When Boredom Becomes the Mother of Invention
Harnessing Monotony for Breakthroughs in Productivity
Boredom, that state of hopelessness, laziness, and apparent unproductivity, can also be the prelude to creativity and subsequent increase in performance and productivity.
Contradictory, boredom can serve to reflect deeply, wander proactively, and build innovative ideas.
Boredom, well-processed, can drive us and then motivate us to change situations that can freeze our innate abilities and actions.
Several studies have strongly suggested that boredom can be useful in certain situations:
For example, a study published in the Academy of Management Discoveries found that boredom does not universally increase creativity in product development tasks; However, those individuals with high learning goal orientation, high need for cognition, high openness to experience, and high internal locus of control showed a significant increase in creativity when feeling bored.
The specialized magazine Harvard Business Review says boredom allows us to reflect on interests, values, and objectives. When boredom is detected, we can identify ways towards productivity.
Likewise, it has been scientifically proven that boredom can be a precursor to creative thinking, since when we are bored, our brains relax and habitual filters are deactivated, which is an essential component for success in knowledge worker roles.
Longevity LIVE found that increasing mental wandering during boredom, can increase success at certain tasks. Suggesting that boredom, in certain circumstances, can be productive.
Here are ten tips to turn boredom into productivity:
1. Reflection: Use moments of boredom to reflect on your goals and plan how to achieve them.
2. To-do list: Always have a to-do list on hand for those times when you feel aimless.
3. Learn something new: Learn a skill or topic you have always wanted.
4. Mindfulness: Practice full attention to be present and open to inspiration.
5. Creative Challenges: Take on creative challenges like writing or drawing something outside your comfort zone.
6. Organization: Organize your workspace or home; physical activity often clears the mind.
7. Exercise: Do some physical activity; Exercise can stimulate the mind and generate new ideas.
8. Digital disconnection: Take breaks from technology to disconnect and allow your mind to wander without distractions.
9. Meditation: Meditate to calm your mind; This can help subconscious ideas emerge.
10. Actively seek dialogue: We can generate new perspectives by starting conversations with others, which can be the best antidote to boredom. From there to taking action, there is tiny left.
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