The Best Ideas Come When You’re Just… Being

Written by Brian Borders, Partner at Mayfield Consulting

We’re Always Doing—Rarely Just Being

Ever feel like you’re moving so fast you don’t even remember the last time you sat down without a screen in front of you? You’re not alone. Most of us are drowning in to-dos, back-to-back meetings, family obligations, and the constant ping of notifications. We’re always doing, always reacting—rarely just being.

But here’s the truth: you can’t outrun the overwhelm. You have to pause.

Stillness Makes Space for Ideas

I’ve learned that some of my best ideas don’t show up when I’m grinding away at my desk or hustling through a packed day. They show up when I give my mind space. For me, that’s swimming—just me, the water, and the rhythm of my breath. Or running outside, watching trees go by, disconnected from the noise. There’s something powerful about looking at the bottom of a pool or hearing your footsteps on a quiet trail. It’s like everything else disappears, and suddenly your thoughts finally have room to breathe.

For you, it might be something totally different. Vacuuming. Walking the dogs. Sitting in the car for 5 minutes before walking inside. Even taking a shower—though these days, we fill even that space with podcasts and playlists.

But here’s the catch: these moments only work when they’re quiet.

Your Brain Needs Boredom

Studies back this up. Neuroscientists call it the Default Mode Network—it’s what switches on when your brain isn’t focused on a task. That’s when creativity flows, memories solidify, and insights spark. One study from the University of California found that people who took breaks to just rest—without screens or distractions—had more "aha" moments and better problem-solving results later on.

Albert Einstein used to say, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” Even he knew: we need boredom. We need stillness. We need to be—not just do.

A Simple Challenge for the Week

So here's the challenge: give yourself 30 minutes this week. No phone. No TV. Just you and a simple task—or nothing at all. Go for a walk. Rinse dishes by hand. Sit in silence. Let your mind do what it rarely gets to do: wander.

And if you feel like there’s just no time for that… maybe that’s the real problem.

What We Do at Mayfield

At Mayfield, we help people like you reclaim their time. We take things off your plate—not just to make life easier, but so you have space to think clearly, live fully, and reconnect with what really matters.

Your best ideas are waiting. Give them room.