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| Just one of the ways I measure my productivity |
"'I have a disease,' I think to myself. 'I am addicted to measurable productivity.'" ~Emily P. Freeman in A Million Little Ways
Have you ever been reading along in a book when a statement hits you right between the eyes?
That's how I felt when I read the words highlighted above.
That is ME. At the end of the day, I feel satisfied and fulfilled when I can look back and measure how productive I've been. However, if most of the items aren't crossed off my to-do list (and there may be more than one list), I feel like I've failed for the day. I've written about this issue before, but there's clearly still room for improvement.
Now you may have a personality that is not afflicted with this condition. (Unfortunately, I tend to write about what I struggle with - so if you don't have this problem, perhaps you can suggest a different weakness for me to write about in the future!) Sometimes I look with admiration at people whose personality draws them to other people, those who never meet a stranger, who naturally focus on relationships, not tasks.
My personality type is a firstborn, perfectionist, people-pleaser who is motivated by checking things off a list. Accomplishment; that's what fuels my day, gives me purpose, and makes me feel successful. I am addicted to measurable productivity.
There's nothing innately wrong with accomplishing things, but I have to remember to prioritize people and relationships, especially those in my family. Talking over our day with my husband or helping my daughter with a project or writing an email to a friend takes precedence - and I need to resist the temptation to add those items to my list so I can cross them off!
Many important things don't have a measurable value. Take prayer, for instance. Yes, I can see God answer prayer in the here and now; but I may not see the effect of many prayers that I pray until we're in heaven. Neither can I measure the impact of a smile to a stranger or a kind word to a friend or a card of encouragement to a fellow church member.
It's helpful to set goals, to plan for the future, and do the best that I can to serve my family and my Lord. I believe God made me the way I am for a purpose and this trait can be used to further His work...if I just don't allow my to-do list to turn into an idol I worship.. Accomplishment for it's own sake can't be what drives me. I have to allow the Lord to direct my days and learn to yield to whatever He has planned...whether it's on my to-do list or not.
Do you struggle with this like I do?
Omigosh, yes!!! This is 100% me, too!!!
ReplyDeleteI do struggle with it, but maybe not as much as you do. Mostly, I like to get things done so that they don't carry over until tomorrow...which is already full of its own chores. ;)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE to-do lists, but I don't make a daily list. I make lists that relate to specific things, but they don't necessarily have a deadline (like daily ones often do). For example, I have a to-do list specifically for sewing, and it might take me a week to get through it, or it might take me a few months. I don't stress about a time-frame to complete it in. I also have a to-do list for planning for school, and projects - but again, they usually don't have a specific time-frame they have to be completed in. This way, I remember the things/projects I want to get through and I can work at them without it becoming a success/failure goal. I always feel achieved about my list because I steadily work through it without pressure.
ReplyDeleteFor daily stuff, I don't usually need a to-do list, because our days and weeks pretty much follow a pattern/routine. Occasionally I do a list for Saturdays - which is often our extra chores day, but I rarely fail to get through it on the day because it's my routine to do those extra chores on Saturdays anyway! Does that make sense?
I hate new year resolutions or lists that set me up to fail, because failing never encourages me or builds me up. I prefer to use methods that lead to success and satisfaction! :P
I used to struggle with this more than I do now. Having foster children means that I need to be more calendar oriented than task orientated, which can be good and bad. It's good because I am much more flexible and have learned to not sweat the small stuff. BUT, I can only take *so* much before I feel like I have lost control of the house and then the lists start again. I'm really working on it!
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