Productive

“Do you want to see something cute?”

“Not now.”

“Maybe later.”

“I have too much to do.”

This was the after dinner exchange in my house last Wednesday.

This was the cute in question.

If you clicked the link you noticed that it took all of a few seconds to presumably put a smile on your face. If you were a member of my family the smile might have been a little larger due to the personal connection to the “cuteness.”

Instead members sacrificed this opportunity for a smile at the altar of productivity. Scurrying off to do homework, study for tests or whatever task was right in front of them.

I am not a stranger to prioritizing productivity. Earlier in the week, my wife asked me how my day was. Without hesitation I said – in this order – “Productive, good.”  I’m constantly consuming books, articles, newsletters and podcasts looking for new ways or better systems to be more productive. 

Recently I had a discussion with my students about productivity. All said it was essential to their idea of happiness. Most shared the experience of completing a task that was not on their to do list, only to then add it to their list after the fact so they could experience the satisfaction of crossing it out.

Reflect on the best moments from your week or even over the last year. Perhaps it included having a laugh with friends, a tender moment with families, a thrilling experience, seeing something beautiful that left you awestruck. How many of those things found themselves on a to-do list? 

There is a balance to consider when trying to have a life that is full of meaning. Of course we want to produce or achieve things that make us or others feel good. This takes focus and some methods of organizations – including yes –  lists. 

But our desire to constantly look to achieve or do more, invariably leads to longer lists and less time for the unplanned and serendipitous moments that bring so much meaning and joy to our lives. 

It’s important to remember that we create the lists. That the pressure to produce is created from within. We can sometimes feel that there are people out there who will judge us for what we are not getting done. That they are the ones who are waiting for us to cross something off. While we do have obligations to work, school, family and friends – they are often more forgiving than we give them credit for. 

If your list or desire to be more productive is causing you stress or anxiety, remember where those feelings are coming from – your own mind. Be kind to yourself and take some things off that list OR move them for another day, week or month. If you need, ask others to lighten the load – remembering that they value your mental health way more than anything on that list. 

And yes, the next time someone asks you if you want to see something cute, cool or beautiful – take it.

Recommendation for the Week. Listen to this very useful conversation about productivity traps and what we can do about them. 

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