Two P’s NOT in a Pod

Have you ever noticed that when someone tells you they have been really productive, they’re usually not happy? Or worse, they are downright exhausted or stressed.

Let’s take the glory out of productivity.

When someone asks me if I’ve been productive, I cringe a little bit.

I’m not a machine. Productivity is assembly line metrics, mass production speak. The language of profits, of proving your value, of keeping up with everyone else. Yuk.

“Our whole concept was based on speed, lower prices and volume,” Richard McDonald said. Taking a cue from Henry Ford’s assembly-line production of automobiles, the McDonald brothers developed the “Speedee Service System” and mechanized the kitchen of their roadside burger shack. (Pallav Das, LinkedIn)

If your goal is to be like McDonald’s and Ford, great. You do you. And if your goal is to do what you love, do your best work, and do it with ease and fulfillment, then watch your language. Your Judge will have a field day around productivity. It’s another chance to shoot you down, come up short, beat you up, feel crappy.

Prosperity is about meeting your external goals with lasting happiness and inner peace. This comes from the Sage space of expansion, ease, clarity and meaning.

Creatives don’t produce, they create. Do you think Matisse, Alvin Ailey or Sister Parish talked about being productive? I doubt it. Creativity is inspired, flowing, energizing, and mysterious.

Sure, I love it when I can tick things off my list (OH BOY do I love it!). Just this weekend I got great satisfaction from cleaning up my outdoor spaces and hanging patio lights among other household chores. The motive was to beautify my space (beauty is my #1 core value) and prepare for an upcoming celebration (play is another). There was meaning and purpose behind it, I felt accomplished and proud and energized, not depleted.

It’s really challenging to resist—society glorifies busy and productivity—you are not alone. Your Sage knows that you are worthy and valuable regardless of your latest efforts or results. I’m here if you’d like support or to chat about it.

Journal Prompts:

• What are my beliefs about productivity?

• Are my activities motivated by fear or love?

• How can I foster prosperity in my life or work?