[ad_1]
Self-Improvement
He actually did it on purpose
“Because when you fish without bait, people don’t bother you, and neither do the fish.”
Thomas Edison said this when he was asked Why he fished without bait on purpose.
This is an excerpt from The Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler and Rich Litvin.
So, what did Edison get by people and fish not bothering him? He said he got the “best time to think.”
In case you need a reminder, Edison held 1093 patents in fields such as electric light and power, telephony and telegraphy, and sound recording. So, we can reasonably assume that the man was onto something with his purposeful thinking time.
The science
According to Psychology Today, when we do mind-less activities like walking, doing the dishes, staring out of the window, or as in Edison’s case, fishing without bait, “our problem-solving brains kick into overdrive.”
So, although we’re not really working, our brains are working for us. Think Archimedes realizing the Archimede principle while getting into the bathtub.
In addition, unconscious thought or daydreaming can improve our decision-making capabilities. You won’t find this surprising if you’ve witnessed the extra clarity you have during a vacation or a particularly slow day.
The philosophy
Although we have somehow bought into the hustle culture, the value of leisure time is not a new idea. In ancient times, Aristotle believed that leisure was a “cornerstone” of intellectual enlightenment. According to him, true leisure was a function of pleasure, happiness, and living blessedly.
How much bait-free fishing should you do?
We don’t have all the time in the world to just be free in this day and age. Research suggests that most fulfilled Americans had about two and a half hours of free time daily. For those not engaged in a conventional job, this free time was about four hours and 45 minutes.
Should we schedule leisure time? Most definitely because something that’s not on our calendars won’t get done.
Call to action
I have scheduled three-hour lunch breaks, which has been truly delightful for me. I have had more clarity than I have ever had before. I have also had the time to think about doing the right things for my business vs. doing something.
Not everyone can afford a long lunch break, especially if you work nine to five. But one of the things that modern corporate workers lack the most is thinking time.
As you can see from Edison’s fishing habits, we absolutely need free time to be our most creative selves. What can you do to find mandatory leisure time this week?
[ad_2]
Source link
