Get All Access for $5/mo

How Boredom Can Be Great for Your Business Being the opposite-of-busy unlocks creativity.

By Assaf Eshet

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Our nation-wide transition back to the office can come with some unexpected hurdles.

While we guiltlessly spent slow afternoons working from our couches, walking the dog or planning fantastical home improvement projects?

Being bored at the office is a totally different thing, (but it can also be a great thing).

Related: Want to Stay Innovative Post-Pandemic? Try Serendipitous Idea Generation

Learn from the littler versions of us

If there is one silver lining from COVID-19, it may well have to do with the enforced empty spaces and the resulting time we all had. It is the most fertile area for creativity to grow.

You can see this with children.

When they are pushed into overly structured play or never allowed to be inactive, their creativity diminishes. Kids are natural creators who can work within the perimeters of their environment. Throughout the pandemic, we've seen parents impose their own discomfort with boredom onto their children by trying to fill up all of the free time that used to be occupied by extracurricular activities or camp.
Related: 3 Reasons Why Walking Boosts Creativity

Let the mind wander

Busyness isn't always the answer.

It's pretty universally accepted that the most impactful actions are usually tied to innovative thinking. Those "ah ha" moments are, in turn, likely to occur while alone and the brain is allowed to browse.

This life philosophy is embodied in the toy I spent years developing: Clixo.

Without a detailed instruction manual, kids are inspired to just click around and get comfortable with the play system. They're invited to experiment, without pressure, and return to recreate. This sets the stage for happy accidents and happier discoveries.

Even if you don't want to use a physical tool to prompt this kind of thinking, this principle holds true. In the board room, the boredom can make for more mental flexibility to deal with uncertainty. It reduces the stress of having planned something and having those wishes get thrown out the window because of something you didn't expect.

Leaving space for emptiness prompts prospective. Empty your brain for an hour and just follow your imagination. You may be surprised at what insights lie ahead.
Related: Tips to stimulate your creativity and improve your business

Assaf Eshet

Founder & CEO of Clixo

As the founder of Toyish and the creator of Clixo, Assaf Eshet is driven to create toys that are more than just products. Esshet's creations strive to embody the principles and values he's discovered in the industry. He believes in toys and their ability to bring meaningful play.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Growing a Business

How to Build, Grow and Make Money With Ecommerce

To grow your online business, you need to develop a strategy and invest your time wisely. These actionable tips can attract customers and increase online revenue.

Living

70% of Small Business Owners Experience Monthly Burnout. Follow These 3 Rules to Avoid the Same Fate.

Here are three guidelines to help entrepreneurs achieve balance, growth and success in both their professional and personal endeavors.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Franchise

Kick-Start Your Small Business With These Cost Effective Strategies

Starting a small business is an exciting adventure, brimming with both opportunities and challenges. A key to success is effectively managing costs from the outset.