The Surprising Benefits of Being Bored at Work

Boredom is a warning sign. It's your untapped potential talking

Colin Anderson (Australia)/ Stocksy

Are you feeling bored with your job, or just bored in general? Knowing the difference is vital for your career success.

Feeling bored is a temporary state – it’s not only okay but necessary and healthy. But chronic boredom is more harmful. It’s like being disconnected from what’s around you. Chronic boredom occurs when you’re constantly dissatisfied with your job, routine, relationships, and even your favorite things. Everything starts to feel boring.

Modern science says we’ve got boredom all wrong.

Feeling bored doesn't mean being lazy, despite societal guilt trips. Our culture glorifies busyness, making us feel unproductive when we feel bored. But boredom doesn't result from a lack of activity. The more you seek distractions, the more bored you become.

Boredom is the pain of our unused potential. It's a form of escapism but also an unpleasant event. We feel bored because, deep down, we know we can offer more. It's an easy excuse to avoid introspection,…