The Time-Pressure Paradox
How the pressures of increasing productivity diminish meaning
During this pandemic, the competing message that somehow one is supposed to “take it easy” while facing the unspoken threat of layoffs/unemployment can be confusing.
On one hand, staying put can afford new opportunities. If we’ve have a surplus of time from not having a daily commute, for some, that might mean that we’ve gained an extra hour in a day. We might spend more quality time with family, pick up new hobbies, explore neglected interests/side projects, etc.
On the other hand, the feeling of constraint can be a pressure cooker on one’s existing responsibilities. Time passes by regardless. Staying in one place can lead to feelings of isolation, burnout and stagnation.
How might we progress when COVID-19 has limited so many of our previous plans? We may try to do more but end up unable to get beyond a feeling of perpetual busyness and falling behind on we should do.
Convenience + Comfort ≠ Time
Be wary when you notice yourself responding instantly to the question of “how are you?” with “busy”. What it often means is that we’re stuck with the sense of not spending enough time on the right priorities. Or we’re so busy that we just want to end the…
