productivity

There are thousands of self-help books, videos, and podcasts giving me tips on how to be more productive and get more work done.

While most of that is bullshit and not really actionable, there are sometimes good pieces of advice that actually make sense and can be applied effectively. However, most of this advice only refers to one aspect: systems. Yes, clever systems, hacks, and routines can help, but they are only a part of the path towards sustainable productivity.

Effortless productivity comes from 3 pillars:

• Systems
• Health
• Purpose

The last two pillars are too often neglected.

Productivity is a matter of taking care of your body and mind, and finding a mission you can fully get behind.

This is the basis.
No amount of systems or hacks can compensate for a lack of health, energy, or meaningful purpose. Only when all three pillars - systems, health, and purpose - are aligned can we achieve productivity that feels effortless and fulfilling.

In planning my days, I want to keep this holistic approach more firmly in mind. I often fall into the trap of overambition, thinking I can handle marathon 12-hour work sessions like a machine. Yet, these typically result in very little actual productivity. A more balanced schedule proves to be far more effective.

I need to fundamentally rethink my ingrained notion of productivity.