Productivity was based on output, how much I could accomplish in a day without regard for the impact it had on myself and those around me if I could check many boxes, I must be productive.
Now productivity is an umbrella term based on how I show up first for myself in all aspects of life and then the impact I have in my workplace and to those around me on a daily basis.
This is a wonderful piece and thank you for the intriguing links.
I’ve been reading something similar along the lines of movement vs. action. A large part of my day is movement. This better allows me to better identify what i actually need or want to do.
I absolutely love the inclusion of *impact* (on yourself and others) in your new-and-improved definition of productivity, Chrystal.
Since I'm lucky enough to know you in real life—and see your positive impact firsthand on a regular basis—it's clear that you've been wildly successful on this front. And it's a honor to learn from your example. ❤️
Oct 7, 2023·edited Oct 7, 2023Liked by Maddie Burton
I am trying to implement this approach. It took a long time to realize that rest is an integral part of productivity. It's easy to know when I'm NOT doing it - I'm stressed all the time, constantly thinking about work, unable to detach my face from my computer screen. It's a battle to get myself to rest and go slow sometimes.
There are two authors I really respect who run The Growth Equation; the equation their newsletter and podcast refers to is “stress + rest = growth.”
As a concrete thinker, I really appreciated this framing...it makes it clear that even with all the work in the world, growth won’t occur without rest. Hope it’s useful to you, too!
Reading this post was very timely for me. I actually stopped in the middle of reading it and said out loud: "Okay unconscious, this is what I'd like you to be working on in the background." I've been struggling lately with expecting myself to be productive even though my husband and I are under a lot of stress with our small business, which is crashing and burning. I *know* that I'm expecting miracles---and actually making it harder on myself by adding extra pressure---but I'm frustrated because 16 months ago when the biz started to take a nose-dive I was on the crest of the greatest artistic wave I'd ever ridden. Wow, that sounds dramatic, but it's true, haha. So I keep wanting to get back to where I was, but I can't. Not right now. I'm trying to learn to take the pressure off... for example, the other day I told myself that I shouldn't expect to be creative or generative until at least the new year. Just... take it off the table. But I love the idea of setting the intention that my unconscious can be ruminating on creative things while conscious-me deals with our business crisis. Then in the new year... BAM!
I deeply appreciate this thoughtful comment—thank you so much for sharing what this topic means in the context of your own life.
I love that you said, out loud, what you want your subconscious to start chewing on. Without being definitive in our focus, the magic of slow productivity—at least in my own experience—doesn't get much of a chance to take hold.
Thinking of you during this time of high stress and uncertainty in your small business. I understand, all too well, the desire "to get back to where I was." But you're right that taking pressure off yourself is the best way to move forward. I hope this approach ushers in a beautiful 2024—in whatever form that takes!
I really loved this one, Maddie -- at my day job, I feel that same guilt. If I'm not like the famous gif of Kermit the frog at the typewriter, I feel like I'm doing something wrong! 🤣 I know, rationally, how silly that is, yet it's still hard for me to shake that feeling. Really good stuff.
Agreed! In all my years of working for other people, at organizations big and small, I was never *quite* able to bring this perspective to the office. There's a certain expectation of what "productivity" looks like, and I was probably too much of a people-pleaser to shake that off 😂 Really appreciate hearing about your experience!
Oct 30, 2023·edited Oct 30, 2023Liked by Maddie Burton
This idea of slow productivity seems very timely for me. Having escaped a cubicle farm with shift work and becoming a full time PA.
My life has taken a 360 pivot. Everything that was set in routine has been turned on its head. My new career requires me to stand by and be available at all times and the hours and mostly unpredictable and long.
When I had a typical corporate life, meal times were regular. I could hit the gym regularly. See my friends who were also on the same schedules as me. I am a productivity nerd and the tools and mental models I learnt thought books and influencers I followed were fun to experiment with. I was highly productive and happy, I always got a lot done. Or so I thought.
But recently, the new lifestyle with the new job. I barely have and personal time, and everything is changing and dynamic. It's like I have to be a different person.
Everything I learnt about being productive is now part of my arsenal of tools to excecute my job.
You reminded me that slow productivity is also a important. Like rich roll once said. The winner of the race doesn't always go to the one who runs the fastest, but the one who slow downs the least.
And what is life but one long marathon?
I love the way you unpack ideas, the tone of your writing is very soothing as well.
Amanda, thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment—I really appreciate getting to know your story, and hearing the ways in which slow productivity feels resonant to you!
Life is a marathon indeed...and it feels like we're *always* hitting that proverbial wall and having to figure out how to move forward anyway. 🫠 I can totally relate!
Having to completely reimagine day-to-day life as you know it, given the inherent unpredictability of your new career, is wildly challenging. I hope you're being extra-kind to yourself in this particular moment, because you certainly deserve it! Rooting for your success as you navigate all the newness.
This is SO good. Thank you for writing this. I resonate soooo deeply and hope to get to a place with writing consistently and feeling fulfilled like you do!
Jenni, thank *you* for reading—I so appreciate your kind words!
If it helps to know: six months ago, I hadn't written consistently for years. Once I committed to publishing here weekly (gulp), it got progressively easier and easier to get started on each successive draft...and look forward to that work! You got this 💪
This is SO good. Thank you for writing this. I resonate soooo deeply and hope to get to a place with writing consistently and feeling fulfilled like you do!
Loved this Maddie - it made clear to me the experience I also have with this newfound (for me) world of creativity. Can’t sit at my desk all day like my regular job and get it done. This creative life is more organic, and has a lot more space! Thanks for helping me think it through with this post. ❤️
I'm so glad to hear this, Sue! For what it's worth, it's hard to believe that the world of creativity is relatively new to you, given the quality and depth of what you're creating. But I suppose that speaks to the power of slow productivity, too—because I imagine you've been meditating on the themes you write about for years. ❤️
Not much to add to this other than a simple mindset that a mentor of mine (Brad Barrett of ChooseFi Podcast) says often that really helps, which is to focus on being "directionally accurate." If you do that, you are most of the way there.
This mindset shift may be simple, but it's incredibly meaningful! If our attention and efforts were airplanes, it's like making sure we're piloting them west rather than east—assuming that's the direction we want to go. Love this!
For me, it’s morning hikes / walks. Some people swear by waking up and getting straight to work. I find that easing into it breeds so much inspiration. 🙏🏻
Ooh, what a wonderful nudge for me to get back into this habit! Morning walks are the best. I used to put my coffee in a Thermos and take it down to the waterfront...gotta get back to that. 🥰
There's a joke that writing looks a whole lot like lying on the sofa, watching TV. (I think Aaron Sorkin might've said it.) But it's true! Some of the best work is done while it's marinating. Just sitting there (lying there, showering, brushing teeth, exercising), doing anything but what you're "supposed" to be doing. What I'm doing for my productivity is making space for breaks to avoid burnout. Looking out for the longevity and quality. Great post, lovely. Thank you, Maddie! xo
Okay, that joke got a genuine laugh out of me! My uncle was a physicist, and I remember hearing similar family lore about the "theoretical" part of his work, which apparently involved a lot of staring into space. 😂
Marinating is the perfect metaphor, too—it helps develop and meld complex flavors with time rather than effort. Love your insights, Sandra!
Not sure if you've ever connected with Oliver Burkeman's work, but one of his main talking points is that time is finite and we'll never finish our to-do list (or the concept of doing it all) anyway, so we might as well focus on what matters. It's certainly given me some perspective on the ever looming to-do list and that productivity isn't about that list, rather the tasks that really add value to my life.
Yes to all of this. I think Four Thousand Weeks should be required reading! Pretty much every single one of his arguments is a sanity-saver. (Also: his newsletter is amazing.)
One of my favorite things I've heard from Oliver Burkeman about writing is that some ideas need to "ripen" before they're workable. I try to remember that when I'm writing something that isn't coming together—it may just be unripe.
I love this for you, Maddie. Writing looks good on you ❤️
When it comes to writing, doing lots of "nothing" is imperative. That silence is where the magic is able to enter. That is the main part of the production of writing for me. It is why I spend at least an hour a day walking out in nature, it is why I sit in front of the fireplace with no distractions, and why I spend hours in the hammock. The shower is also a creative spot, water is a conduit for so much processing and receiving. To outsiders who don't write, I'm sure it looks like a whole lot of nothing but there is so much internal work being done. Knowing that that part of the process is such a huge piece of the production of writing has made life much easier on me.
I'm here to enjoy life, love my people fiercely, and make things. Even in the discomfort, I love the journey and that is how I know I'm doing the right thing with the right people. I love writing so much because it mimics the process of life. You've got to sit with it and rearrange it all until it resembles something you can live with/love. It's so much fun!
These beautiful descriptions of your daily practices—particularly the part about walking in nature—made me think of a podcast I listened to yesterday. The host, who's an author, made the argument that exercise is "part of his job," and I loved that framing. *Of course* movement and time for undistracted reflection are parts of our jobs!
Your point about water as a conduit for processing and receiving is one I'll be sitting with—I love that. Also love how much the entire last paragraph of your comment had me nodding along and smiling!
Loved this, Maddie. Couldn’t agree more about the ‘writing’ and ideas first being done in the head. I only sit down to actually ‘write-write’ once the story is ready to spill out on a page!
Turns out, all I needed to do was connect with other writers to find out that I'm not alone—one of the many joys of Substack. 🥰 Loved getting this window into your process too, Jolene!
Ooh, I am *officially* filing this one away. 🤯 It's true in lots of fields, but wow is it applicable to writing; I don't think that clear writing exists without clear thinking.
Okay, time for your hot takes! 🔥 How has your definition of productivity changed over time?
Productivity was based on output, how much I could accomplish in a day without regard for the impact it had on myself and those around me if I could check many boxes, I must be productive.
Now productivity is an umbrella term based on how I show up first for myself in all aspects of life and then the impact I have in my workplace and to those around me on a daily basis.
This is a wonderful piece and thank you for the intriguing links.
I’ve been reading something similar along the lines of movement vs. action. A large part of my day is movement. This better allows me to better identify what i actually need or want to do.
So helpful to hear about your experience, Serafina 🙌 I appreciate you sharing it here...and I aspire to make more of my days mirror yours!
I absolutely love the inclusion of *impact* (on yourself and others) in your new-and-improved definition of productivity, Chrystal.
Since I'm lucky enough to know you in real life—and see your positive impact firsthand on a regular basis—it's clear that you've been wildly successful on this front. And it's a honor to learn from your example. ❤️
I am trying to implement this approach. It took a long time to realize that rest is an integral part of productivity. It's easy to know when I'm NOT doing it - I'm stressed all the time, constantly thinking about work, unable to detach my face from my computer screen. It's a battle to get myself to rest and go slow sometimes.
There are two authors I really respect who run The Growth Equation; the equation their newsletter and podcast refers to is “stress + rest = growth.”
As a concrete thinker, I really appreciated this framing...it makes it clear that even with all the work in the world, growth won’t occur without rest. Hope it’s useful to you, too!
Reading this post was very timely for me. I actually stopped in the middle of reading it and said out loud: "Okay unconscious, this is what I'd like you to be working on in the background." I've been struggling lately with expecting myself to be productive even though my husband and I are under a lot of stress with our small business, which is crashing and burning. I *know* that I'm expecting miracles---and actually making it harder on myself by adding extra pressure---but I'm frustrated because 16 months ago when the biz started to take a nose-dive I was on the crest of the greatest artistic wave I'd ever ridden. Wow, that sounds dramatic, but it's true, haha. So I keep wanting to get back to where I was, but I can't. Not right now. I'm trying to learn to take the pressure off... for example, the other day I told myself that I shouldn't expect to be creative or generative until at least the new year. Just... take it off the table. But I love the idea of setting the intention that my unconscious can be ruminating on creative things while conscious-me deals with our business crisis. Then in the new year... BAM!
I deeply appreciate this thoughtful comment—thank you so much for sharing what this topic means in the context of your own life.
I love that you said, out loud, what you want your subconscious to start chewing on. Without being definitive in our focus, the magic of slow productivity—at least in my own experience—doesn't get much of a chance to take hold.
Thinking of you during this time of high stress and uncertainty in your small business. I understand, all too well, the desire "to get back to where I was." But you're right that taking pressure off yourself is the best way to move forward. I hope this approach ushers in a beautiful 2024—in whatever form that takes!
Well, now it's *my* turn to say that I deeply appreciate this thoughtful comment! Thank you very much.
I really loved this one, Maddie -- at my day job, I feel that same guilt. If I'm not like the famous gif of Kermit the frog at the typewriter, I feel like I'm doing something wrong! 🤣 I know, rationally, how silly that is, yet it's still hard for me to shake that feeling. Really good stuff.
Agreed! In all my years of working for other people, at organizations big and small, I was never *quite* able to bring this perspective to the office. There's a certain expectation of what "productivity" looks like, and I was probably too much of a people-pleaser to shake that off 😂 Really appreciate hearing about your experience!
This idea of slow productivity seems very timely for me. Having escaped a cubicle farm with shift work and becoming a full time PA.
My life has taken a 360 pivot. Everything that was set in routine has been turned on its head. My new career requires me to stand by and be available at all times and the hours and mostly unpredictable and long.
When I had a typical corporate life, meal times were regular. I could hit the gym regularly. See my friends who were also on the same schedules as me. I am a productivity nerd and the tools and mental models I learnt thought books and influencers I followed were fun to experiment with. I was highly productive and happy, I always got a lot done. Or so I thought.
But recently, the new lifestyle with the new job. I barely have and personal time, and everything is changing and dynamic. It's like I have to be a different person.
Everything I learnt about being productive is now part of my arsenal of tools to excecute my job.
You reminded me that slow productivity is also a important. Like rich roll once said. The winner of the race doesn't always go to the one who runs the fastest, but the one who slow downs the least.
And what is life but one long marathon?
I love the way you unpack ideas, the tone of your writing is very soothing as well.
Can't wait to read more!
Amanda, thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment—I really appreciate getting to know your story, and hearing the ways in which slow productivity feels resonant to you!
Life is a marathon indeed...and it feels like we're *always* hitting that proverbial wall and having to figure out how to move forward anyway. 🫠 I can totally relate!
Having to completely reimagine day-to-day life as you know it, given the inherent unpredictability of your new career, is wildly challenging. I hope you're being extra-kind to yourself in this particular moment, because you certainly deserve it! Rooting for your success as you navigate all the newness.
Long runs and showers are better than any brainstorm I've ever had.
Just an absolutely magical combination for creativity. Who knew! ✨
This is SO good. Thank you for writing this. I resonate soooo deeply and hope to get to a place with writing consistently and feeling fulfilled like you do!
Jenni, thank *you* for reading—I so appreciate your kind words!
If it helps to know: six months ago, I hadn't written consistently for years. Once I committed to publishing here weekly (gulp), it got progressively easier and easier to get started on each successive draft...and look forward to that work! You got this 💪
This is SO good. Thank you for writing this. I resonate soooo deeply and hope to get to a place with writing consistently and feeling fulfilled like you do!
this is just what I needed to read at this time. Putting too much effort into some projects, possibly, and so yes, good to read...
I'm so glad this delivered a well-timed message for you, Rosana! Thank you so much for your kind words. 🥰
Loved this Maddie - it made clear to me the experience I also have with this newfound (for me) world of creativity. Can’t sit at my desk all day like my regular job and get it done. This creative life is more organic, and has a lot more space! Thanks for helping me think it through with this post. ❤️
I'm so glad to hear this, Sue! For what it's worth, it's hard to believe that the world of creativity is relatively new to you, given the quality and depth of what you're creating. But I suppose that speaks to the power of slow productivity, too—because I imagine you've been meditating on the themes you write about for years. ❤️
Not much to add to this other than a simple mindset that a mentor of mine (Brad Barrett of ChooseFi Podcast) says often that really helps, which is to focus on being "directionally accurate." If you do that, you are most of the way there.
This mindset shift may be simple, but it's incredibly meaningful! If our attention and efforts were airplanes, it's like making sure we're piloting them west rather than east—assuming that's the direction we want to go. Love this!
Thank you! Couldn’t agree more.
For me, it’s morning hikes / walks. Some people swear by waking up and getting straight to work. I find that easing into it breeds so much inspiration. 🙏🏻
Ooh, what a wonderful nudge for me to get back into this habit! Morning walks are the best. I used to put my coffee in a Thermos and take it down to the waterfront...gotta get back to that. 🥰
That sounds lovely!
There's a joke that writing looks a whole lot like lying on the sofa, watching TV. (I think Aaron Sorkin might've said it.) But it's true! Some of the best work is done while it's marinating. Just sitting there (lying there, showering, brushing teeth, exercising), doing anything but what you're "supposed" to be doing. What I'm doing for my productivity is making space for breaks to avoid burnout. Looking out for the longevity and quality. Great post, lovely. Thank you, Maddie! xo
Okay, that joke got a genuine laugh out of me! My uncle was a physicist, and I remember hearing similar family lore about the "theoretical" part of his work, which apparently involved a lot of staring into space. 😂
Marinating is the perfect metaphor, too—it helps develop and meld complex flavors with time rather than effort. Love your insights, Sandra!
Not sure if you've ever connected with Oliver Burkeman's work, but one of his main talking points is that time is finite and we'll never finish our to-do list (or the concept of doing it all) anyway, so we might as well focus on what matters. It's certainly given me some perspective on the ever looming to-do list and that productivity isn't about that list, rather the tasks that really add value to my life.
Yes to all of this. I think Four Thousand Weeks should be required reading! Pretty much every single one of his arguments is a sanity-saver. (Also: his newsletter is amazing.)
One of my favorite things I've heard from Oliver Burkeman about writing is that some ideas need to "ripen" before they're workable. I try to remember that when I'm writing something that isn't coming together—it may just be unripe.
I love this for you, Maddie. Writing looks good on you ❤️
When it comes to writing, doing lots of "nothing" is imperative. That silence is where the magic is able to enter. That is the main part of the production of writing for me. It is why I spend at least an hour a day walking out in nature, it is why I sit in front of the fireplace with no distractions, and why I spend hours in the hammock. The shower is also a creative spot, water is a conduit for so much processing and receiving. To outsiders who don't write, I'm sure it looks like a whole lot of nothing but there is so much internal work being done. Knowing that that part of the process is such a huge piece of the production of writing has made life much easier on me.
I'm here to enjoy life, love my people fiercely, and make things. Even in the discomfort, I love the journey and that is how I know I'm doing the right thing with the right people. I love writing so much because it mimics the process of life. You've got to sit with it and rearrange it all until it resembles something you can live with/love. It's so much fun!
Right back atcha, my friend! ❤️
These beautiful descriptions of your daily practices—particularly the part about walking in nature—made me think of a podcast I listened to yesterday. The host, who's an author, made the argument that exercise is "part of his job," and I loved that framing. *Of course* movement and time for undistracted reflection are parts of our jobs!
Your point about water as a conduit for processing and receiving is one I'll be sitting with—I love that. Also love how much the entire last paragraph of your comment had me nodding along and smiling!
Loved this, Maddie. Couldn’t agree more about the ‘writing’ and ideas first being done in the head. I only sit down to actually ‘write-write’ once the story is ready to spill out on a page!
Turns out, all I needed to do was connect with other writers to find out that I'm not alone—one of the many joys of Substack. 🥰 Loved getting this window into your process too, Jolene!
I can’t remember who said this but I once heard “Thinking is working, too” and thought YES!
Ooh, I am *officially* filing this one away. 🤯 It's true in lots of fields, but wow is it applicable to writing; I don't think that clear writing exists without clear thinking.
Agree!