More Time Needed

It took me 8 hours to do a 5 minute task.

These words from a friend, lamenting her procrastinating ways, were met with a wry smile.

And, a question or two.

When we went a little deeper into that 5 minute task, it was apparent that it wasn’t a 5 minute task at all.

Planning.

Thinking.

Coordination.

Reflecting.

Waiting.

Doing.

These were all necessary, and unavoidable, elements of the “5 minute task”.

When we work, and live, in a world that has a narrow, unrealistic view of productivity and effectiveness, not only are tasks defined in a narrow way, so too is our sense of competence and worth.

Yes, there are times when we are flat out, 100% procrastinating. And there are times when the definition of procrastination is skewed.

When we value the quality of the outcomes, connection and sustainability of our work, that “5 minute task” might just require a little more time.

When what we do, and how we do it, matters, we might just need to push back on the unhelpful productivity mantras.

What say you? How might you rethink the definition of productivity in your work and life?

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