Having a Day About Nothing (and Why It Scared Me)

“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.

At 69, I can honestly say I’ve never had a day about nothing. Not one full day. Even

last year, when I was down with the flu, I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping past me. Every day, I fix something, sell something, organize something, or do something that adds value—whether it’s to my home, my properties, my business, or even just myself.

Even vacations aren’t a break. I’m up at 6 a.m., hitting the resort gym, planning excursions, or organizing my schedule. I don’t relax on vacation; I fill my days with something. And yet, I’ve started to wonder: what would happen if I actually did nothing for a day—a day about nothing?

Here’s the surprising part—science says doing nothing isn’t lazy. “Unstructured” time, where you let your mind wander, can boost creativity, improve memory, reduce stress, and even help solve problems without even trying. Imagine that—sitting on the porch, sipping coffee, watching Bonnie, Clyde, and Bingley chase shadows, and your brain quietly doing some of its best work.

And that’s the twist: I’ve spent decades teaching myself that value equals action. Every day has to count, every hour has to produce something tangible. But maybe some of the most valuable things in life happen when we aren’t doing anything at all.

So I’m scheduling my first “Nothing Day”—a real day about nothing. No projects. No chores. No deadlines. Just me, the cats, and a willingness to sit, think—or not think at all. Maybe I’ll stare at the sky. Maybe I’ll watch the sun cross the yard. Maybe I’ll just let my mind roam wherever it wants.

I don’t know if I’ll love it or hate it—but I do know this: life isn’t just about fixing, selling, cleaning, or organizing. It’s about noticing, breathing, reflecting, and enjoying the simple act of being.

Here’s my challenge for you: take a day—or even just an hour—where you do absolutely nothing. Put down the list, ignore the clock, and let your mind wander. You might just discover it’s the most productive thing you do all week.

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