I feel the need to provide a definition of what I mean by “productivity with grace.” When we think of productivity, we often think of getting as much done as possible, checking off a to do list, hustle, work quickly, no time to waste. It’s the kind of productivity that requires “hacks” to shave off some time here, automate there, ruthlessly focus so that we can get it all done.
It’s stressful.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe in a gentler approach to productivity. One that lets us be kind to ourselves. One that helps us focus on what actually matters rather than just trying to do All The Things. A productivity with grace.
Why do we need grace?
Perhaps you’ve experienced this. The stress and overwhelm we feel when we try to do it all actually backfires on us. We feel paralyzed by the mountain of things to do, and we end up not doing any of it, or doing just bits and pieces of various things, without doing anything well.
We need to give ourselves permission to pick and choose from our list. We need to forgive ourselves for the things we let go. And more than just “forgive.” We need to embrace the opportunity, recognizing that letting go of some things means we’ll be better able to do the things we allow to remain on our list.
Defining productivity with grace
The word “grace” for me wraps up all of these ideas. There are several definitions of the word, and many of them resonate in this instance:
- simple elegance or refinement of movement: “she moved through the water with effortless grace”
Productivity with grace has that elegance. If traditional productivity has us running around like crazy, graceful productivity would be more of a dance, every move made with intention and choreographed into a cohesive whole.
- courteous goodwill: “at least he has the grace to admit his debt to her”
Productivity with grace involves showing ourselves courteous goodwill. It’s so common for us to be the hardest on ourselves, but showing ourselves grace means we treat ourselves with the same kindness we show to others.
- (in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
I love the “free and unmerited” part of this definition. We can forgive ourselves and show ourselves kindness even when we feel we don’t deserve it.
- a period officially allowed for payment of a sum due or for compliance with a law or condition, especially an extended period granted as a special favor: “another three days’ grace”
Productivity with grace allows us to grant special favors to ourselves when we give ourselves permission to say “no” or “not yet.” We can essentially create grace periods for the items on our to do list.
What it looks like
There are a lot of ways to show yourself grace in your efforts to be productive. Here are some ideas:
- Give yourself permission to cut something from your to do list. Don’t move it to tomorrow, but actually cut it.
- Consciously choose to focus on only one task at a time.
- Notice the things you are actually accomplishing, even if they seem insignificant.
- Choose to work on a task not because you “should” do it, but because doing so is the best way to show yourself kindness. (Sometimes being kind to ourselves means finally tackling that thing we’ve been avoiding.)
- Take a minute to breathe if you find yourself overwhelmed. Let your heart rate settle before you start work again.
- Choose to complete the stressful thing first, if possible. By doing so, you’re giving yourself the gift of lower stress once it’s off your plate.
- Letting things be done imperfectly. (If there are typos in this post, just know that I’m practicing what I preach!)
- Start your day with an affirmation of your self-worth. And make sure you’re defining your worth in terms of who you are, not what you get done.
What does productivity with grace mean to you? I’d love to hear. Send me a message and let me know.