This weekend, thanks to a client, I decided to do nothing.
Late December, I took advantage of a complimentary one month subscription to Netflix. My interest was all the entertaining, perhaps distracting, downloadable content available for viewing on my Toshiba laptop.
What to watch first? So many choices.
Photo courtesy of loop_oh
There was so much buzz about the show “Breaking Bad,” I decided to taste the first episode.
I was mesmerized by the first 54 episodes of the first five seasons in marathon style over a period of 10 days or so.
Ya, I became addicted to the crystal meth making characters of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and the infectious “yeah bitch” and “yo” this and “yo” that lexicon of Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul.)
Then, a coach peer suggested I check out the series, “House of Cards.”
HOC’s main character is Frank Underwood. A Machiavellian power hungry crazed type who’ll do anything to successfully sliver through the political maze and ranks of Washington D.C.
I inhaled the first 13 episodes of HOC, in sweats, with my 6’5″ frame comfortably stretched out on my weathered cowhide sofa, sipping Stash green tea, a Cacao smoothie, or a Labatt’s Blue Light. Depending on my mood and the time of day, of course.
For the last month or so, I’ve been looking forward to February 14th. No, not what you think. Yes, I’m single though currently without a girlfriend. Unfortunately, no Valentine’s Day plans for this adored coach 😉
It was coincidence that the next chunk of episodes of HOC was released on Valentine’s Day.
I was in a do nothing kind of mood. I watched the arc of Frank Underwood’s Vice Presidency take shape from Friday evening through late Saturday afternoon.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve learned many lessons while coaching clients.
As an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC,) I abide by the core competencies and code of ethics set forth by the aforementioned governing body of coaching.
There are 11 core competencies. The last three proficiencies deal with designing actions, planning and goal setting, and managing progress and accountability.
Towards the end of every coaching convo, I customarily ask the client what they’d like to commit to between now and our next call. If anything.
Recently, a new client made a big shift. Something they had been seeking to have more of in their professional life for a very long time.
At the end of this particular call, I asked if there was anything they’d like to accomplish during the week before the next time we spoke. After a moment of silence, they shared; they simply wanted to celebrate this moment.
On the other end of the phone, thousands of miles away, I was smiling ear to ear.
Client decided to commit to nothing.
Brilliant.
We live in a society that says we’re lazy if we’re not striving for something, day in and day out. Always climbing the next mountain. Constantly creating the next goal.
We don’t have to be -on- all the time.
Let your hair down, Put your feet up. Chill baby. Bask in the glory of the W. The Win.
If you want to do something, think of the changes you made to get where you are today.
When was the last time you rewarded your efforts? What did you do to celebrate?
Oh, I so need a day like that. I’m thinking after my book is released… ahhh…. wine, though, not beer.
Red or white?
😉
Hi Steve,
That’s a problem especially America has I might add. In Europe, doing nothing and celebrating moments of nothingness is not regarded as a bad thing as it is here.
Yes, it’s OK, and some people call it living.
I remember about 6 years ago I was talking to someone who told me that she and her husband had moved to the US from Ireland, and what had disappointed them the most was that Americans don’t believe in vacation, and I couldn’t help but agree with her. Because of that they were thinking of moving back.
Being French and having spent 20 years in the US, I miss the easy goingness of my native country where it’s not always about working more and making more money all the time.
So, thank you so much for that topic.
Sylviane, thanks for your insights.
Back in the day, I was the typical American. When it came to work, I was on 24/7.
These days, I’ve mellowed. In fact, my body tells me when I’m pushing the envelope too hard.
I checked out your site. I’m looking forward to learning from you on how to be a better writer.
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Oh man Steve I need a weekend like that.
I tell myself I’m going to do nothing but I just gravitate toward doing something, never fails. I mean I’ve had my lazy Saturday afternoons and evenings but that’s about all I seem to allow myself these days. I feel like if I’m not doing something I’ll always get behind. That seems to be the name of the game for me lately, never able to keep up.
When you commit to doing something then go all out but when it’s time to take a break, I think we deserve it.
Enjoy your week now.
~Adrienne
That’s my point.
Americans tend to be on all the time; 24/7.
In a previous comment, Sylviane pointed out she’s from a country, France, where they honor their chill time.
If that’s the case, I’d like to be more like a Frenchmen.
Man, that’s one I need to commit to one of these years. I haven’t taken a vacation since ’98 and, well, working for oneself can be stressful if you can’t get ahead a little bit, and you know what I mean. Just one day though, one day of maybe watching movies or not trying to write something or trying to market something… that might be nice one of these days after my current gig ends.
You’re right Mitch.
A vacation can happen any day. At any moment.
I’ve been chillin, watching made for TV programs on my laptop via Netflix.
I’m not big on being a couch potato, but every now and then, it’s a relaxing way to pass the time.