Don’t Get Mad at People for Not Being Productive Right Now

Now, more than ever is time to slow down.

At the minute, the internet has been inundated with productivity-boosting articles.

Why?

Yes, generally speaking, we are all in the same boat. Yet, we aren’t.

In isolation, people are all fighting their own battles. The coronavirus has stripped our society bare. Basic amenities are closed, with people being forced to spend more time with themselves. For some, that isn’t fun.

A normal functioning society allows for releases. Time to focus away from any troubles, even for a brief moment. Without that, minds wander. Many people attempt as many tasks as they can.

Productivity can be rather like a game of pinball. In fear of not getting something done, we ping from task to task, desperate to not fall into the hole. We fail to take the time to enjoy what we are doing.

With the newly found free time, many are rushing to keep the adrenaline and hustle of daily life up through added activities. For instance, DIY sales in the UK shot up 38% as the lockdown commenced. Who knew everyone was starting a career as an interior designer?

That will work for some. For others, slowing down is needed.

Productivity isn't always necessary

Sometimes, and bear with me on this, the pursuit of productivity can set you back.

We get so caught up in our work that we don’t give our minds a chance to wander. In reality, we are the most productive when we are the most creative. Think about your best work. Did you take your time or did you rush it?

Rather than asking, “What do I need to accomplish today?” ask “What am I going to create today?”

Rather than checkboxes, being creative allows you to think outside of the box. Lockdown has given us an unusual chance to reflect on what we enjoy and why we enjoy it. Sometimes, that’s enough.

Variety is the spice of life

“Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.” — William Cowper

As people around the world settle into this indefinite lockdown, life becomes rather monotonous. Filling up the time with high amounts of productivity can suck the spontaneity out of us. Spontaneity is crucial to our creative flow.

Spontaneous nights out have been some of the best that I can recall.

Humans crave routine. Yet, a break from the norm can feel refreshing. Overflowing the routine with tasks can make spontaneous acts more disturbing than pleasant. In these perilous times, that’s the last thing we want.

Now is time to slow down

As society is stripped back to basics, now would be a good time to assess any problems in your life. For instance, do you notice that you simply can’t relax? Must you fill your day with productive tasks in order to cope?

If the answer is yes, you might want to take a step back.

Productivity can help in life, no one is doubting that. We have to get shit done. Hell, I‘m being productive by writing this article. Yet, too much reliance on it can lead to a false sense of control over our lives.

“Your life requires your mindful presence in order to live it. Be here now.” ― Akiroq Brost

Just because someone doesn't feel productive, it doesn't mean they aren’t ‘using their time properly’.

Standford University research shows that people who focus on too much at once tend to underperform compared to those who focus on less.

Every one of us is wired differently. Not being ‘productive’ in a time like this is perhaps, for some, just that.

Relax. It’s not all that bad.