Feeling Bored? Here's Why We Think it's the Worst Thing Ever

Boredom: The Desire for Desires and a Gateway to Growth

Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, or flipping through Netflix options but nothing seems good enough to watch?

Or maybe you go back and forth to the kitchen looking for something to eat even though you’re not really hungry?

Welcome to boredom—a feeling that no one likes, but if it's approached differently, can become a powerful tool for personal growth.

I recently read an article about scientific study from 2014 that posed a fascinating question: Would you rather sit alone with your thoughts for 15 minutes or give yourself an electric shock?

Surprisingly, a majority of participants chose the electric shock!

Why? Because for many people, being alone with their thoughts is far more uncomfortable than a momentary jolt of pain.

The study when on to detail that for many people being alone with their thoughts was boring.

They preferred to keep busy doing anything else rather than rely on themselves for entertainment or introspection. 

But what if boredom isn’t something to escape but something to embrace?

What Boredom Really Means

At its core, boredom isn’t about having “nothing to do.”

It’s about having plenty of options but feeling uninspired by them.

It’s a sign that our minds crave novelty, excitement, and purpose.

Scientists have even defined boredom as the desire for desires—a mental nudge pushing us to engage with something meaningful.

Pain, whether physical or emotional, serves a purpose: to get our attention.

Physical pain signals that something in our body needs care.

Emotional pain, including boredom, tells us that something inside us needs attention.

Instead of viewing boredom as an enemy, what if we saw it as a guide?

The Hidden Power of Boredom

Rather than numbing boredom with distractions (hello, doom-scrolling), what if we used it as an opportunity to tap into our creativity and deeper desires?

Think about it—when do your best ideas come to you?

For many, it’s in the shower, on a quiet walk, or during moments of stillness.

When we allow ourselves space, our subconscious can reveal what truly excites us.

Boredom isn’t a problem. It’s an invitation.

How to Transform Boredom into Brilliance

So, what can you do when boredom strikes?

Here are a few mindset shifts and practical tips to turn boredom into a gateway for growth:

1. Recognize boredom as a signal. Instead of fighting it, ask yourself: What is my mind craving?

2. Resist the urge to mindlessly scroll. Social media offers quick dopamine hits, but it doesn’t provide the deep engagement your brain is seeking.

3. Create a “boredom list.” Jot down activities that genuinely excite you—learning a new skill, writing, playing music, exploring a creative hobby. When boredom hits, consult your list.

4. Embrace stillness. Let your mind wander without judgment. Your next great idea may be waiting in the quiet.

5. Take action. Even the smallest step toward something meaningful can shift you from boredom to inspiration.

Boredom Isn’t the Enemy—Avoiding It Is

In a world that constantly demands our attention, stillness can feel uncomfortable. But within that discomfort lies opportunity.

If we stop fearing boredom and start engaging with it, we might just uncover what truly excites us.

So, the next time you feel boredom creeping in, don’t run from it.

Ask yourself: What do I truly desire?

And then—go do something about it.

Dr. April Darley is a Lifestyle and Leadership Advisor who specializes in helping busy professionals achieve their goals without sacrificing their health, wealth, and freedom. Through a combination of techniques, you'll learn how to balance leadership and life while developing a growth mindset.