8 Things That Are BETTER to Be Than “Productive”

Over here, we are ALL about living our lives with action and ambition. Hear this loud and clear: there is nothing bad about wanting to accomplish your goals and use your time wisely. However, along with that desire often comes some form of the classic statement: 

“I want to be more productive.”

Have you ever really thought about how the words “be productive” sound to your internal self? It’s the difference between classifying “productive” as something you FEEL versus something you ARE.

We can FEEL productive.

We can DO productive things.

We can ENGAGE in productivity.

All true things.

But “BEING” productive can be a slippery slope if we begin equivocating how many tasks we accomplish to how valuable we are as a person. That small distinction carries so much weight. We are so much more than how much we do.

Consider these 8 things that are BETTER to be than productive:

1. Be Curious.

Hang onto that childlike urge to learn. Try not to let the desire to “get things done” stifle the desire to slow down and discover.

2. Be Mindful.

It’s easy to get lost in a rabbit-hole of scheduling, goals, and habits when we aim for productivity. Remember to stop and smell the roses now and again so you can savor all you are accomplishing.

3. Be Kind.

This one speaks for itself. Kindness beats productivity any day.

4. Be Present.

Striving for a certain goal is a lot like being a child wishing for a birthday gift for months on end. After you finally receive it, some part of you realizes the anticipation was the best part. Don’t miss the journey for the destination.

5. Be Whole.

When life isn’t going your way, it’s easy to divert your attention to a long list of tasks and to do’s instead of addressing what’s going on INSIDE. Set aside time for healing before trying to tackle the world.

6. Be Well.

In some seasons of life, you gotta lay down the long-term visions to focus on the day-to-day. And that’s okay. Getting enough sleep. Eating a wholesome meal. Taking a shower. Productivity is worthless if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

7. Be Resilient.

The ability to get back up again and again is RARE. Don’t let the fear of failure or the appeal of empty accomplishments keep you from pursuing REAL success.

8. Be Grateful.

Things are going great? Gratitude. Things are going not-so-great? Gratitude. Stuck in a rut? Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. It’s not always easy, but it IS always worth it.

All that said, let me remind you that productivity isn’t a bad thing inherently. It simply isn’t the BEST thing to be above all else. Let’s strive for productivity, sure, but let’s not get lost in what truly matters at the end of the day.