joyful productivity

Can you be productive without burning out? So many of us have been conditioned by society to believe that the only way to get ahead is to work as hard as humanly possible, to push ourselves beyond our limits, and to view rest as something that must be learned. In fact, we dread idleness so much many of us view constant productivity as a badge of honour; we may even sacrifice our joy for productivity. On top of this, so much of our identity is staked in how much we get done (and how quickly we can finish it). But this is simply unsustainable. In fact, fatigue is feedback; your body is telling you, “I can’t keep going at this pace, you must slow down or I will slow down for you”.

In his book, “Feel Good Productivity”, Ali Abdaal says that when it comes to productivity, “you don’t need more discipline, you need more joy”. Motivation follows emotion so when we align our work with joy instead of pressure, we become more productive because joy is fuel; it fosters creativity, motivation, clarity, focus, and flow. When you do not prioritize joy one thing becomes very clear: you will, eventually, burn out.

So the question becomes, how can we be joyfully productive? Here are six questions you might ask yourself so that you can be productive without sacrificing joy:

1.) What are my priorities right now? Does my life reflect these priorities? If not, what do I need to do daily, weekly, monthly to make this shift?

2.) What’s one way I can make this more fun for myself?

3.) How do I want to feel while doing this?

4.) How can I complete this task/meet this goal this as joyfully as possible?

5.) Is this goal aligned with my values/priorities or am I on autopilot?

6.) What do I need in this moment: rest or action?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you think productivity and joy can co-exist?

~Kate

The information provided by Rooted in Wellness Canada is solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are struggling, you are advised to consult with your physician or other medical professionals.