Do Nothing

How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving

By: Celeste Headlee

Narrated by: Celeste Headlee

“A welcome antidote to our toxic hustle culture of burnout.” (Arianna Huffington)

“This book is so important and could truly save lives.”(Elizabeth Gilbert)

“A clarion call to work smarter (and) accomplish more by doing less.” (Adam Grant)

We work feverishly to make ourselves happy. So why are we so miserable?

Despite our constant search for new ways to optimize our bodies and minds for peak performance, human beings are working more instead of less, living harder not smarter, and becoming more lonely and anxious. We strive for the absolute best in every aspect of our lives, ignoring what we do well naturally and reaching for a bar that keeps rising higher and higher. Why do we measure our time in terms of efficiency instead of meaning? Why can’t we just take a break?

In Do Nothing, award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee illuminates a new path ahead, seeking to institute a global shift in our thinking so we can stop sabotaging our well-being, put work aside, and start living instead of doing. As it turns out, we’re searching for external solutions to an internal problem. We won’t find what we’re searching for in punishing diets, productivity apps, or the latest self-improvement schemes. Yet all is not lost - we just need to learn how to take time for ourselves, without agenda or profit, and redefine what is truly worthwhile.

Pulling together threads from history, neuroscience, social science, and even paleontology, Headlee examines long-held assumptions about time use, idleness, hard work, and even our ultimate goals. Her research reveals that the habits we cling to are doing us harm; they developed recently in human history, which means they are habits that can, and must, be broken. It’s time to reverse the trend that’s making us all sadder, sicker, and less productive, and return to a way of life that allows us to thrive.

©2020 Celeste Headlee (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Do Nothing is a welcome antidote to our toxic hustle culture of burnout. Through deep research and evocative storytelling, Celeste Headlee shows us how to break free from constant pressure and live the life we truly want." (Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global)

"This book is so important and could truly save lives. Despite working harder than ever, people have never been more depressed, anxious, and unhappy. Without a doubt, our modern way of life is not working. In fact, it’s killing us. But what is to be done? With intelligence and compassion, Headlee presents realistic solutions for how we can reclaim our health and our humanity from a technological revolution that seems hell-bent on destroying both. I'm so grateful to have read this book. It delivers on its promise of a better life." (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Big Magic and Eat Pray Love)

"Celeste Headlee makes a powerful case that productivity is not an inherent virtue - if you're not careful, it can become a vice. If you've ever felt compelled to work harder, this book is a clarion call to work smarter instead. Sometimes you accomplish more by doing less." (Adam Grant, New York Times best-selling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of the chart-topping TED podcast WorkLife)

Will help you reevaluate your time.

Curious about this title since I often have feelings of guilt when trying to enjoy a ‘relaxing’ activity. Really appreciated how they did a deep drive explaining why so many others feel the same as well as issues that have risen since the Industrial Revolution all the way to modern day technological dependency. Well written and thought out. Very worthwhile real.

Required reading for the “working world”

I loved this book. Reading it during a pandemic and a large layoff, while considering making some big life changes - this book couldn’t have come at a better time. It has helped me already to refocus my energy and goals for whatever is next in life.

Wonderful read for busy people

loved it! super important read for the doers amongst us. great insight and excellent narrator!

Well thought out and expertly articulated for the average reader

Celeste has done it again with this book. There are some overly data driven points towards the first few chapters but other than that, she goes into her usual excellent explanations of everything what to do and not do and what we’ve done in our past as humanity. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who is feeling like they do a lot in work and/or life.

A great reality check for those who are doing too much.

An excellent reality check for those who overdo! and need more time in their day. This is an everyone book. Great listen and very informative. Thank you!

Capitalism: The Downfall of Humanity

I hate capitalism and our American Oligarchy that few recognize. Headlee’s book gives a historical perspective to where we are today. Time is not money.

Great Subject To Reflect On

The book opens an important “can of worms” and it is very helpful for busy people to reflect on.

The author does an amazing job narrating (obvious the one time she drops the professional voice).

I just wish it wasn’t with such a kvetching tone, we can call for change even without being hurt or being done wrong to.

Brilliant book that urges us to rethink the way we operate

This book helps us to think about how to prioritize our mental health and relationships over the grind of efficiency. The reader is encouraged to take breaks and work in short bursts to be more effective and take time to enjoy and truly live life. It was a refreshing read.

Eye opening

I loved how direct the book was with everyday life. Very helpful and eye opening to stresses I placed on myself due to outside influences !

Great advice for how to best use your time

This book helped me take a deeper look at how I approach work, leisure, and family life. I expect to make changes to help me find me fulfillment and joy by following the authors advice