Staying Busy Won’t Make You Happy

by Rory Gardiner

Do you create more work for yourself in order to stay busy? Is it because you feel guilty if not busy? It can’t be because we’re bored. When we’re bored, we take out our cell phones and are distracted for what seems like an eternity.

Perhaps what you do as a job is boring? Why is it boring? Is it because, the target of all that work is a result of money? Making bank is great, but money isn’t what satisfies our core desires and ultimate happiness. In this case, I am not even referring to creating work to earn more money. I am referring to the pointless things we do, just to stay occupied.

Just for kicks, next time you find yourself mowing the grass for the 3rd time that week, try “creating” something. Try focussing your energy on creating something new out of thin air. Write a song, paint a picture, take a photo, do some baking.

Experts say that there is a strong correlation between creative expression and over all well being. Looking back on what you have created can give a repeated sense of satisfaction. Taking a creative photo to hang in your house. Doing some baking and having your friends and family enjoy them throughout the week.

If you’re a perfectionist, you may actually stress yourself out. Don’t stress, this is not something you are doing for survival. This is creating something that you don’t necessarily need to share with anybody else. It’s is a form of self expression. My personal satisfaction comes from writing music. I get frustrated and stressed when trying to write for a new album, but once it’s finished, I listen to the finished product over and over until I’m sick of hearing myself. An even bigger thrill occurs when I hear the audience singing the words back to me at concerts.

You don’t need to be “an artist” to create a work of art. Creating anything is better than multiple lawn mowing’s, or re-painting the bathroom, even though it’s fine the way it is. You never know, you may stumble upon a natural talent you never knew you had. If creativity is really not your thing, then learn something new. Read a book, take a class. Self improvement also leads to a happier and more satisfied tomorrow.

For more in depth analysis, you can refer to a recent post titled “Can’t Get No Satisfaction“. I talk about the 5 elements of happiness and how pursuing your passion, or finding new challenges are a great way to stay stimulated, and maintain a healthy balance of emotional wellness.

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Rory Gardiner They say if you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life.

Singer/Songwriter/Author/Entrepreneur/Comedian/Lactose Intolerant Rory Gardiner has seen the success of his compositions published and performed by other artists, as well as songs licensed and synched in TV advertisements airing daily throughout North America.

Rory has appeared on multiple CMT(Country Music Television) nationally broadcasted reality shows in Canada, and keeps a busy 100+ shows a year touring schedule.

Author of “Break Free: The Road Map for Building a Healthy Lifestyle & Breaking Bad Habits.” Using humor, parable and motivation, Rory outlines how the right small changes in a busy lifestyle can have a dramatic effect on how you look and feel.

Rory has recently released his first country music children’s record “Yee-Haw” on iTunes, influenced by becoming a parent himself. The album has already been awarded a “Parents Choice Award”, and Rory states “I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us next!”