The Folly of Having Nothing To Do

Every year, I resolve to spend the holidays relaxing.  Take some time away from work….  Hang out…. Enjoy the down time….. Chill…..  And every year, I end up driving myself crazy.  I don’t really like relaxing.  I don’t want to take time away from work.  I don’t enjoy having “down time”.  Chill is a Mexican beer – not something you do. 

I don’t think I’m alone in this, as I’m pretty sure that most people don’t like to have nothing to do. (Formal vacations are different – you spend lots of money to do nothing).  I was watching ESPN Sportscenter recently as they covered the surprising retirement announcement  from Urban Meyer , the head football coach at the University of  Florida.  (He has since reversed his decision and wisely un-retired). Lou Holtz , the legendary college coach, motivational speaker, and occasionally entertaining  commentator  mentioned his concerns about a 45 year old guy giving up his profession, and he repeated his now famous quote about people’s four basic needs:

1. something to do; 2. someone to love; 3. something to hope for; 4. something to believe in

Perhaps we all need to resolve to find the balance between what makes us get up in the morning and what we do the rest of the time.   For most of us, “do nothing” may sound like a good idea at certain times, but it’s not really an option.  How do you find that balance?