To Have Good Ideas, Remember to Be Bored.
I handle my headphones roughly so they break every year or two. And every time I walk the world without the constant Spotify soundtrack and podcasts, I think to myself, “I really should do this more often.” And then I have ideas.
A note to Self podcast host Manush Zomorodi explores the creative power of boredom in her TED Talk: “How Boredom Can Lead to Your Brightest Ideas.” Like any TED talk, it’s littered with vague anecdotes and facts about brain chemistry, but there are also practical tips like removing an addictive app for the day or using a tracker app to figure out how much time you spend on your phone each day. …
We have a lot of practical tips on how to get rid of the information addictions that keep you from getting bored with creativity. But the main function of this conversation, like many other self-help conversations, is to help you get in the right mindset. It’s that tapping on the shoulder, “Hey, maybe put your phone down today.”
Many of us who have struggled with creative work know that we have to allow ourselves to be bored, that we cannot just work on them when we are “in the mood.” This is the difference between a hobby and something big. But after ten years of my creative career, I still need reminders. Otherwise, it’s tempting to constantly listen to podcasts, fiddle with your phone, and watch TV. The fight for boredom never ends. So let this be a reminder to you.