Why Boredom Fuels Creativity, Leadership, and Better Thinking
01/12/2026 0 Comment
Discover how boredom improves creativity, leadership clarity, and strategic thinking—plus why executives should unplug to unlock better ideas.
Occasionally, you come across a video that changes the way you think, and highlights what you know to be true. For some reason, this person says what you know better than you ever could! Arthur Brooks' video "You Need To Be Bored" is one such video for me. I've sent this video to clients, to friends, and now to all of you. Brooks explains that the brain NEEDS to be bored, and you/I NEED to put down our phones, and allow for the discomfort of having nothing to do. It's in that "nothingness" that our brains will push through and imagine incredible enjoyment. It's in the boredom that our brains will find new things to consider, from new ways of looking at business to observations about life.
For years, I've coached business leaders that there is a value to taking a day off per quarter and just go for walks on the beach or the mountains. The thinking you will do on these nature excursions will feed your business imagination for years! With Brooks' video, I've added a new coaching point-- put down your phones!
Give it a try and let me know what things you come up with!!
https://youtu.be/orQKfIXMiA8?si=J3Fv6t8uyIzZZvLR
Author
Jim Glantz is the Managing Partner of The Academy For Leadership And Training (TAFLAT). A 20+ year Executive of Organizational Development & Training, Jim holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Development and a Masters in Education from UCLA. Jim is an Associate Professor & the author of numerous articles.