When was the last time you did nothing?

Remember to do nothing.

In a world where constant stimulation and relentless busyness seem to be the rule, the Dutch concept of Niksen offers a refreshing perspective. Niksen, which translates to "doing nothing" or "idleness," encourages us to embrace moments of stillness and inactivity for improved well-being. This post explores the benefits of Niksen from psychological, physiological, and productivity standpoints, offering practical strategies for its implementation in daily life.

In today's fast-paced society, the value of productivity is often equated with constant activity and a bustling schedule. However, the relentless pursuit of productivity can lead to stress, burnout, and diminished overall well-being. In contrast, the concept of Niksen proposes that engaging in purposeful idleness can be a powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life. Originating from Dutch culture, Niksen encourages individuals to simply be, without the need for productivity or achievement.  From a psychoanalytic perspective, simply being is not always easy. We can talk about this in another post.

So what are the benefits of Niksen?

Stress Reduction: Taking time for Niksen allows us to step away from the demands of daily life and experience a sense of relaxation and calmness. By disengaging from stressors and embracing moments of stillness, we can lower our cortisol levels and promote overall emotional well-being.

Enhanced Creativity: The practice of Niksen provides fertile ground for creativity to flourish. In moments of idleness, the mind is free to wander, explore new ideas, and make unexpected connections. Without us knowing, there is some major mental work taking place when we are calm. Research suggests that allowing the brain to rest and recharge through Niksen can lead to enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Improved Mental Health: In a culture that often glorifies busyness, Niksen offers a counterbalance by prioritizing mental health and self-care. Engaging in purposeful idleness can help us alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout by fostering a greater sense of inner peace and contentment.

Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, incorporating moments of Niksen into one's routine can actually boost productivity in the long run. By allowing the mind to rest and recharge, we can return to tasks with renewed focus, clarity, and energy. Research indicates that brief periods of idleness can enhance cognitive function and improve task performance.

How to Apply Niksen in Daily Life:

Schedule Time for Niksen: Just as we schedule time for work and other commitments, it's important to carve out dedicated moments for Niksen in our daily routines. Whether it's a few minutes of quiet reflection in the morning or a leisurely stroll in nature, setting aside time for purposeful idleness is essential.

Embrace Boredom: In a culture that often fears boredom, learning to embrace moments of inactivity is key to practicing Niksen. Rather than filling every spare moment with stimulation, allow yourself to experience boredom without judgment. This opens the door to greater creativity and self-discovery.

Disconnect from Technology: In an age dominated by smartphones and constant connectivity, it's important to disconnect from technology and create space for Niksen. Set boundaries around screen time, and engage in activities that promote presence and mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

Engage in Mindful Activities: Niksen doesn't necessarily mean doing nothing in the literal sense, once could engage in activities that promote mindfulness and present-moment awareness, such as journaling, gardening, or simply savoring a cup of tea. The key is to be fully present and engaged in the moment.

To conclude, we could say that in a world that often equates productivity with worth, the concept of Niksen offers a powerful reminder of the value of idleness and stillness. By embracing moments of purposeful inactivity, we can experience a wide range of benefits, including reduced stress, enhanced creativity, and improved overall well-being. By incorporating Niksen into our daily lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of balance, presence, and fulfillment. 

Remember to do nothing- being rich is having money and being wealthy is having time, time to do nothing. And if you feel you have neither, it starts with your mindset.

When was the last time you did nothing (and felt good about it?)

 

Skills for Tomorrow's Leaders: Navigating a Complex World

The role of leaders in today's rapidly evolving and interconnected world is more critical than ever. To be effective in the face of complex challenges, tomorrow's leaders must possess a unique set of skills that extend beyond traditional leadership traits. Today, we'll talk about essential skills for tomorrow's leaders, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and a commitment to ethical leadership. We'll also discuss how these skills can be cultivated and honed, ultimately shaping the leaders of the future.

Adaptability

In a world characterized by rapid change and uncertainty, adaptability is paramount. Leaders must not only cope with change but also thrive in it. This entails an open-minded approach, a willingness to embrace new perspectives, and an ability to pivot and make informed decisions in response to unforeseen circumstances.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) encompasses self-awareness, empathy, interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage emotions effectively. Leaders with high EI can connect with their teams, understand their needs, and foster positive working relationships. This, in turn, enhances team cohesion, trust, and overall organizational performance.

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is no longer a niche skill; it is a foundational competency for leaders in the modern era. Tomorrow's leaders need to be well-versed in digital technologies, data analysis, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of technology. This knowledge empowers leaders to make informed decisions and drive innovation in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders must not only make ethical decisions but also instill a culture of ethics and integrity within their organizations. Demonstrating honesty, transparency, and accountability sets the tone for ethical behavior throughout the organization.

Communication and Collaboration

Leaders must be skilled communicators and collaborators, both within their organizations and on a global scale. Effective communication fosters trust and ensures that a leader's vision and strategy are understood and embraced by their teams. Collaborative skills enable leaders to harness the collective expertise and creativity of their teams to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a steady course despite challenges. Tomorrow's leaders will undoubtedly face setbacks, so resilience is essential to maintain focus and drive during challenging times.

Cultural Competence

Globalization has made it imperative for leaders to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. Leaders with cultural competence can navigate international markets, form alliances, and create inclusive workplaces that leverage the strengths of a diverse workforce.

Future-Focused Vision

Tomorrow's leaders must be visionaries who can anticipate trends, seize opportunities, and inspire their teams with a compelling vision for the future. A forward-thinking mindset enables leaders to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Learning Mindset

Continuous learning is an indispensable skill for leaders. Leaders must be curious, open to new knowledge, and committed to personal and professional growth. Embracing a learning mindset ensures that leaders remain adaptable and relevant in evolving landscapes.

Conclusion

Tomorrow's leaders face a world marked by complexity, change, and interconnectedness. To meet these challenges head-on, they must cultivate a unique skill set encompassing adaptability, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, ethical leadership, effective communication, and resilience, among others. These skills will empower leaders to not only navigate the complexities of the modern world but also inspire and lead their teams to success. By prioritizing the development of these skills, individuals can prepare themselves to be the exceptional leaders that our dynamic world demands and respects. The choice is yours, if you´re a leader. 

Summer in the city

Jardín Botánico, Buenos Aires.


Buenos Aires is one of the few cities in the world, aside from Paris and Madrid, where half the people take a month or two off from work. This turns the city which is usually chaotic and loud, into a calm and glorious sauna.

It is steaming hot and attractive like magic.

During January and February the city is completely yours. No crowds, no lines. You can cruise through BA without the annoying traffic, show up at your favorite restaurants with no reservations, go to Malba museum and have a delightful lunch, go to the gardens of Duhau for a chilled rosé, go shopping, grab a bike and glide through the green parks of Palermo, hang out by the pool, read, people-watch at a sidewalk cafe. The city is clean, quiet, uneventful, and beautiful.