I have been reading many quotes and articles on Productivity during Pandemic. The messages are quite contradictory.Some advise more productivity, some advise to relax and not turn it into a contest. Some feel attacked at the thought of Productivity and Some similarly feel attacked for not being Productive Enough.
From all the extreme narratives, though, one thing stands out.
The definition of productivity is not clearly understood and it changes from context to context.
So what does Productivity mean?
Productivity is the measure of efficiency of a person in converting inputs into useful outputs.
From Accomplishing Daily Smaller tasks to Revisiting your life and Setting New Goals for yourself, all these tasks are Productive tasks. Taking a closer look at your Life and Business, Innovating, planning tweaks to derive better results, Using what-ever knowledge you have to prepare for a new tomorrow is also Productive. Self Care and Resting when required is also Productive.
If you have done nothing “productive” as per definition and are able to laugh about it at the end of the day, you ARE STILL BEING PRODUCTIVE.
Why? Because Being Mentally Healthy is also a form of Productivity.Being in charge of your life and being accountable for yourself is Productivity.
What’s not productive is giving examples of Pandemic or any other Challenging Situations for living a life where you are neither happy nor fulfilled; where you are perpetually Anxious and Unhappy. Your Life mirrors your standards. Staying safe is Smart, Staying helpless is weakening.
If you want to change your life, no time like now because if not now, when? This time and this new way of living will allow you to put your routine thoughts on hold and newer thoughts to emerge.
People who are passionate and curious about life will
INNOVATE
DISCOVER
INVENT
and emerge stronger.
During his year of self-isolation due to a plague (comparable with our self isolation during Pandemic) what Isaac Newton referred to as “Annus Mirabilis” or the Miracle Year he let his imagination run free and came up with Calculus, discovered that light has 7 colour components and theorised about Gravity. Maths and Science that we are still using till date.He was able to take advantage of the interesting times in which he lived. Without the resources we have today at our disposal.
Yes, the Pandemic will unfortunately cause Trauma to some. Their Brain Chemistry will leave them with no option and that is beyond anybody’s control. But whether it causes Trauma to you or not, could, possibly be something that you decide for yourself with your actions. If your Brain Chemistry allows you some control, don’t allow your thoughts and mindset to take away that feeling of control. This is Stoic Philosophy.
We cannot choose what happens to us,but we can choose how to respond to it.If you retain the power of choice,choose wisely. Stoicness is what’s needed right now. It’s an Empowering Perspective for today’s times and during challenges.The Pandemic is not ending today or tomorrow. Till a comprehensive solution emerges, we all have to think up of new ways of living our lives. Deriving Solutions is Productive.
For how long will you pause your life?
Therefore Stop Dwelling on the Trauma and start dwelling on how you still have the power to possibly bring joy to your life in this period. Stop dwelling on the problem and start dwelling on Solutions. Be an Educated Empath.Stop choosing to be a Victim.Choose your attitude instead. Because Attitudes are Contagious. Who knows who might be looking at you for Strength and Inspiration? Who knows what your Attitude could spark in a fellow Human Being? Who knows what being truly Productive (in the most truest sense of this word) do for you and others during this Pandemic?
It’s said Adversity reveals Character. True.
But Adversity also gives us an opportunity to Build Character.
We are all in this together. You all already Stay Safe.
Choose to Stay Strong as well.