Free time is expensive

When was the last time you truly did nothing when you had free time?

Doing nothing sounds simple—but free time is becoming more and more expensive. We’ve grown afraid of letting time pass without purpose. The moment we have open space, we rush to fill it. Somewhere along the way, we began to mistake speed and productivity for value.

But constant productivity can backfire. Imagine being expected to deliver a project in two weeks—but finishing it in one. People will praise you, but quietly, they’ll raise the bar. Next time, they’ll expect it in less than a week. You’ll chase the praise, push harder, work faster and eventually compromise quality—until you burn out.

Real joy comes from direction over speed, quality over quantity, and the inner joy of doing over external validation. And all of that requires space—to recharge, to reflect, and to rediscover the pleasure of creating without needing applause.

My best ideas often arrive after I step away. I see new opportunities after letting projects rest or coming back from holidays with fresh eyes. I solve tough problems after long, quiet runs.

Sometimes the best thinking happens when I stop trying to think.

Doing nothing doesn’t make you lazy—it makes your doing more alive.