The Most Useless Piece of Advice That Actually Worked (And Why It Might Work for You Too)

We’ve all heard ridiculous advice at some point in our lives. The kind that makes you squint, tilt your head, and think, “This person is either a genius or completely unhinged.”

But what if, against all odds, that advice actually worked?

I didn’t believe it either—until I tried something so absurdly simple that I had to question everything I knew about productivity.

The Advice: “Start Your Day by Doing Absolutely Nothing”

Yes, you read that right. Someone once told me:

“If you want to be productive, start your day by doing absolutely nothing.”

Not “plan your schedule.” Not “hit the gym at 5 AM.” Not even “meditate for 10 minutes.” Just… sit there.

It sounded like the kind of wisdom you’d get from a mysterious old man in a fantasy novel. The type that only makes sense once you’ve battled a dragon or two. But being a curious (and slightly desperate) person, I decided to try it.

What Happened When I Actually Did It?

Instead of immediately jumping into emails, meetings, or whatever else usually fills my mornings, I simply sat still. No phone. No laptop. Just me, my coffee, and the existential realization that this was, in fact, very weird.

But here’s the surprising part: It worked.

By not throwing myself into instant chaos, I gave my brain time to boot up—like an old Windows XP machine that needs a moment before you start frantically clicking things.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt ready. And as much as I hate to admit it, this ridiculous advice had a point.

Why Does This Work?

1. It prevents immediate overstimulation.

Jumping into emails or notifications first thing bombards your brain before it’s even had time to wake up properly.

2. It allows for natural thought organization.

Ever notice how the best ideas come when you’re not actively thinking? Letting your mind wander for a few minutes can help prioritize tasks without the pressure of a to-do list.

3. It sets a calm, intentional tone for the day.

Instead of reacting to everything, you start the day on your terms.

Does This Mean We Should All Just Sit Around Doing Nothing?

Not quite. The key isn’t laziness—it’s intentional pause. A moment to breathe before the day gets moving. And that’s a surprisingly powerful habit.

Which got me thinking…

What’s the most ridiculous piece of advice you’ve ever received that actually turned out to be useful?

Drop your wisdom (or nonsense) in the comments—I promise to read them while staring blankly into space, contemplating my next great life decision.

☕ Coffee consumed while writing this: One raspberry latte with a double shot of espresso. Homemade with an Ike Whipper. If you’d like to sponsor the next great moment of questionable wisdom, feel free to grab me a virtual coffee: buymeacoffee.com/filatoff.