002: Why Your Best Ideas Are Born When You Stop Trying So Hard
Why forcing creativity is killing your best ideas, and how embracing 'strategic laziness' can unlock your breakthrough moments.
Hey Curious Minds,
Let’s talk about something counterintuitive: doing nothing. Sounds strange, right? We’re so used to hustling, pushing, and grinding that the idea of stepping back feels… wrong. But hear me out.
It’s the holiday season—a time when everything slows down (at least a little), and we get a chance to reflect. But what if I told you that this "pause" could be the secret to your next breakthrough?
Let me share a little story.
A few months ago, I was stuck. Like, really stuck. I had a looming project deadline, and my brain felt like it was running on empty. I kept telling myself, "Work harder! Push through it!" But the harder I tried, the more my ideas felt forced, uninspired, and downright boring.
Frustrated, I did something unusual—I slept it off. Not just for the night. For the whole weekend. I shut my laptop, went for long walks, binged some holiday movies, and just… lived. I wasn’t thinking about my work at all (well, maybe a little, but I didn’t force it).
And guess what? On a Thursday that week, while spending time with my family, an idea hit me. It was so clear and creative, I almost laughed at how easy it felt. That idea ended up being one of the most successful projects I’ve ever worked on.
It made me realize something powerful: our minds are at their most creative when we give them room to breathe.
The Empty Calendar Paradox
Here’s why stepping back works:
Your brain needs white space. Think of your mind like a piece of paper. If every inch is crammed with writing, there’s no room for fresh ideas. White space—moments of rest—gives your thoughts room to flow freely.
The subconscious works quietly. When you’re not actively "trying," your subconscious mind keeps processing. That’s why ideas often strike in the shower, during a walk, or while daydreaming.
Pressure stifles creativity. Forcing an idea is like trying to catch a butterfly with a net—the harder you try, the further it flies away. But when you sit still, it lands on you.
How to Embrace Doing Nothing
I get it. "Doing nothing" doesn’t come naturally to most of us. But it’s not about literal nothingness—it’s about intentional rest. Here’s how you can start:
Schedule downtime. Treat it like any other appointment. Block an hour (or more) for unstructured, guilt-free time.
Disconnect. Step away from screens, notifications, and endless scrolling. Go for a walk, doodle, bake cookies—whatever feels relaxing.
Be present. It’s not about checking out mentally. It’s about enjoying the moment—whether you’re sipping tea or staring at the twinkling lights on a tree.
Trust the process. This is the hard part. You have to trust that stepping back doesn’t mean falling behind. Often, it’s the opposite—you’ll come back stronger, fresher, and more inspired.
Your Holiday Experiment
As we wind down 2024, I want to challenge you: take a deliberate pause.
Let go of the need to be productive every second. Whether it’s for an hour, a day, or even a week, give yourself the gift of rest. Who knows? Your best idea might be waiting for you to stop chasing it.
What’s one way you’ll embrace "doing nothing" this holiday season? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear about it.
Wishing you a restful, inspired holiday season.☺️
That is me this weekend. Just be