Is there a point to focusing on productivity? Am I working against myself and actually creating more work to be done? Maybe I want more work, but the right kind of work.

I’ve been questioning my motivations, ambitions, and desires lately in an effort to find sustainable sources of excitement for my life. Every once in a while I need to check what I am doing. Am I actually pursuing something or have I been distracted, not realizing that I am stuck?

The Purpose of Productivity

My goal in pursuing productivity is to recognize patterns of things that slow me down and to learn how to overcome them. There are many things in my life that are calling for attention. Anything that distracts me also prevents me from the pursuit.

When I explain my thoughts on productivity, some worry that I will become mechanical. I like routines, procedures, and heuristics to deal with recurring problems. I agree that it is somewhat robotic, but I don’t view it as problematic.

I was wondering why a person would do something multiple times, be it watching a movie, playing a game, or even solving a puzzle. Sometimes I enjoy experiencing things multiple times, like eating at a restaurant. Other times I don’t like experiencing things multiple times, like repeating the same puzzle.

In cases where I do not want to spend time, focus, energy, or emotion on the same thing again, I try to find ways around them. I look for ways to not be affected. If I cannot avoid the encounter, I can at least use a procedure to pass through it on autopilot. I am undisturbed and can focus on the things I want to focus on.

Transfer to Entrepreneurship

Something useful about walking on our feet is that our hands are free to manipulate our environment. The purpose of productivity isn’t necessarily “getting things done.” It is clearing out undesired (but unavoidable) actions to make way for the things I want to do.

Entrepreneurship is the transition of resources from an area of low returns to an area of higher returns. Freedom is not an end goal. The goal is obtaining the things you can do with that freedom. I do not look towards productivity to end work, but to allow myself to do the work I desire.

End of the Loop: Be Affected

My goal for productivity is not to be unaffected by life and end all things to do. My goal is to be unaffected by the things I do not desire (like taking the time to pay my bills), so I can be affected by the things I do desire.

When I am affected by things I desire, I am motivated to act. I will have things to do, but they will be things I want to do. If I can avoid distractions, I can find and focus on the things that excite me. I can open myself to new opportunities and explore areas previously unknown. I like exploring. I need a way out when I get stuck.