“Time You Plan to Waste Isn’t Time Wasted”
December is here—the month where everything feels like a sprint. Work deadlines, holiday shopping, year-end reviews, packed social calendars—oh, and you’re also supposed to “relax” and “enjoy the season.” Sound familiar?
I get it, you’re probably already dreaming of those quiet holiday moments when you can kick back, do nothing, and breathe. And here’s the thing: that time isn’t wasted.
In fact, planned downtime is one of the most underrated productivity hacks. When done intentionally, “wasting” time helps you recharge, reset, and come back sharper than ever. It’s not laziness—it’s strategy.
Have a look at my 1-1-1 Breakdown on time management and productivity.
Think about this: how often do you schedule breaks intentionally? Not the kind where you “sneak” a moment to scroll Instagram, but real, guilt-free time where you pause without an agenda. Reflect on how these moments—whether it’s reading for fun, binge-watching a series, or simply daydreaming—help you recharge and come back with fresh ideas.
→ Remember: Burnout is real. Rest is how you stay in the game for the long haul.
We all know the drill: you think you’ll rest “when you get through the to-do list,” but somehow, the list never ends. Flip the script—block your downtime first. Whether it’s taking a day off this month, escaping for a weekend, or simply logging off early, make it non-negotiable.
→ Do this now: Open your calendar. Pick one day or even a few hours this week and block it out for guilt-free downtime. Bonus points if you use it for something fun or completely unproductive.
Twice a year, Bill Gates steps away from his busy life to spend a week in a secluded cabin with nothing but books and his thoughts. These intentional breaks, which Gates calls his “Think Weeks,” are when some of his biggest ideas and decisions have taken shape.
→ Takeaway: Planned downtime isn’t wasted—it’s an investment in creativity, clarity, and better decisions.
The time you plan to waste isn’t wasted. It’s how you refuel, recharge, and rediscover your best self. As we head into the end-of-year madness, give yourself the gift of guilt-free rest. You’ll thank yourself when January rolls around, and you’re ready to tackle the new year with clarity and energy.
Thanks for reading.
Hey! I’m Alkesh Agarwal.
An entrepreneur and investor who believes that rest isn’t the opposite of productivity; it’s part of it. Let’s keep moving forward, pausing when needed, and ending the year strong.
Want to learn how to maximise your downtime? Here are some fresh ideas:
Read: The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond—An insightful guide to why rest matters and how to do it right.
Watch: This short documentary on creativity —How taking breaks helps unlock fresh ideas.
Try This App: Forest —A fun way to focus and embrace intentional downtime while avoiding distractions.
