Productivity is the Ultimate Distraction

In every century and generation you will find prophets and evangelists of self-control. These are the voices that plead with us to take the inward journey; they implore us to rise above the noise of the world by plummeting deep into ourselves; they show us that the greatest mastery of all is the mastery of the mind.

Control of self. Self-control.

It is here that so many task management applications, productivity tools, success seminars and GTD solutions fail us miserably. They themselves become external distractions — tools, tricks and gadgets — that can never be a substitute for the internal battle required to take control of the self and become master of the mind. Productivity, as an isolated concept, can be the greatest red herring on the horizon.

Self-control, not merely efficient productivity, ought to be our objective. Efficiency for efficiency’s sake is not unlike speed for speed’s sake–it’s a sweet adrenaline rush but it doesn’t take into account the direction you are going. Meaningful productivity is like the residue left in the wake of a self-controlled mind. So may control of self, not amped efficiency, be the state for which you are striving. Don’t be distracted by the lure of productivity as a vain, inoculating substitute.

James Shelley

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I study reciprocal and cyclical patterns of thinking and behaviour: such as how our ideas transform our environment and how our environment shapes our thinking in return. My research, writing, and speaking explores the genesis, lineage, and consequence of ideas. I also write the Caesura Letters, a periodical for mindfully adventurous, life-long learners.

5 Comments Write a comment

  1. I agree completely. I fell into this trap and it is easy to feel that productivity is the whole game, but for me it surely was not. I did much meaningless work in that time.
    Perhaps now I am less organized on the surface, but my ability to make meaning has increased.

    Reply

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  4. I used to log out of facebook while at work, so I could focus — I used to think. I would still log in now and then “just to like a link” or “just to send a message.”

    In fact, I simply chose to stop visiting facebook while working and that solved everything else.

    In the end, no trick or gimmick or ritual will save you from yourself.

    Reply

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