Mindset hack for being productive right now and every day
Change your understanding of productivity
Create a list of 3 productivity types
Identify your needs for the day
Enjoy the feeling of being productive
The world is obsessed with two things: healing and productivity. But is it possible to be productive when you're not feeling motivated, or live with, say, depression or ADHD? Can you be productive when staying at home with a cold without hurting yourself? Is there a way to transform your workday into an effortless flow of getting shit done?
The habits of the most productive people
I define success by how people feel about themselves and their lives day to day. Just because you've achieved financial freedom doesn't mean you are content. I would never go for advice from a person who's not in harmony with themselves.
The difference between working yourself into an early grave and being kind to yourself while managing your workload is self-discipline. Self-discipline, unlike toxic productivity, is an act of love. Self-love, that is.
Self-love is a balance between knowing your limits, understanding your needs, and striving for excellence.
“Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for excellence. Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth. Perfectionism is a defensive move. It’s the belief that if we do things perfectly and look perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.” (Brené Brown)
Three types of 'productive'
I acknowledge the finite nature of my motivation, energy, and inspiration. As someone who lived with depression for a very long time, I had to find my own way to hack productivity. When you're under the weather because of the illness (chronic or otherwise) you must find a way to work while not doing much at all.
I separate productive deeds into three categories: creative, consuming, and nurturing.
Creative productivity
Creative productivity is everything that you produce: writing, painting, content creation, collaboration, etc. This is the 'productivity' we often think about when the word is thrown around. It's everything that consumes you completely and takes the most effort and concentration to produce. It requires energy, attention to detail, and concentration. These things can rarely be done when you're not feeling 100%.
Some examples of Creative Productivity would be:
Writing an article, book chapter, screenplay
Working on a presentation
Painting
Building a webpage
Sewing a dress
Creating PFD lead magnet
Renovating
Working on assignment
Coaching a client
Content batching
Consuming productivity
As the name suggests, consuming productivity is a type of action you take when you're not feeling too enthusiastic. It can be anything that preps you for creative productivity and boosts your morale. Most of the time, when I'm feeling down or unwell I can still... stare at my screen! Whenever writing a few pages feels like a gigantic task, I turn to the consuming productivity bucket and pick something that feels doable.
Some examples of Consuming Productivity would be:
Reading papers for an assignment
Listening to an audiobook on the topic of your article
Watching YouTube videos about business strategy
Learning about a new platform
Attending a webinar
Taking a course
Having a coaching session
Watching films that inspire you
Watching a lecture
All of the above makes you a better creator. Don't be too quick to dismiss coaching or even a therapy session as a productive deed. Being supported by others is foundational for a productive lifestyle. I meet with my friend to chat about our business every week simply because it's yet another opportunity to normalise the struggle, celebrate small wins, and remind each other how far we've come.
Nurturing Productivity
Nurturing productivity is a type of action that supports your wellbeing. This will be your go-to list whenever you need to rejuvenate. And no, binge-watching Netflix shows is not on it.
Nurturing action can be one of the practices that help regulate your nervous system or anything that restores your energy and self-confidence.
Some examples of Nurturing Productivity would be:
15 minutes of Yin yoga
Going for a walk
Journaling
Body scan Meditation
Phone call with a friend
Bath or long shower
Making a nice healthy meal
Memory-training game
10 minutes of Duolingo
You can create your own list of three productivity buckets and refer to it whenever you feel frustrated with yourself. Remember, you can rewire your brain at any age and you don't have to believe every thought that pops into your mind.
After years of practice and healing, I know exactly what kind of a day I'm having and what kind of action would be the most appropriate. Being productive is not always about smashing those goals, it's about spending your limited resources smart and well.
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