It could easily be said that my entire life’s purpose is to live in complete congruence with myself. And that is your life purpose as well … perhaps everyone’s — if we take the idea far enough.
Can you hear clearly what Jonathan Mead has to say? Can your mind see the vibrant colors … the music of it?
His writings go beyond personal development or self help. In my view, he is a transformed soul … and now he is taking a stance for you being transformed.
Really cool stuff.
Jonathan has this to say : We’re exhorted throughout out our lives at all angles to be “productive members of society.” Naturally, you would think that being productive would make you happy, right?
So if aiming to be productive is supposed to be such a good thing, why does it often lead to so much misery?
The problem happens when we get hyper-focused on producing. We start to think we’re inadequate unless we’re being “productive” or “getting things done.”
But getting stuff done by itself is meaningless. When productivity becomes ubiquitous, we’re looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
Productivity has its place, after all. But if not put in its place, it can run rampant. We can feel guilty for not producing. We feel bad when we’re not checking things off a list.
The problem isn’t with valuing productivity; it’s letting its scope become too big. It’s allowing it become the means and the end that makes us hate it. And we resent it because we resent ourselves for not doing enough.
Becoming too focused on productivity leads you to see that there is always “more” to be done. There is always more you can supposedly do. And there is no ceiling.
The other problem with productivity is that it’s too associated with numbers and quotas. Some of the most useful time spent can’t be measured at all. Does that mean it’s not productive? And does it even matter?
In essence, the mindset that revolves around productivity equals a feeling of “never enough.”
I’ve experienced this far too often myself. The more that I focus on being more productive, the more inadequate I feel. As my output increases, so does the sense that I could have done more. And that ultimately leads to guilt and frustration. Then, I try to re-engineer my productivity system further, and try harder. The cycle continues and becomes a closed loop of insufficiency.
The harder you try to be more productive, the less productive you feel.
That’s why people hate productivity.
So, what should you do instead? I’ve tried all sorts of things. I’ve tried not caring. I’ve tried denouncing productivity altogether. I’ve tried only focusing on the most important stuff. And of course, I’ve tried being super-productive.
But all of these are only partial solutions. They’re hacking at the branches while the root is left firmly unscathed.
The solution I’ve found I believe to be holistic in nature. It is bigger than the sum of it’s parts. And it has completely changed the way I work, and operate.
The answer is threefold and progressive. Each step leads up to and builds upon the previous one.
1. Focus on Fulfillment
The first shift is to switch from asking How many things can I get done? to What actions can I take that will make me fulfilled? This is a simple shift, but the results are dramatic.
In the meantime, please visit these merchants … they do offer materials that will give you access into creating a life you want for yourself.
They all focus on transformation, not just self help or personal development mantras.
