Ask anyone who has started their own online business from scratch, and made it a success, what one of the most fundamental qualities a small business blogger can have, and they will probably tell you it is dedication.

Work hard, we are taught, and success will soon follow

However, have you noticed that we are getting pushed more and more to break our backs with work, and our social lives are taking a battering as we sacrifice our time on the journey towards success?

Because of this, I’m going to advocate a revolution in online working – the joy of laziness.

From the day we start school we are taught that laziness is a bad thing. It stops us from achieving our goals, makes us lose track of what we should be doing, and uses up time quicker than any other bad habit.

Lazy people are known to fail in business, and rarely succeed academically or in any other area of their lives. However, today’s fast-paced and demanding lifestyle is making many of us reach the point of potential burnout without even giving us a warning sign before we end up as a gibbering wreck.

Because of the added pressure which we are placed under when we run our own small online business, it’s more important than ever before to remember how to be lazy sometimes.

I’m not suggesting we sit down and hope that life will make our businesses successful while we eat grapes and watch re-runs of Friends, but rather that we need to actively take time out to do…nothing.

‘Nothing’ is as important an activity…

…as blogging or customer service – sitting looking out of the window on a rainy day, or curling up with a trashy novel recharges your batteries in ways which actively support you to be a great business owner, as you reduce stress levels.

Our minds work well when we are doing nothing

Things which have been bugging you for a while, such as challenges with work or the resolution to a question can quickly get processed during your down time.

Our brains are always on the go, even when we are checking out from work, which means your mind will actively work in the background to resolve issues for you if you free up some space for vacant time. This down time actually supports good business practices, by giving yourself space to process ideas and come up with new working models to apply the next time you sit at your desk.

Be happier…

Doing nothing periodically also supports you to be happier, as you get to step away from everyday pressures and simply relax.

Being kind to yourself can involve anything from taking lots of time to cook a great meal, having a bath or going for a swim or workout at the gym.

If you’re constantly on the go with work, think of doing nothing as an activity which needs to be ticked off from your ‘things to do’ list, just as important as publishing articles or developing products.

So…what are you going to do today that is lazy…you deserve it! (Plus your small online business will be better off!)

Please share your views in the comments below.