Heyyyy
It has been one easy Monday over here. I started the day like a typical work day—with a to-do list when all I really wanted to do was read. I usually don’t feel deserving of a break on public holidays because I work as a freelancer, and there’s always something to do, learn or pitch.
Today, I tried not to feel bad about “doing nothing,” but I already set myself up for failure by writing a to-do list this morning. Creating one automatically puts me in work mode; all I can think of is the list.
I used to love writing a long to-do list, adding nothing and everything, until two women came to my rescue: Grace Beverley, creator of the Productivity Method, and Erin Winters, creator of the Top Three Jornal.
Grace taught me to divide my to-dos into tasks, projects, and small ticks and then add time blocks(I know I sound like a broken record already, but this works), while Erin taught me to prioritize three things for the day: the combination of these two productivity principles is almost miraculous.
I just love making lists, shopping lists, bucket lists, and reading lists. One of my dreams is to own a stationery store and create productivity products. But productivity can become an obsession. I know that because I struggle to enjoy doing nothing.
In a conversation with my sister, I realized I only feel great about my work when I feel exhausted. It’s my toxic way of overcompensating for not continuing on a career path where that would have been the norm. I am still unravelling this revelation and assessing my mindset around work and productivity.
It’s important to build a positive relationship with productivity.
To love yourself enough to create time for the simple things in life that bring you pleasure and joy.
And to enjoy doing nothing
What’s one thing you miss doing?
How about scheduling time for it right now?
Love,
May💜