The Art of Being Unbusy
- Saurabh Ved
- Dec 30, 2024
- 3 min read
In the world of investing, slow markets can be unsettling. When activity is low, we often wrestle with a sense of unease, as if doing nothing is inherently wrong. This got me thinking about how, for many of us, activity has become a proxy for progress. If we’re not busy—or better yet, unbusy—we feel unproductive, almost as if we’re slacking. In fact, busyness has evolved into a badge of honor, and idleness carries with it guilt and worry about losing our edge.
Activity is visible and seems to validate us. But ‘active patience’
is often more valuable than activity.
But is constant activity really the hallmark of success? Or is there value in stepping back and embracing moments of being unbusy?
The Power of Doing (Almost) Nothing
Consider some of the most successful individuals in their fields. Warren Buffett and the late Charlie Munger, admit to spending much of their time reading and thinking. Their investments, often made only after years of observation, are few but highly impactful. Similarly, Aamir Khan takes years between projects, ensuring each one resonates deeply.
Then there’s Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time. On average, he’s in active play for just three minutes during a 90-minute match. The secret to his success? What he does in the remaining 87 minutes.
Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch footballer, summed it up perfectly:
“When you play a match, it is statistically proven that players actually have the ball three minutes on average. So, the most important thing is: what do you do during those 87 minutes when you do not have the ball? That is what determines whether you’re a good player or not. You play football with your head, and your legs are there to help you.”
The time spent off the ball—thinking, strategizing, positioning—is what defines great players. Similarly, in life, it’s not just about the moments of action but also about how we prepare, reflect, and set ourselves up for success. Being unbusy during these moments creates space for greater impact.
The Value of Emptiness
Thirty spokes
meet in the hub.
Where the wheel isn’t
is where it’s useful.
Hollowed out,
clay makes a pot.
Where the pot’s not
is where it’s useful.
Cut doors and windows
to make a room.
Where the room isn’t,
there’s room for you.
So the profit in what is
is in the use of what isn’t. - Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
The essence of this poem lies in how the invisible complements the visible. The empty space in a wheel, a pot, or a room defines its utility. Similarly, our moments of being unbusy—the pauses in our lives—are where true growth and preparation happen.
“In our desire to be busy, we often fill our calendars with things that crowd
out and take away space for the ‘emptiness’ necessary for clear thinking,
thus hindering our ability to do things effectively.”
Replacing Busyness with Reflection
For knowledge workers, athletes, or anyone pursuing mastery, intentional stillness is as critical as action. Much like athletes who build muscle memory through training, we need time to assimilate knowledge, reflect on our goals, and refine our strategies.
Michelangelo once said,
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
This analogy reminds us to chip away at unnecessary distractions and focus on what truly matters. By creating space to be unbusy, we uncover clarity and purpose.
Active Patience: The Key to Being Unbusy and Productive
Activity often validates us because it’s visible. But true progress comes from what I like to call “active patience”. This is not passive idleness but a deliberate state of preparation and waiting for the right moment to act.
Brad Barber, in his paper Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth, highlighted how frequent trading led to poorer outcomes than patient compounding. The same principle applies beyond investing: whether building wealth, developing skills, or improving health, progress requires time to let your efforts accumulate and compound.
Bruce Lee encapsulated this idea perfectly:
“Patience is not passive, on the contrary it is concentrated strength.”
In a world obsessed with busyness, it’s easy to conflate activity with productivity. But as I’ve learned, the most impactful actions are often born out of stillness and reflection. Embrace being unbusy. Let active patience guide you. And let the moments of quiet prepare you for peak performance.
Because sometimes, being unbusy isn’t just okay—it’s essential.
Do write in at saurabh@anantyacapital.com if you found the blog interesting or if any of my interests intersect with yours!