled coffee breaks. The late-night pint at a local pub, when you’re swapping stories and suddenly someone connects the dots in a way nobody saw coming.

This is where conferences get it right. Sure, we love the keynote speakers and workshops, but let’s be honest—the magic often happens outside the formal sessions. When you’re walking along the waterfront, wandering into a quirky little café, or just letting your brain breathe for a while.

It’s that mix of structure and spontaneity that makes a good conference a game-changer. And you know what city really gets that balance? Halifax.

Halifax is one of those places that invites you to loosen your tie and embrace the unexpected. Where it’s totally normal to have a high-level business discussion while overlooking the ocean, or to wrap up a conference session with a quick trip to Peggy’s Cove or a paddleboard adventure in the harbour.

We’ve even had conferences here where attendance numbers break records because people can’t resist the idea of mixing work with a bit of playful exploration. Halifax is a city that encourages creativity—not by forcing it, but by giving you the space to let it unfold naturally.

Want to take a break and wander the waterfront boardwalk? Go for it. Need some perspective? Try walking up Citadel Hill for the best view of the city. And if you’re really looking for inspiration, nothing beats an afternoon at one of our independent breweries or a cozy café where you can eavesdrop on conversations that might just spark your next big idea.

The trick is to stop feeling guilty about stepping back. Somewhere along the way, we started equating “busy” with “productive,” but they’re not the same thing. Taking a break or letting your mind wander isn’t lazy; it’s smart. It’s necessary. And most importantly, it works.

So, the next time you find yourself in Halifax for a conference—or anywhere, really—remember to build a little “goof-off” time into your schedule. Walk, explore, and give your brain a chance to stretch in ways it usually doesn’t.

Because the best ideas often show up when you aren’t trying so hard to find them.

#GoofOffAndThrive #Creativity #Innovation #LinkedInLife #Halifax