Fingers Crossed It Rains

Manchester’s legendary music scene, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Oasis, Happy Mondays - is a result of rainy weather (or so many like to tell us). The theory is that when you’re stuck indoors with nothing to do, you find something to create.

Similarly, the 1970s punk movement exploded during Britain’s economic depression. With unemployment and poverty widespread, punk’s aesthetic emerged from necessity: You didn’t need much to start a band.

It’s not just deprivation forcing creativity - Research from Harvard Business School found that bad weather significantly increased productivity among Japanese bank employees and US workers. When the sun isn’t calling you outside, focus becomes easier.

Nordic countries offer another angle. Despite months of darkness, Iceland has only 3.6% seasonal affective disorder prevalence - far lower than expected. Residents develop a ‘winter mindset’ that reframes darkness as an opportunity for creative pursuits and indoor projects.

The pattern is clear: when we remove distractions and novel stimulation, two things happen.

First, we can actually focus on deep work.

Second, genuine boredom allows our minds to wander

Those wandering thoughts create unexpected connections.

Most coaches could do with both more focus, and more creativity.

Remove the distractions, and allow yourself to be bored more often.

Failing that, do a rain dance.