Until I discovered that productivity can be a cheap trick.
A focus on productivity can blind you to real life.
Real life = your kid's smiling face, a delicious afternoon nap, so many opportunities hidden in front of your eyes.
Example: Two months ago we had a large family dinner. Since I used to be Little Miss Efficient I could have so easily gone into a whirlwind of preparation. I would have worked hard, pulled off a great dinner and at the end of it all felt empty.
Instead, I took the PDed approach, Productivity Dehanced approach.1. I grasped the idea that even if we just ordered pizza that night, we'd still have a fun time. Everything beyond that was bonus.
2. I made some of our most favorite foods ahead of time (prepped dough for rolls, prepped homemade caesar dressing, etc). Sure, it's a productivity trick, but it was relaxing, not time-squishing.
3. The day of, I did what I normally do to feel good: exercise, relax, talk with kids over a slow breakfast. By the time dinner rolled around I was feeling so wonderfully happy.
The PD approach allowed me to have the best dinner with family I've ever had. Sweet!
Despite successes, I often forget that PD is better than freak-out-because-stuff-must-get-done. To help myself remember to slow down, we have several cats. They are always lazing around the house somewhere, reminding us that life is short and an afternoon nap is the best medicine.
Productivity Dehancers blog = pics of six of the world's most amazing cats + thoughts on productivity
My motivation = reminding myself to not be so uptight + sharing the love
Because when you're not so uptight about productivity you tend to be more generous with sharing.
