Do Nothing (by Celeste Headlee)
I feel misled by the title of this book, Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underlining. I thought I was going to read a book offering tools and ideas on HOW to make changes in my life regarding work. I found it disappointing, and at times boring, on WHY we overwork and under live. This audiobook is 7 hours and 41 minutes in length. The author, Celeste Headlee, didn’t get to the HOW until there were less than two hours remaining of the audiobook.
Celeste opens the book by thoroughly explaining the history of work beginning in the late 19th century. She talked about daily routines, how people define work, work ethic, and the development of our dedication to over working. My interest was not held well during this portion of the book. My expectations were quickly going down hill and disappointment began to settle in.
Once Celeste explored the various ways in which we misperceive the purpose of working, my interest in this book improved. Threaded throughout the chapters she consistently points out how and why we overwork ourselves and put work ahead of more important areas of our lives. She talked about our desire to work more, in order to earn more money, so we can spend more. We perceive idleness as being lazy, and hobbies as activities we don’t have time for. Since this was truly the bulk of the book; why we work so much and fail at enjoying our lives, Celeste covered A LOT of topics. She made some good points I found relevant to my work/life habits and some of her points were of the “I’ve heard that before” variety.
Celeste talked about our tendency to work extraordinarily long hours, continuing our work day at home by checking and responding to email 24/7. Our current work lifestyle has us always being available for work tasks or communications. She exposes gender differences to work. Men are usually done for the day when their work day ends. Most of their tasks are seasonal or occasional. For women the work is constant. A full day at work and then housework, kids, and more work when they get home. Celeste stresses the importance of social connection and encourages us to communicate less via email and more often verbally.
I enjoy reading books that encourage me to look at my habits and offer suggestions for change. A lot of the arguments Celeste makes are familiar and felt repetitive. I didn’t necessarily mind hearing these arguments again, as Celeste does a great job introducing research, psychology, and sociology into each chapter. The chapter on our addictions to our devices seemed especially redundant though. It seems as though this is often a popular topic for discussion. Celeste agrees that we spend too much time on our devices, they interfere with our productivity, and disrupt our sleep.
Part one of the book is very well written and thoroughly researched. Celeste focuses on our faulty thinking about work. She puts forth a lot of effort to thoroughly describe where we have gone wrong in our working lifestyles. It seemed like she is trying to convince the reader we practice poor habits regarding work and how we will benefit from being idle.
Personally, I have already bought into what she is selling. I am completely on board. I have been working on my flaws pertaining to my habits about my career. I appreciate the research she provides and think it’s most helpful for those readers who are actively engaged in the unhealthy behaviors she describes. I’m already convinced that change is important. I read this book to gain more insight on how to keep growing in this area of my personal growth. My lack of awe and amazement with the first part of this book is likely attributed to my age and nearing the end of my career. I have demonstrated most of the unhealthy behaviors Celeste describes. I’m of the impression that she spends such a large portion of the book focused on part one because it’s her intention to motivate and encourage change in the reader. I’m in the action stage of change. Part one is excellent for those in the pre contemplation or contemplation stage of change regarding their unhealthy work habits.
Finally, the last little bit of this book is dedicated to the HOW we can improve our time enjoying our lives. Celeste’s first suggestion is to create a schedule. I like schedules, but she shared her typical day schedule and it’s way too rigid for my taste. I appreciate her sharing her schedule and reminding the reader to cultivate a schedule that fits their taste. I have been way too rigid when it comes to managing my time.I have recently been practicing how to be more flexible and have already found so much more peace in letting go of my ideal schedule for the day.
I am able to get on board with her suggestions regarding comparison, taking breaks, and kindness. She identify the unhealthy consequences of comparing our work production to others. My ears perked up on this subject. I have a terrible habit of comparing myself to coworkers regarding our milestones in completing tasks. I’m also not very good at taking breaks…except to eat. LOL I agree with Celeste, taking breaks is helpful to our ability to focus on tasks. I appreciate this suggestion, and am increasing my awareness for needed breaks. Celeste closes her book reminding readers to be kind to one another.
Overall, this book was just okay for me. I recognize that Celeste had good intentions with putting this book out there to the world. I’m sure many people will find it incredibly helpful and life changing. She just wants to see people happy and spending more time in leisure.
I purchased this audiobook from Audible. Listening to the book with Celeste Headlee narrating was a pleasure.
I had not heard of Celeste Headlee before reading her book. I have learned that she is a journalist, public speaker, and founder of Headway DEI Training. Check out her website here. She has a lot of information about her work and a pretty cool blog. Headway is a non profit training program that teaches science-based Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for management and employees.
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