You Need A Bit of Uselessness In Your Life

How did I find myself in Natchez and one of the most beautiful homes in the south with two fascinating authors? Visiting China, politely eating abalone? Enjoying mussels in Brussels? Networking. 

Throughout the years I have created a great network that has resulted in many hundreds of adventures. I love sharing my experiences and tips so you too can create a great career, but this is only one part of life.  

There is something missing. You shouldn’t live on work alone to have a great life.  

What about those times sitting on a beach trying to read while several conversations buzz around me? Failing miserably at karaoke with no judgement from the audience? Laughing so hard that my sides ached?

This is where Arthur Brooks comes in. In conversation with Daniel H. Pink, creator and host of The Pinkcast, Brooks talks about “useless friends.”

He contends that you need a group of friends who don’t care what you do. They just like being around you, and you like being around them. 

They don’t ask for anything. They helped you through your crises, you help them through theirs. You make each other laugh, and laugh, and laugh.  

They may not be able to connect you to a job, but they will take your call at 4 a.m. when your heart is broken.  

It is never too late to make a friend. They may easily come from your network. Take the time to create this group, and see what magic will happen.