Redefining Productivity: Achieving More Without Sacrificing What Matters

Have you ever wondered if what you do and who you are matter?

Have you ever thought whether the actions you decided will have a ripple effects or good impacts?

Have you ever questioned the meaning of certain words like work, success, productivity?

If the answer to any of the above questions is a resounding “YES,” that makes two of us!

I have been mulling over these concepts…

In my quest on redefining productivity, I have been filled with a mixed bag of emotions in the process of unpacking the concept of rest, self-care, and work.

I was surprised how ingrained this whole mentality of ‘you need to put in the X amount of work to get Y amount of result, so that you can access Z kinds of activities’

What does “Redefining productivity” actually mean…

Redefining productivity is all about shifting our mindset about work.

You see, for the most part productivity is very synonymous with churning output, being efficient, and working relentlesly.

This very narrow, one-size-fits-all perspective completely overlooked rest and, in some ways, dehumanizes us.

We are not machine, yet the world we live in conditions us to function

(and dare I say, behave) like a machine. We are a cog in the whole system of capitalism.

I thought “being productive” means I need to constantly produce content and achieve something.

In the context of establishing my practice this means generating a certain amount of income by working a certain amount of hours.

What set me on a quest on redefining productivity…

I was first prompted to examine the meaning and application of the word “productivity” after feeling somewhat burned out after completing my MA.

Yes, the very program/pathway that made it possible for me to practise in this field actually drained and sapped me out of energy.

How so, you may ask?

Well, the program was super rigorous, and in order to complete every step of the way I need to participate in the monotony of producing X amount of work that measures up to Y level of quality.

Consistently.

I always wonder whether Reading break was ‘a break to do reading’ OR ‘a break FROM reading any academics.’

Reading Break (IMO) should provide a bit of a breather for students from the monotony of academic work, though this coule possibly be a blog topic on its own.

The turning point for me in redefining productivity…

That lightbulb realization inspired me to expand my understanding of productivity to include intentional rest as a vital component.

If I were to expand on it a bit more:

Striking a good balance between maintaining the quality of my output and honouring my body’s needs to rest.

I also like this definition that Charles Duhigg, the author of The Power of Habit, shared:

“Getting everything done without sacrificing everything we care about along the way”

Confession: Redefining productivity was challenging at first but well worth it

I gotta say that at the beginning, it felt wrong within me when I decided to do the bare minimum during my mom’s visit. By bare minimum I meant meeting with current and new clients and prepping for our sessions. I forego the extra stuff, like getting myself out there on Instagram or networking events, etc. so that I could maximize our time together.

Though, after some initial wrestling, I finally gave myself permission to rest and just be in my quest of redefining productivity.

How redefining productivity looks like in action

Redefining prouctivitiy inspired me to give myself the permission to soak up all the time I had with my mom. I could be more fully in the moment

Redefining productivity made me realize that once we wrapped up the visit, I will have all the time in the world to go full steam in doing all the other things in/for my practise.

Redefining productivity prompted me to take space and think of what truly matters.

Redefining productivity led me to a pathway that made it possible for me to define life in my own terms. And also live that out unapologetically.

Redefining productivity is all about striking a good balance

Let’s picture two polar opposites with ‘one side being constantly busy and doing relentless work’ (which is what capitalism preaches to us) and ‘on the other side being a couch potato (which capitalism labels as lazy)

Redefining productivity means striking a balance with both sides

It is not an “either or” approach to life, but more of a “both and”

You can be both care about work, goals, accomplishments, and milestones AND still allocate time to replenish your energy, feed your curiosity, and pursue creative endeavour.

If you feel like you are in 1 side of the spectrum, and find the other of the spectrum now seem so attractive, know that change doesn’t happen instantly. [Well, at least more sustainable, longer lasting ones.]

One final reminder for your process in redefining productivity

Remember that Small success compounds.

When I started adopting this shift in perspective, I took some small steps.

Instead of pushing myself to study all weekend, I gave myself the permission to either go have my favourite ramen in Vancouver, or go out for a longer walk in Pacific Regional Park.

It felt good honouring my needs and giving myself a positive experience. So, from that one small decision, then over time it became easier for me to take a step back, notice what’s taking place in the moment, name what I experience or need.

Taking this meandering road in reflecting on how I relate to the concept of productivity, and finally taking a stance on the topic, it prompted me to then examine what success means.

I so welcome you to reach out to me personally via my Instagram @thespunkycounsellor if anything I shared resonated with you, especially curious if anything sparked your inspiration.

Hello, I’m Nita Agustin

Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Burnaby, BC

My jam is working with queer youth and young adults, especially those who do not want to be defined by what society told them about themselves. I help clients figure out who they are, who they want to be, and how to get there. We do this by processing how their past impacted the way they live out their life today. From our work together, I noticed clients develop better self-awareness and experience improved quality of life as they can show up differently in their relationships.

I offer virtual and in-person sessions near Brentwood, North Burnaby. In the summer I also offer walk-and-walk in Confederation Park. I am licensed to practise in BC, as well as all across Canada, so I support clients all over BC, all the way from Vancouver to Kitimat. Other than working with clients who reside in BC, I also can support clients who reside in Yukon Territories, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland.

Check out my About me page to learn more about what I do and have to offer for you. Also, explore my Services page to see how I can guide you in making shifts in your life today. If you feel ready to discover ways to live life on your own terms, I welcome you to book an initial intake session. I am so stoked to meet you and start figuring out how you can show up as your best self!

Throughout this pandemic, I witnessed telehealth virtual sessions become more of a norm, and it has been super transformative seeing clients can access mental health services from the comfort of their home.

There are lots of different stereotypes out there, and society tells us who we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do in the world. It can feel very overwhelming and confusing to compare our personal experience against those ideas. The thing is, you no longer have to be defined by what society tells you. It is your life to live, and you get to decide who get a say about your life.