Tips and How-To

The Break-Time Habit That Could Make You a Better Jeweler

Science says staring at the wall beats scrolling — here’s why boredom works.

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2026

INSTORE Staff Instore April 2026 Issue

The Break-Time Habit That Could Make You a Better Jeweler

Believe it or not, this is what peak performance looks like. IMAGE: GENERATED BY ENVATO AI

NEXT TIME you’re on a break, try something radical: Do absolutely nothing. No scrolling. No podcasts. No email. Just … stare at the wall. Rian Doris of the Flow Research Collective calls these “boring breaks” — short stretches where you deliberately cut off stimulation. Doris points to the science of dopamine: A stimulating break depletes the same neurochemical your brain needs to focus and create. Cut the stimulation, and your brain starts doing something remarkable — wandering into ideas and connections it can’t reach when it’s busy being entertained. Fair warning: Your brain will scream for a scroll the first few times you do this. That’s normal. But like any skill, it gets easier — and more rewarding — with practice. Start in your next checkout line, traffic jam, or down time. Pocket your phone and let the boredom come.

After 35 Years in Kent, Bonaci Fine Jewelers Found the Right Partner to Close the Right Way

Bob Bonaci spent 35 years building a jewelry business and community presence in Kent, Washington. When he decided it was time to retire, he knew the process would take careful planning — and the right help. Fellow jewelers who’d been through it pointed him to Wilkerson. The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson’s hands-off approach let Bonaci step back while the team handled every detail, meeting his personal and financial goals throughout. “It is phenomenal, the success that we’ve had.” Watch Bob share his retirement story.