The Everything 
of Doing … Nothing

How three productivity-free days inspired new ideas, insights and solutions.

Intentional rest sparks innovation
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A few weeks ago I made the decision to embark on my first ever solo trip. It wasn’t a big one — an adorable little Airbnb overlooking Maple Bay was far enough for me — and, while I initially had some trepidation, it turned out wonderful and had some unexpected outcomes. 

I’m usually a “get ’er done” kind of person, and in the past when I have dedicated time for business thinking and planning, there would absolutely be an agenda, a time frame, productivity and a concrete result. Except after an incredibly busy (and, if I’m honest, stressful) first part of this year, I felt what I needed was rest and a clear head about where I was going in my business. I kept hearing how smart, successful people take time away not to be productive, but to be creative. To listen to their gut, to give their brains a break and to tune into their hearts. All of which flies in the face of productivity.

So, I took a giant box of books, planning tools, productivity exercises and the like, but promised myself I would only look at what was calling me at any given moment. It was hard not to dive in and start with a plan, but I was committed to the gut, brains, heart thing, so I relaxed into it. I read a few chapters of a few books, I did some financial forecasting, I journalled, I meditated and did only what I felt like doing as each moment unfolded. I also binged Netflix, played games on my iPad, cooked delicious meals, drank some outstanding Island wine, listened to music, did some yoga, saw the northern lights, sat by the fire and allowed space to see how everything would converge. No guilt over lack of productivity.

And you know what? Lightning did NOT strike when I was “wasting” time. I did NOT have a massive paradigm shift about my business. I didn’t finish a single book or come up with a brilliant plan for my next quarter. 

But here’s what DID happen. 

Solo retreats inspire creativity
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I sat on the balcony almost all weekend, taking in a breathtaking view of Salt Spring Island and the water in between. I felt an ease and peace flow through each day that made stress feel far away. And I rested. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. And that easy pace, the rest I felt in body and soul, began a stirring in me that I haven’t felt in a long time and that has not left me since. It created a space for new ideas to emerge — about my business AND my life. Ideas I don’t think would have come in my day-to-day rushing around, getting-things-done, productivity-focused craziness. And it felt so good! I found myself on the third day wondering how I could do this more often, or even … every day? Was it possible to create that kind of margin on a regular basis?

I may not have accomplished anything of note that weekend, but I experienced a small shift — and that change allowed me to see things in a new way. I have since thought about some things I want to change. Some things about my business have come into focus, as well as finding clarity about decisions I need to make. Some important perspectives have shifted on what I want to accomplish and what’s really important, which activities are (and are not) aligned with my values.

In a world where productivity, busy-ness, action and sacrificing to get ahead are considered keys to success, there is a paradox that an over-focus on those things also produces exhaustion, disillusionment, hopelessness and burnout. Research is emerging that it’s the quiet, non-busy, work-free, apparently time-wasting moments that create the space our minds and hearts need to come up with the best ideas, the truest goals and the greatest clarity. 

One of my favourite authors, Anne Lamott, said: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” What if we all could create this kind of space to unplug from busyness? For the free flow of ideas, the convergence of unrelated things that become the right thing? For unearthing buried, but important, thoughts?

What if we regularly felt the kind of rest that only comes from intentionally committing to the flow rather than the outcome, even if it’s just for a few days, or hours? How much better might we all feel? Clearer we might see? Or aligned we might live?

 

Ingrid Vaughan, principal of My Smart HR and founder of the Smart Leadership Academy, provides HR support and leadership coaching to small-business owners and managers.