Do We Need Self-Imposed Rules to Be Productive?
We use time blocking, batching, Pomodoro’s, and to-do lists to be productive. But is there a better way to be genuinely productive?
What is the need for rules really about? And are they necessary if we are skilled in checking in with ourselves? If we know what we need at that moment and can see through any mirages of self? Mirages of laziness, escapism, and fear? Can we really learn to recognize the mirages of the mind every time? Or even 90% of the time?
I am sure that the need for rules is a humanity thing, not just a Maria thing. We have rules everywhere, to control society and ourselves. At this point in human development, societal rules are necessary, but are personal rules, schedules, and to-do lists truly necessary?
A list of things we have to do is important because we can’t remember it all without some form of external brain. But do we need to-do lists for the purpose of self-control and commitment? Can we lean to check in and become naturally productive in the truest form?
Can we ditch all the rules, to-do lists, schedules, productivity tools, and M.I.T. and simply do the things we want and need to do? Wholly because we enjoy it, know ourselves in depth, and follow our path because we want to get to the goal. Can we, with in-depth self-knowledge take the easy path to the Bell (ref. to H.C Anderson's fairytale called The Bell)?
As human beings, we aspire to evolve ourselves and our lives. We want something else than what we have today. We strive for a better tomorrow.
In that striving we set SMART goals and deadlines. We use Pomodoro and bullet journals. But is it really necessary? Can we get there without the internal and external crutches that we cling to with our dear lives?
Can we instead be present in ourselves and in the moment? Can we let go of everything and follow the flow of the river of life, gently steering toward the things that occupy our daydreams?
Is this a picture of the pinnacle of an ambitious person?
Is this how be become truly naturally productive?
Is this a path to happiness?
Is this how we become free?
I don’t have the answer, all I have is questions.
Originally published at https://mariaskaarup.com on September 19, 2023.
