measuring productivity

Your most productive day, what does it look like?

The old me would say…

My day has been all about checking things off my to-do list. What I’ve accomplished. How much I’ve done. I didn’t waste any time. I didn’t get distracted. I was going and doing and accomplishing all day. I didn’t rest. Look at everything I’ve done.

But the new me, has shifted my definition of productivity. Instead of focusing on doing and accomplishing, I understand that taking care of myself is what’s actually productive.

Because is it sustainable to constantly be productive the old way? Can we go and go and go and never stop? Doesn’t that just create a hurried, rushed life?

The old way led me to burnout. It led me to feeling frustrated, anxious. It left me measuring my worth by how many tasks I could do. And when I couldn’t go or push anymore, it led to me beating myself up.

I’ve learned that going and doing and accomplishing, it’s great. But it’s not sustainable to measure productivity that way. It’s not worth it to grind into the ground.

Because the truth is we all need a break.

Because the truth is we can show up in a better way when we take time to rest and relax.

Because the truth is that when I take time to breathe, I am a better version of myself.

Because the truth is when I focus on taking care of myself and constantly asking myself what I need (whether that’s a run, a nap, time to journal, watching a funny show, meditating, whatever), I can actually get more done.

Because the truth is when we take breaks, we can go for longer without burning out.

Because when I’m not rundown, I am more energetic. I’m more empathetic with others and with myself.

So how are you going to be productive today?