Are you living productively?
Beware of the barrenness of a busy life- Socrates
I bumped into this quote on one of my little rounds on the internet and I could not help but think about it. Most often, we like to feel busy. We list out thousands or hundreds of activities that we are relentlessly involved in, just so it seems like we are not sitting idle.
But then I think, should we strive for a busy life or a productive one? Although they might seem interchangeable, there is a world of difference between these two ideas of living. A productive life could be busy, but a busy life does not always equate to productivity. You could take up ten different activities each day without them resulting in much except keeping you busy. Alternately, you could get on with four or five activities in the space of 24 hours and see maximum results.
Living a busy life can — sometimes — leave you empty. Almost as if you are stuck in a loop with little control over what you do. Being occupied for endless hours is not the deal, what you do with those hours of occupation is the real deal. The time spent focusing on the process, and inevitably the result is what matters in the long run. It is possible for you to stay busy with little to show after the busy routine.
Living productively, not just busy
- Adopt a structure: have a clear plan. The benefits of planning your day ahead can never be overemphasized. Planning your day provides some form of clarity to your activities as you get on with the day. When you lack a clear plan, there’s bound to be moments when you shift gaze from what you ought to do or completely forget them, getting busy with other activities. Activities that may not be as important.
- Think in time slots: create a schedule, a block of hours during which you attend to certain activities. Although this may not be the most convenient for everyone, it certainly helps with your productivity as the day goes, this also makes room for breaks to snap out of the busyness.
- Take breaks: our minds and entire being can stay on activities for a limited period. Staying “overtime” on these activities would in fact make the mind more tired. Step back, take a break. You know how long it takes your mind to zone out, take a 10-minute break after that circuit. The intention is to be productive, not busy, taking a break would ensure that you do not just keep busy. Most importantly, you make progress.
Being busy is not a bad thing. But, on some days it can create a void. It is easier to stay busy just for the sake of it than it is to stay busy and productive. Staying productive requires commitment and some dose of discipline and willpower.
Beware of the bareness of a busy life. Evaluate yourself regularly and make amends when necessary.
