Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker expresses guilt when not actively productive, feeling they should be doing something useful.
In plain terms
I feel bad resting when I could be working.
What can you take from it?
Idle time often feels wasted to those driven by productivity.

Where it applies

  • taking breaks
  • reflecting on routine
  • feeling lazy

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge rest
  • schedule downtime
  • reframe idleness

Questions to consider

  • Is rest ever truly wasted time?
  • How do you define productivity?

Another view

Constant pressure to be productive can lead to burnout.

More from Michael Jackson

  1. I'm just like anyone. I cut and I bleed. And I embarass easily.

    Permalink to quote #32

  2. David Blaine your magic is real and I believe in you.

    Permalink to quote #34

  3. I'm totally at home on the stage. That's where I live. That's where I was born. That's where I'm safe.

    Permalink to quote #31

Related quotes

  1. For our penitence deserves a glimpse only; our toil respite only.

    Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf quote #12

  2. Sometimes people need a breather.

    John EdwardsJohn Edwards quote #16

  3. Hold their noses to grindstone.

    John HeywoodJohn Heywood quote #17