The Productivity Paradox
We’re halfway through 2024, and many of you are probably hacking away at your to-do lists like Johnny from “The Shining”.
In the frenzy of this productivity chase, you might feel like you’ve unlocked the secret to ultimate efficiency.
But here’s a twist: being “too productive” can actually hold you back.
Imagine a world where working harder doesn’t yield better results — in fact, it might be the very thing stalling your progress.
Too Much of a Good Thing
You’re officially “too productive” when your input far outweighs your output.
Take writers, for example.
Many pride themselves on how many books they read, channeling their inner Howard Stephen Berg (AKA, the guy who can read 25,000 words per minute).
But if your goal is to be a writer, not a master reader, all that reading might not be productive.
Productivity means aligning your efforts with your goals.
So, unless those endless pages directly fuel your writing, you’re just spinning your wheels.
The Cost of Over-Productivity
Taxes have been around for ages — 5,000 years, if you count ancient Egypt.
But life has its own kind of tax.
Every great achievement comes with sacrifices, whether it’s less sleep, more stress, or compromised relationships.
The real trouble starts when this tax pushes you to the brink — health problems, strained relationships, and burnout are signs you’ve gone too far.
The key is knowing your limits and balancing your drive with your well-being.
Balancing Act
True productivity is all about balance.
Picture a scale with three variables: input versus output, well-being, and strategic effort.
First, be like Jeff Bezos: create more than you consume. Focus on meaningful actions that push you toward your goals.
Second, factor in your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Productivity shouldn’t come at the expense of these.
Third, be strategic in your efforts. Choose tasks that deliver the highest impact with the least effort. Prioritize what moves the needle over what merely feels urgent.
Finding the sweet spot in productivity means harmonizing these elements.
Those who master this balance do amazing things with their 24 hours, while others barely scratch the surface.
So, put down that axe and start working smarter, not harder.
