What It Means to Be Productive
Part 2 - Delayed but here!
In June, I published part 1 of this 2 part series. Life has been as life is, and here we are a month late for part 2. I must have dreamt scheduling this to publish at the end of July, because it didn’t happen in real life!
Read part 1 here ⬇️
Enjoy the second half of this series, where we wrestle with the question of what being productive actually means.
September’s newsletter will no doubt push back a bit against our typical fanfare, as I’ve been deeply engrossed with Rest is Resistance this month.
Until then!
-Lauren
Welcome back to “What it Means to Be Productive!”
Back in April, I published an article on Elpha centered around how I manage to work full-time and run my own business, amongst just living life. The article sparked some intriguing conversations, including a meeting with Jiajia Wu, fellow productivity enthusiast. Jiajia is currently building a solution that optimizes schedules to meet tailored requirements without sacrificing wellness. Last month, we read her take on the question “What does productivity mean to you?”
Unsurprisingly, our thoughts followed a similar vein – there is so much more to productivity than work outputs.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics prefers the economic definition of productivity, the scope of productivity extends far beyond the workplace. I take a more holistic approach to productivity. Yes, getting my work done, for my full-time job and my own business pursuits is of utmost importance. However, without doing my laundry, cleaning the house, prepping some delicious meals, I wouldn’t be able to be nearly as effective at work or in my own entrepreneurial pursuits.
The view of productivity solely as an output generation, or its effectiveness being directly tied to revenue is a flawed perception. Unless, of course, we’re discussing machines that don’t have social, emotional or physical needs, then it’s totally fine. Considering productivity as a one-dimensional - PRODUCE - is deeply flawed.
I could write a whole newsletter on productive rest (vs. dissociative rest), and maybe I will. But the adage that rest is productive is true. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is not to push through to “just get it done” but instead to take a moment, assess our needs as living, breathing humans, attend to those needs, then pick back up kicking ass once we feel fully complete.
With the advent of remote and flexible work, the boundaries between “work life” and “home life” are consistently blurred. So much so that we begin to come full circle and to see ourselves in the more fully holistic way we actually interact with the world. That is, it is impossible to say “work is work” and “home is home” if we are bringing ourselves fully to both of those spaces. Being productive in your off time, productive in self-care, productive in rest, productive in joy and creativity is just as (if not more) important than being productive at work, accomplishing large chunks of focused work, hitting goals, increasing revenue. We cannot have one without the other, and to neglect one will have a direct impact on the other side.
All that, I suppose, to say that for me, productivity is in direct correlation to fulfillment. When I’m productive at work, at home, socially, emotionally, creatively, I feel fulfilled. I am full. My spirit is singing, I am confident and at peace with my path, I am present and enjoying life.
As we continue to explore what it means to be truly productive, let's remember that productivity isn't just about checking items off a to-do list. It's about finding a balance that allows us to thrive both professionally and personally. It's about recognizing the value in rest, self-care, and creative pursuits, and understanding that these elements are just as crucial to our overall productivity and fulfillment.
As you move forward, I encourage you to reflect on your own productivity habits. Are you taking time to rest and recharge? Are you finding joy in your day-to-day activities? Are you balancing your work and personal life in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling?
Let's continue this journey together, embracing a holistic approach to productivity that honors all aspects of our lives. Thank you for being a part of this community and for striving to be the best version of yourself.