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Hey friend, happy Monday! I was listening to a podcast the other morning (Daily Boost, if you must know) and the host made a joke about the episode title — “Stress-Free Weekly Productivity” — being just a string of buzzwords. Although delivered with all the gravitas of a dad joke, it really made me stop and think. And then I looked at the titles of my (very long) Articles To Read list. Productivity. Self care. Optimization. Goals. Growth mindset. Intentionality. Mindfulness. Buzzwords buzzwords buzzwords. How are supposed to be productive while practicing self care, but also setting goals through the lens of a growth mindset, all while remaining intentional and mindful? I don’t know. Over a year ago, way back in Issue #2, I wrote about The Productivity Trap. In that issue, I was clear that I didn’t have a solution to this trap. And I still don’t. Is productivity the goal? Do productivity hacks actually help us? Are we becoming better people by being more productive? My answer to all those questions is a big, resounding NO. In a lot of cases, obsessing over being productive hurts us. It’s not good for anyone’s mental, emotional, or physical health to spend 10+ hours a day sitting at a desk, forgoing personal needs in the name of getting more done. Nor is it benefitting you to constantly be sprinting through every task without a moment of rest, peace, or silence. Yet, we’re told again and again and again that this is the optimal way of living. Honestly, my answer to those questions hasn’t always been no, though. And I still have all the aforementioned articles on my list, ready to read through for some productivity inspo. It’s hard to break from a system that is so ingrained in us that we let it hurt us. But I firmly believe that the more we pause, reflect, and push back on these beliefs, the stronger our own needs will shine through. That’s why this week, the Lemonade Recipe won’t be things to do or try, but instead reflection questions. Even if you’re rolling your eyes at the thought, I encourage you to take a moment and genuinely think about your responses. Talk soon, Emily P.S. If a friend forwarded you this email and you’d like to sign up, or if want to check out my previous issues, you can do so here.
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