The Productivity Illusion. Have We Gone a Bit Too Far?

Sometimes, waking up can feel like standing at the starting line of a race, poised for the frenetic pace of the day ahead. I found myself chuckling recently as I pondered the relentless pursuit of productivity in my life, armed with to-do lists and an arsenal of productivity metrics. Yet, in this unending push to accomplish more, I've begun to question our achievements. Are we genuinely living better lives or merely busier ones?

I started wondering is "Productivity Anxiety" — a real thing? The overwhelming pressure to remain productive or to optimise every moment.

From Natural Rhythms to Non-Stop Notifications

Thinking back, ancestors lived in sync with the natural world, their lives shaped by the rhythms of nature rather than the relentless clock ticking. Then came the Industrial Revolution, transforming time into a commodity to be optimised. Fast forward to today's digital era, we're plugged in and productive around the clock, but at what cost?

Now, I find myself monitoring everything from work hours to sleep patterns; my REM was fantastic last night, by the way, but I'm chasing efficiency even in rest!

Are we counting steps instead of enjoying walks and reading for self-improvement rather than pleasure? Have simple hobbies have to become side hustles? Are we beginning to feel that every minute needs to be justified by productivity?

It is almost like we have created underlying anxiety if we are not productive. I actually feel that. And by putting a measurement to everything, is that actually changing our relationship with that activity?

I wonder if now in life is maximising each day rather than cherishing time itself. How would that impact my life? Is this just the way it is?

The Absurdity Trend of Extreme Productivity

Consider Mark Wahlberg's well-publicised morning, whom I like, by the way, whose pre-dawn routine is designed to cram in workouts, work, and family time, waking up at 3:30 a.m. and breaking down into 30-minute slots. While inspiring to some, it could underscore the ludicrousness of our obsession with productivity. And then there are the "productivity influencers," who have made life optimisation a public spectacle, turning our collective struggle into hacks, turning productivity into a competitive sport.

Saying that, I 'do' believe in routine; I just wonder where the balance is?

What Are We Really Chasing?

It begs the question: Is a life well-lived measured by accomplishments or by the depth and richness of our experiences? Or is that just the way it is?

Perhaps, as a society, we de-emphasise busyness, as I catch myself saying in the past that I am so "flat out", or it is "Crazy at the moment" and sometimes it is, but all the time.

I am starting to appreciate the value of pauses—those moments of idleness and reflection, and get a more genuine human connection, but haven't yet hit the occasional boredom. Need to give the old nervous system a rest. Wonder how to measure that? :)

Embracing the Moments Between

Certainly, goal setting and focus have their place in life and have served me well. I think. But life can feel like a blur. Thinking back, if I ask my kids about the most meaningful memories, they are not those we check off a list but those that leave us with lasting memories and feelings.

To be clear, I haven't mastered this art, but there might be an opportunity to reclaim my time yet. Not to cram more into it but to enhance the quality of the moments I live.

I am starting to think, should I view everything I do in life as trading time for it. For example, considering our material purchases, or things on my list, or how I allocate our time, I might ask myself: "10 hours of my life for that? Was it worth it?"

Anyway, thanks for giving this a few minutes of your time, and love to hear people's thoughts.