“So, here’s a question…”
When Mart and I were dating, I would often say this phrase to introduce a topic that, depending on his answer, could strongly impact our future together. The poor guy never knew what was coming.
This week, I’ve been wrestling with some thoughts about the nature of how I’m spending my time during the shelter-in-place order.
So, my friends, here’s a question:
What does productivity mean during a quarantine?
Having all this time at home has made me want to have a lot of finished projects to show for it.
For example, one of the things I am doing during this time is decluttering. Every day, I measure my progress by the amount of papers in my recycle bin and the items that I have put aside to give away or donate. I am amazed at how much better my office looks and feels. And, by the way, I’m actually writing this post on my desk in my office, which is a small feat in itself.
But, as I was talking to Mart and some friends this week, I’ve realized that a lot of what I’m doing during this time is not easily quantifiable—that is, I can’t necessarily point to a list of to-do items that I’ve checked off.
Like:
Spending quality time with my family members here at home.
Actually calling, rather than texting, friends I haven’t seen in a while.
Sending cards to some friends and emailing others to say hello.
Writing blog posts and articles that, I hope, encourage the people who read them.
And cooking more than I ever have before, it seems.
Checking items off a to-do list makes me glad because I like the feeling of having gotten things done. However, those items are not always the most important things to me (which is one reason why my office is so cluttered!). I often spend more time on less concrete, more abstract things like the things I’ve mentioned above. On things that are not easily quantified, like relationships.
And that’s okay.
A good friend of mine said something so wise a few days ago: she said that she was not going to be shamed by other people’s expectations or definitions of productivity during this quarantine. I found that really helpful. It has allowed me to tweak the definition of productivity a little bit to reflect my own wiring and personality.
So, here’s another question—or rather, a series of them. Ready?
When you look back on this time,
Will you be glad about what you accomplished? Good.
Will you be glad that you just made it through? Good.
Will you be glad that you worked hard in difficult circumstances? Good.
Will you be glad that you kept your family fed? Good.
Will you be glad that you got projects done around the house? Good.
Will you be glad that you home-schooled your kids? Good.
Will you be glad that you read some books you enjoyed? Good.
Will you just be glad that you didn’t kill anyone? Even better!
I know I’ll be thinking about this more in the future. (I’d love to hear your thoughts and input, so leave a comment or email me.) But in the meantime, I’m going to quickly straighten up my desk, step outside into the beauty of this spring afternoon, and spend some quality time with my dog.
Perhaps this discussion of productivity is a no-brainer for you? Send me a comment and let me know what you think.
And if you’d like some no-guilt help and inspiration with decluttering, check out Kathi Lipp. She makes decluttering fun (and funny).
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Pile of papers photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Fun teal rotary telephone photo by Diogo Brandao on Unsplash
Pencil shavings photo by Washington Oliveira 🇧🇷 on Unsplash
Delicious-looking pasta photo by Krista Stucchio on Unsplash