Productivty is a part of our everyday lives. It’s part of the policitical discourse – producivity and GPD growth. It floods all the social media feeds. At work we have to have a focus on being more productive and efficient in what we do. Because productivity is the focus everywhere, the message sells. Be productive. That is your task.
For a while I was firmly a part of the YouTube productivity community. When I was living with some friends, one of my favourite activities in the morning was to wake up early, make a cup of coffee, and watch a video conversation between an ex-policition in Australia and his guests. I was riveted with the way the dialogues flowed, how John could structure his sentences and the wealth of general knowledge he had, and how I could nod my head through their whole conversation and think to myself, “yes, of course.”
Except I didn’t retain any of it. Years later, I can’t tell you anything.
From there it was on to other podcasts, and then YouTube feeds and videos on productivity advice and techniques.
Years ago, I had a very complicated morning routine. Items pieced together from advice shared by lots of different gurus and experts. All done to give myself that perceived extra edge to my day and output.
I’d wake and immediately open the blinds to bring the sunlight in. Walk to the kitchen and have a large glass of water with a touch of salt added. Then I would change into some workout clothes, jump rope outside for two minutes, and then go for a walk around the block. Not to admire the scenery, listening to the birds, or engage with anyone. No, it was to get sunlight and steps, and also to continue listening to podcasts, none of which I can remember, other than Joe Rogan is hilarious at times and certainly enjoys himself and what he does.
At some point, I just, stopped. I realised it was all wrong. Part of it is due to my own studies and dedication to philosophy. To live a philosocial life demanded it. I had to be in the moment more, present and available, curious and interested in what was around me.
We inhabit the here and now. A collection of moments, that when pieced together, make up our lives. Focusing entirely on productivity hacks takes us away from foundational aspects of being in the moments.
We are outside purely to get steps, rather than to enjoy this space that we are in, notice the beauty of nature, and converse with others.
We have to take a break because we use the pomodoro technique rather than work with the smooth flow that we are in.
Having leisure time to not produce anything is seen as wasteful, yet this is where we get our most compelling and interesting thoughts, are able to notice, converse with others and can simply be.
It is in these unproductive times that we can recharge, gather new insights, and be productive later on. Although even that isn’t an accurate way to look at it. It just allows us to respond appropriate to the moments that we are given and find ourselves in. To be in the season of life that we are in and give it’s own unique demands our attention, patience, and excellence.
As a parent, I have produced (to use the work lightly) some of the best works of my life, and have done so on little sleep, changing sleep schedules, and with the extra responsibilities that looking after a toddler entails.
I’ve become more involved in a local community and run some of the monthly presentations. I’m involved in our complex committee and getting projects up and completed. My fitness and health are good. I’m able to see family and friends. Write. Read. Think.
All of this with less time available to me and without the all important eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, which according to the productivity experts, should make me not able to function the next day.
What’s going to actually work?
Inhabit the time and place that you are in. Respond to the moment and you’ll have a smooth life. That doesn’t mean it won’t be hard or have it’s challenges. But you know what you need to focus on by asking yourself what each area of you life needs with where you are at.
That is how you have an impactful and meaningful life.
It’s done without pomodoro timers. Sleeping with a face mask on. Have your room set to the perfect temperature or an eleaborate 11-point morning routine planned out.
Adjust your plans as is needed. Ask yourself what the appropriate action is within each moment or setting, grounded in the values, teachings, or ideals of your religion of chosen philosophy as a way of life.
The productivity movement is wrong.
Be attentive to the moment and respond to what is needed. Don’t try and force a certain technique or plan. Your day isn’t ruined if you wouldn’t compete everything on your list, or if you are trying to force a to-do list if circumstances have changed.
We are social creatures. Focus on care for the self and care for others. Productivity hacks aren’t needed.
Sitting at our table, I’m engaged with my wife as we talk about our day and watch our daughter dance around the living room. We laugh as she sways back and forth, muttering a song to herself as she moves.
This is what matters. Not the never ending to-do lists or the viewpoint that one must always be productive. Leisure is important to connect and recharge.
It’s where we experience the great moments.
Embrace it. Stop the YouTube video or podcast. Be out in nature simply to see and hear. Talk with others without worrying about what photo and caption will accompany this catchup on social media.
Enjoy and be present.
Enjoy the great ordinary, the unproductive times.
The times that actually matter.
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