Welcome to another edition of leadersayswhat’s the Weekender, a nibble of thought to start your weekend on the right track. Why just a nibble? Because it’s the weekend!
Ever feel bored? I’m not talking about having a lack of things to do – there’s a pile of work sitting on your desk, the emails in your inbox are exponentially multiplying, and deadlines are looming. Yet, you are unengaged, scrounging for something to give you a boost of energy. On the Nerdist podcast, award winning actress Hilary Swank discussed her views on boredom.
It’s not that I get bored. I never get bored. I made a vow with myself at 18 that I’d never get bored because there’s so much that I want to do in life and if I’m bored I feel like I’m lazy, quite frankly. So, I’m never bored but I feel like, ‘okay, I’m ready to learn something new or experience something else.’
When boredom strikes, the easy response is to succumb to its temptations. Twenty YouTube videos later, all that’s left is regret for the time wasted.
Stop feeling bad in hindsight. If your mounting work isn’t enticing, find a more constructive way to re-charge. Walk around the office to connect with your team. Get some of your administrative work done while listening to a few tunes. Or, bite the bullet and do the work you don’t feel like doing.
Regardless of how you choose to re-engage, don’t squander your precious work hours. Take the Hilary Swank vow to never let yourself get bored. You’ll be happier (and more productive) when you do.
