Well…it looks like COVID-19 life is here to stay for a bit longer than we anticipated. The distant hope of a carefree, social summer turned into a disappointing reality of masks, distance and uncertainty. Nearly five months into quarantine, it seems like there is hardly anything to look forward to or work on.
Back at the start of the shutdown, I read that a lot of people were working on tasks they’ve always wanted to complete, but never had the time for. So, I dove in head first. I framed my favorite pictures, dabbled in yoga, stayed hydrated, and de-cluttered my living space Marie Kondo style…there is simply nothing left to organize or practice!
Now, I sit in a clean room, browse streaming services full of shows I’ve already watched, and wait for dust to collect on my dresser so I can clean it. It’s repetitive, and frankly, it’s boring.
How did five whole months of intense productivity not promote any kind of fulfillment in my life. What’s the problem here?
Conventional “productivity” doesn’t bring fulfillment.
Most of the time, being productive turns into crossing tasks off of a to-do list. My goal list, up until now, has been riddled with menial tasks that I think I should be doing, rather than goals that I know I should work towards. Quarantine didn’t make me more productive, it just pushed me to keep myself busy.
With this in mind I have done away with checkboxes and lists, in favor of answering some real questions, like:
Who am I becoming?
How can I be better to the people I care about?
What things are making me unhappy, and what can I change about them?
Setting my intentions on these questions has shifted my perspective from the “right now” to a broader, more holistic picture of my life and the people I love. Although I might miss a few new documentaries on Netflix or get a day behind on the news, I will be more fulfilled and happy through making real, lasting changes and positive steps in my life.
I encourage you to ask yourself, “what questions are on my list?” After you figure that out, keep asking yourself about them! Work them into your daily routine. Focus on adding meaning to days that otherwise seem to run together. This way, when we finally get through this pandemic nightmare, we will emerge fulfilled, content, and energized.