The Art of Doing Nothing.

[Blansky]

I've always been fascinating at the art of downtime. Especially guilt-free downtime. As someone who was self employed since I was 25 the idea of doing nothing seemed counterproductive.

Even now, when "between gigs" (retired) I sort of feel guilty doing nothing. In fact I almost never turn the TV on during the day because it seems like being a slacker.

It's strange how our culture has made it difficult to enjoy the fine art of just enjoying ourselves basically hanging out and doing guilt free nothing.

The best and only way I was able to achieve downtime was sports, namely playing hockey which was a mental vacation during the time I played, so much so that I played every other day for many years. And it was guilt free because I was actually doing something.

What is your relationship to having down time for just yourself???

I read this article on it a few days ago...

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/t...urnout-culture

[Dan Pierce]

I have no problem at all doing nothing and enjoying the hell out of it. It certainly helps to have certain trappings that make it more comfortable, such as a deck w/ a beautiful view and some of Kentucky's finest on the rocks. Nothing better than taking some dedicated time to slow down to smell the roses.
dP

[BNA/LION]

I have Mastered Doing Nothing and I Love It!

[Krash]

I’m retired now but I worked continuously from age 18 to 60. There was never a point in my life when I wasn’t employed.

Since retiring, I’ve become quite proficient at doing nothing.

I once had a strong work etiquette and looked down upon people that didn’t work. Now I don’t care.


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[sickened1]

I'm good with doing nothing. If i have some free time then I would travel more often since I've read it's good for the soul.

[lab rat]

Reading and driving, not simultaneously.

[Jimmy 2 Times]

I had a small family business that my father started back in the 60’s.

We sold that 5 and a half years ago and I can tell you I have absolutely perfected the art of doing nothing.

I sleep as much as I want.
I workout when I want.
My mind is totally free.
I often forget what day it is.
I haven’t set an alarm clock in many years.
I don’t deal with bosses, coworkers and general work BS.
I don’t get up early in the morning and fight traffic on my way to work.


I own my time and do not feel an ounce of guilt.
I turned 55 last month.

[enjoythemusic]

Wear cashmere as often as possible in cooler weather. Nothing feels quite as comfy. Remember, it's all about soft n' comfy. Snacks are your friends. Plus, ya know, living in a State with legal weed helps. Just sayin'.

Oh, and no need to leave home as food can always be delivered to you.

So can weed.

It's not just your life, it's your life style.

PS: The above is of course a joke-ish....... yet no joke as my Muse just said i should consider finding a job.

[dubins930]

It’s all a balance

[VictorGMT]

I retired less than a year ago after burning the candle at both ends, particularly the final four years which were a very high-stakes push to sell a company at top of the market.

I make sure each family member has what they want, both interaction, quality time and material things, then I just relax. That could be great walks, great meals, great friends or great relaxing in the sun. Or movies I love already or hope to love. Same with books.

I feel guilty if I have not travelled in a particular month, because someday we each reach a time when we can’t. I have fewer than ten clients on retainer, all of whom know they get one meeting a month and otherwise can call anytime, but I may or may not get back to them fast.

It’s pretty great. In fact, if someone had told me how great, I would have tripled my effort from 40-50 and done it ten years earlier.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by Jimmy 2 Times

I had a small family business that my father started back in the 60’s.

We sold that 5 and a half years ago and I can tell you I have absolutely perfected the art of doing nothing.

I sleep as much as I want.
I workout when I want.
My mind is totally free.
I often forget what day it is.
I haven’t set an alarm clock in many years.
I don’t deal with bosses, coworkers and general work BS.
I don’t get up early in the morning and fight traffic on my way to work.


I own my time and do not feel an ounce of guilt.
I turned 55 last month.

I’m self employed with a home office, most of that applies to me too

[htc8p]

I couldnt stand more than a day of doing nothing. i would get fidgety. but if i were on vacation then i could just sleep on the beach the whole day.

[996marty]

Having dreamed of having my own time to do things when I was working now I’m retired I love it. Either doing Reno’s on the house trying to get my golf game back in shape or having a play with my car although sometimes it’s great to do nothing

[Moondoggy]

I love doing nothing, if there where more hours in the day I would do more nothings.

[INC]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=887323

[jamesbondOO7]

Unfortunately what they say is true: « when you work you don’t have a minute, when you are retired, you don’t have a second ». Enjoying life is indeed very time-consuming.

[77T]

You described it as “our culture” but in truth it is one’s own nature that affects our ability to accept the gift of time, or confront it as if it was an imposter of our self-image.

If one can manage their own work-family-lifestyle balance, then any minute on the “oxygen habit”, whether idle or busy, is a gift worth savoring.

After all, your mind is active and is working!


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[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by Jimmy 2 Times

I often forget what day it is.

That was my excuse for the DayDate.

[brandrea]

I’m semi retired but honestly I excel at doing nothing.

In reality, I’m always busy but the things is used to think were “time fillers “ are now the things I think of as “nothing” For me it’s all relative I guess.

One of my favourites is walking the pup. It’s amazing how easy it is to lose track of the time.







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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Wear cashmere as often as possible in cooler weather. Nothing feels quite as comfy. Remember, it's all about soft n' comfy. Snacks are your friends. Plus, ya know, living in a State with legal weed helps. Just sayin'.

Oh, and no need to leave home as food can always be delivered to you.

So can weed.

It's not just your life, it's your life style.

PS: The above is of course a joke-ish....... yet no joke as my Muse just said i should consider finding a job.

Nothing like listening to my favourite music, stoned to the bone, cashmere sweater on, while melting away in my Eames Lounge chair

But only in the weekends and after a heavy workout, I can't chill if I feel like I didn't earn it.

[Colorado_kid]

I don’t know why but I’m very encouraged by this thread.

I’m on the complete opposite end at the moment. Really in the thick of it. I can’t think of the last time I could completely just chill out.

From about 5am to the moment I close my eyes my days are non stop.

We have two daughters, a 6-yr old and 1 year old. And I started a company years back that requires all of my time, energy, focus… etc. If I don’t, it could easily go under.

Don’t get me wrong, I feel extremely grateful and fortunate of all these things in my life - but yes they take a toll on me.

Sometimes I do fantasize about the days I can just chill in my cashmere sweater on the porch and do absolutely nothing!


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[Watch-Geek]

Haha about the same ^^^

Daughter 7 years old, son 1.5 years.

Work daily job, after that wife goes working I stay with the kids and try to record, edit and keep my YT channel alive.

By the time she comes home, I bathe the kids, myself, put them to sleep, we eat, turn on the TV to relax, but realize we are too tired and go to sleep.

Rinse and repeat.
Than Sunday comes when we don't work and usually one of the kids get sick or tummy ache or something else that messes up that day as well

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[1William]

I believe that doing nothing is my true calling and I am very good at it. I retired at 49 and have been out for more than 10 years. They have been the best 10 years of my life to date. I am financially secure, but not wealthy, and have my health. I had children later in life and when I retired I was able to spend a lot of time with them as the youngest just went to college this year. I exercise, read, follow the watches and generally just do what I want, when I want and how I want. It is great.

[Colorado_kid]

Originally Posted by Watch-Geek

Haha about the same ^^^

Daughter 7 years old, son 1.5 years.

Work daily job, after that wife goes working I stay with the kids and try to record, edit and keep my YT channel alive.

By the time she comes home, I bathe the kids, myself, put them to sleep, we eat, turn on the TV to relax, but realize we are too tired and go to sleep.

Rinse and repeat.
Than Sunday comes when we don't work and usually one of the kids get sick or tummy ache or something else that messes up that day as well

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Hey man good to know we’re in the same boat! Ha.

I’ve seen your yt channel - it’s awesome!

Are you able to do that full time? You have a ton of subs.


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[Watch-Geek]

Originally Posted by Colorado_kid

Hey man good to know we’re in the same boat! Ha.

I’ve seen your yt channel - it’s awesome!

Are you able to do that full time? You have a ton of subs.


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Thanks, and no, can't do it full time, as I'm from Croatia and don't earn nearly as much as a US based YouTuber, plus, I get taxed twice since Biden came to power.

Once by the USA, and then the second time by my country, as my country doesn't have a double taxation prevention treaty with the US.

Even if I could, I doubt I would leave my daily job, as things like YouTube, Tiktok etc. Are trends that can be awesome today and completely dissappear in 5-10 years.

And having two kids, I need something stable, so I see it as an extra money on the side and one that has made this hobby free.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Nothing like listening to my favourite music, stoned to the bone, cashmere sweater on, while melting away in my Eames Lounge chair

I can relate (except the stoned to the bone part) although I do like to feel comfortably numb from time to time

[airchitect]

I’m a millennial and have experienced two layoffs in my career due to economic downturns…. That has taught me, without doubt, that I cannot do nothing.


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[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by airchitect

I’m a millennial and have experienced two layoffs in my career due to economic downturns…. That has taught me, without doubt, that I cannot do nothing.

No automated side hustle? Plenty out there. Amazon book thing, very attractive AI -created 21 y/o girl thing.... lots of side hustles out there with just a small bit of effort involved.

Originally Posted by SearChart

Nothing like listening to my favourite music, stoned to the bone, cashmere sweater on, while melting away in my Eames Lounge chair: agree:

See, you get it

But only in the weekends and after a heavy workout, I can't chill if I feel like I didn't earn it.

Good man, agree it must be earned.

[JasoninDenver]

I retired five years ago to the job of full-time dad to two teenage girls so I have not completely checked out yet, dammitt.

Being a type A person it has been hard to simply sit on my butt. I have picked ups couple of new hobbies to keep the mind moving and even find something to do while sitting down. Otherwise, I am doing chores, working out or otherwise terrorizing the dog.

However, the last week has been spent recovering from a procedure and I am already going nuts not being able to get up and move.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

…

However, the last week has been spent recovering from a procedure and I am already going nuts not being able to get up and move.

Hope your recovery goes well