BEYOND THE TO-DO LIST: EMBRACING A NEW DEFINITION OF PRODUCTIVITY

Most of us live in a society— or so we think— where our self-worth is tied to our productivity. I know this is often the case for me. I’m a list maker and take pride in being a doer. Nothing feels better than crossing items off my to-do list; it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

I find myself judging my day based on how productive—or unproductive—I am. Days when I accomplish everything on my list are the ones when I feel satisfied and good about myself. Then there are the days that conclude with frustration or unease.

I’ve come to realize that I am the cause of my own suffering. First, because I create ridiculously long lists that are unrealistic and would be impossible for most people to accomplish. Second, because I base my entire day on how many tasks I’ve completed. How did I get here? Well, I don’t think I have enough time to go down that rabbit hole.

But the bottom line is, we live in a society that places immense pressure on us to perform at a certain level. Our success is often tied to our productivity, and our productivity is tied to our careers, accomplishments, or assets. Isn’t it time we take a step back and reassess our values and principles? Maybe it's time we reconsider our definition of productivity.

This is something I’ve been pondering more in recent years. I’m thankful for the increased self-awareness that has allowed me to reevaluate the to-do lists I

create and how I assess and reflect on my day.

I realized how true this was when I spoke with a friend on Friday evening and told her that I had a great day, despite not accomplishing anything I set out to do. I literally spent hours on the phone catching up with friends and family. If my 19-year-old brother wants to spend an hour on the phone with his 50-year-old sister, then everything else can wait! I guess, if I rated that day based on the powerful connections and the joy they provided, then my day was outstanding!

A New Definition of Productivity

So how can we stop judging our day based on our productivity?  Here are a few tips:

1. Shift Your Focus to Connection: Instead of measuring your day by how much you did, reflect on the quality of connections you made. This could be with friends, family, or even yourself. These moments can offer more long-term fulfillment than crossing items off a list.

   
   

2. Redefine Productivity: Consider that productivity isn't just about accomplishing tasks. It’s also about taking care of your mental health, nurturing relationships, or allowing yourself time to rest. Balance is key.

   
   

3. Create Realistic Lists: Make to-do lists that are achievable and prioritize them based on importance, not sheer volume. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks so they feel less overwhelming.

   
   

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that some days won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up for not being "productive" according to societal standards. Be kind to yourself and embrace flexibility.

   
   

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Even on days when you feel unproductive, recognize the small victories, whether it's taking a break or having a meaningful conversation. These moments can be just as valuable as completing tasks.