How Business Owners Can Be More Productive Through Zero Tasking

Does the idea of being more productive with no tasks whatsoever sound crazy? 

Probably, but here’s the thing: the human brain, yours included, is not a machine. Unlike your computer, it only has limited time each day (about 4 to 4 ½ hours) for cognitively demanding work that involves numbers, strategizing, planning, etc.

And in order to get that 4 ½ hours a day, your brain needs regular rest and recharging. Zero Tasking Day is coming up on November 5, which is the first Sunday of the month. And there’s a reason for that…

Zero tasking to be more productive in the workplace

For one thing, as noted above, zero tasking gives your brain a rest. 

Secondly, periods of time where your mind is allowed to wander are actually good for creativity. Linear thinking and concentration are great for getting cognitively demanding tasks done, like working spreadsheets, tax returns, financial plans, marketing plans, and business strategies. Not great for creativity.

If you're a business owner, you need to be creative. I’m not necessarily talking about painting or creative writing here, though they can also be great hobbies. Entrepreneurs need to be creative because the low-hanging fruit has already been plucked.

All the expected ways of doing things are already in the marketplace, so you have to get creative about what you do and how you position it in front of your audience. Grinding away for hours a day doesn't help you do that. 

Ever notice how you don't get your great ideas when you’re in front of a spreadsheet for two hours, but instead when you're in the shower or ambling around the neighborhood walking your dog? (Assuming you’re not glued to your phone while you do so. Give you and your dog a break and be present for the walks - put your phone away.)

It’s because your subconscious has been wrestling with the idea while you were doing other things, but it’s only when your mind is wandering and unfocused that it can actually put the pieces together. That’s also why sometimes the solution happens when you wake up in the morning. Your subconscious was able to work on it all night while your consciousness was sleeping and unfocused.

Boredom is great for creativity. Your mind will just start creating or developing ideas because it doesn’t have anything better to do. If you try to keep yourself busy all the hours you’re not sleeping, you’re not giving your brain the space it needs to come up with something wonderful.

Third, in American culture being busy is a badge of honor, but busy-ness isn’t great for the brain. Human brains want to see nature and great bodies of water. They don’t want to see screens and concrete and office furniture. Where are you when you’re being busy? Probably not outside enjoying the natural environment.

Zero tasking is a chance to give your brain what it needs and wants: a break from screens and offices and the built environment. An opportunity to see nature, enjoy your family and friends, do some fun activities. 

Zero tasking is exactly what it sounds like

That’s right… zero tasks! No errands, no checking off the to-do list (unless you include fun activities on your list), no scrolling through your phone to look busy, no checking emails whether work-related or not.

You’ve heard me talk about productivity being dependent on single tasking (or monotasking) instead of the mirage of multitasking. Being able to focus on one thing at a time when you’re working on something that’s cognitively demanding will help you feel less drained as well as help you be more productive.

But taking time for zero tasking will also help you recharge and fill up your brain’s productivity “tank”. It’ll help reduce stress and you might get a glimmer of that elusive thing called “work-life balance” when you get away from doing tasks.

Zero tasking day is on the first Sunday in November for a reason

What else is on that day? (Don’t feel bad if you don’t remember, because I definitely don’t.) It’s the day we set clocks back an hour or “fall back” which is the way many of us (certainly me) remember what way the clock setting goes. So we technically have that extra hour a day to play with.

If you think moving the clock back and forth is extremely stupid, uh, I don’t disagree. But until we can get rid of it, let’s do something awesome for that hour we get back.

Instead of filling up that extra hour with busy-ness, zero task. Play. Have fun. Do something you like without any worries about whether it’s going to earn you money or save time or improve your mind or whatever. (It will improve your mind, but not in a deliberate way.)

Go outside if at all possible into some kind of natural environment. Not for a training run or any particular fitness goal. Just to give your brain some greenery, or glimpses of a body of water if you can (brains love blue water!) Just be. Something spontaneous may happen! Go with it if you want!

What’s it like not to give that time a purpose? (This could be hard for you. Do your best.) What’s it like to wander around and take in the sights, scents, and sounds?

Recap

Instead of filling the “extra” hour with tasks and Things To Do, give zero tasking a try. It could make you very productive when you do get back to the office.

If you’re worried about having an hour to do nothing in because you’re concerned about your business’s profitability if you’re not doing all the things all the time, schedule a free consultation here. I may be able to help you make more money in less time and with less stress.