Productivity. I still cling to that word here at Organize IT even though the whole getting things done fad has long since died down. But time and time again nowadays I read about negative posts on the subject (productivity is dead!). And each time, there seems to be an opposing idea of exactly what it means. Today I want to explain just what this whole productivity thing means to me. Why not share your own thoughts in the comments?
I try to live a productive lifestyle. It’s a nice, all-encompassing term to use. I identify ways of living and ways of doing things that make it all easier, streamlined and less-stressful. This isn’t about getting more done at work, it’s not about impressing the boss or becoming the most efficient employee. It’s about finding what works for me and what doesn’t in all areas of my life whether that be with my friends, diet, hobbies and interests or even my sleep patterns.
Of course, I’m not trying to avoid life’s pitfalls or live like a robot but if I’m faced with stuff I don’t like, enjoy or want to waste time and energy why should I put up with it? I look at these areas in a proactive fashion. How can I get around it? How can I make it less of a chore and make it more appealing?
Living a productive lifestyle may sound clinical but so what? I’d much rather have a routine, a system and a clear way of dealing with things than making the same mistakes, being repeatedly distracted by irrelevant things and doing the ususual miserable actions time and time again.
My inspiration for this post came from a commentator here at Organize IT called Daryl who wrote a similar piece on his blog. To me, he pretty much summed up the purpose of a productive lifestyle when he wrote that his goal is to be unaffected by the things he does not desire, so he can be affected by the things he does desire. I want to write a book. I want this blog to be successful. When I’m able to focus on those things without worrying about getting the bills paid, being stuck at work all day or just being distracted by the TV, it’s a great feeling.
June 10, 2009 at 10:24PM
I really like the term productive lifestyle in this post. Productivity may be dead in the sense of searching for THE best tool to be productive (there isn’t any single one) as well as the whole productivity pr0n concept.
Productivity is just another way of achieving conscious action toward achieving our dreams, finding purpose, etc. It’s regardless of whether you follow GTD, 7 Habits or run around with a notepad and write down everything. What wrong can be in that? Nothing for me.
The thing we need to understand is that there are different tools and systems that suit different people. For some, pen and sheet of paper is all they need while others require mindmaps, Outlook and other project management applications. It all goes down to the way we apply the information we gather to our specific needs.
June 11, 2009 at 09:06AM
For me, being productive means also finding an equilibrium in our day-to-day living. It’s important to be the master of your mind.
June 11, 2009 at 09:15AM
Hi James, I am deeply joyed to see you passionate about your life, rather than just accepting the things you find unsatisfactory. As those productivity killers (distractions) continue to fall by the wayside, I am sure you will continue to become increasingly successful.
June 11, 2009 at 02:40PM
To me productivity is about having a sense of accomplishment. I can’t feel productive if I have done things during the day that don’t align with my passions in life. I’m productive if I’ve accomplished what I wanted to accomplish. This could mean working on my book, posting a blog post, or watching a movie with my kids. It’s all tied into my values and priorities.
Thanks for the food for thought!
June 11, 2009 at 09:36PM
MJ Doyle, I agree. I think that’s where old-school ideas of productivity fell apart. I figured out work efficiently, but it wasn’t always aligned with my passions in life. Nowadays, I think that’s exactly what it’s about.
Rafal, I think the productive lifestyle term really sums up how I think about this whole issue. It is certainly important to find what works for you and apply it in a way that suits you. It’s good that “productivity” has matured away from the GTD, one-tool philosophy.
Daryl, thanks for the support!