As my honeymoon commenced in the breathtaking landscapes of Mauritius, I found myself drawn away from the never-ending threads of work and the constant pursuit of productivity.
This was a remarkable 40-day hiatus for someone like me, a self-professed workaholic, and it came bundled with waves of self-doubt and failure.
Throughout our travels and the joyous wedding festivities, I managed to skillfully dodge the productivity demon. However, upon returning to Delhi and resuming work, I realized the battle was far from over.
Uncertainty loomed over me, questioning my readiness to face the demon that awaited.
Alas, no serene beaches, lush green mountains, or the flurry of being a newlywed could shield me from its clutches any longer. The productivity demon eagerly awaited its next feast, and I knew it would be excruciating. After all, I had fed it voraciously throughout the years.
My side hustle had served as its morning breakfast, my never-ending goals as its lunch, and my relentless pursuit of personal growth as its dinner. Oh, how well I had nourished this relentless entity.
Now, it was time to confront it head-on.
Surprisingly, immersing myself in the present moment became my saving grace. By pushing myself to live in the here and now, I discovered the strength to ignore the lifeless numbers on my blog or the absence of social media posts. The productivity demon eagerly anticipated my downfall, but I refused to succumb to its relentless grip.
Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, I found solace in embracing my newfound role as a member of the Kandra clan, having taken on my husband’s surname. This new chapter in my life demanded my attention and reminded me that work, while important, was only a part of the grand scheme of things.
The productivity demon, though still lurking, was now relegated to a secondary role as I prioritized the joys and responsibilities of my personal life.
Embracing the mantra of “less is more,” I started focusing on doing fewer tasks, but with greater intention and impact.
I realized that my worth and success were not defined by the sheer quantity of work I could accomplish, but rather by the quality of my efforts and the fulfillment they brought.
By adopting a more selective approach to my tasks, I found myself achieving a deeper sense of satisfaction and purpose.
Through this experience, I discovered that taming the productivity demon wasn’t about obliterating it entirely. It was about finding harmony, striking a balance between work and the other aspects that define who I am.
Life isn’t solely about chasing deadlines and meeting goals. It’s about finding fulfillment, nurturing relationships, and embracing the beauty that surrounds us.
Moreover, I came to a profound realization that working less did not equate to failure or a lack of ambition. It was about recognizing that sustainable success is born out of a balanced and well-rounded life.
By giving myself permission to prioritize self-care, leisure, and my relationships, I discovered that these aspects nourished my creativity, motivation, and overall well-being.
The productivity demon could no longer hold sway over me when I embraced the notion that success encompasses not just professional accomplishments, but also personal growth and happiness. As John Lennon said
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”
I haven’t yet tamed the productivity demon entirely. But I am now more in control than I was ever before.
If I can create that demon I can demolish it as well even though it will take a paradigm shift and a long haul.
Last week’s find
I learned how “Smart people hurt themselves, fools get hurt by others”. Maybe I’ll write about it in next week’s edition.
I am trying to get back to reading and devouring The Digital Mindset. It braces technology and builds a digital mindset whether we’re technical professionals or not.
I hope you enjoy today’s email. Do you also fight with the productivity demon? If yes, how do you deal with it?
Until next week
Shreya