This week I finished listening to the audiobook “ Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self“. The summary accurately states that “Bored and Brilliant shows the fascinating side of boredom. Manoush Zomorodi investigates cutting-edge research as well as compelling (and often funny) real life examples to demonstrate that boredom is actually a crucial tool for making our lives happier, more productive, and more creative.”
She created the board and brilliant challenge tracker. It highlights the fact that boredom is crucial to the creative process. Many of us check our phones so frequently that our minds never get the chance to wander. The goal is to help you have bigger, more creative ideas by finding balance with your devices.
The board and brilliant challenge tracker consist of seven, daily challenges. On Monday the challenge is to put the phone in your pocket and to not reach for your phone while walking or in transit. Make a point of observing your surroundings. Notice people or scenery that you pass while walking, on a train, or in your car.
On Tuesday, the challenge is a photo free day. The challenge is to see the world through your own eyes and not your screen. Be truly present with the sites in front of you. Absorb the beauty and allow the images to enter your heart and mind.
On Wednesday, the challenges to delete that app. The app that you waste the most time on is the one that you should delete. It is easy to lose hours on apps such as Candy Crush or Snapchat. The time lost may decrease the quality of our lives and relationships.
On Thursday, the challenge is to take a fauxcation. Block out time when you won’t be available online. Put out an email notice to people or a text block to protect your time. This lets people know that is it is an intentional act. Use this time to focus intently on a work, social, relationship or exercise activity.
On Friday, the challenge is to make one small observation. Notice a hidden detail in your world. Take note of one person, object, or interesting, “uninventable” detail you would’ve missed if your nose were glued to your phone. Take the time to observe one of the countless beautiful or wonderful, “accidental creations“ that exist all around us.
On Saturday and Sunday, the challenge both days is to get creative. Create time for your mind to wander and feed your creativity. Reclaiming a little boredom or time away from our phones opens up possibilities for new and creative things.
“We crave reflective time; we seek balance; we want a life full of joy and curiosity.” Manoush Zomorodi.
Who can argue with that?
Stay well!
Ask Dr S. 