Declutter your productivity system. There comes a point when you spend more time tracking, taking notes, measuring, and planning than doing the tasks that your systems are supposed to help you with. Some call it the productivity paradox: as more investment is made into information gathering, tracking, and additional work, productivity actually goes down instead of up. So what can you do? What do we need, and what needs to be thrown into the bin (trash can)?

In a world that bombards us with endless choices, advertisements, and desires that don't benefit our lives beyond the dopamine of wanting it, I ironically stumbled across a book about essentialism. With our culture fading away from the extremism of minimalism, this new philosophy of living and well-being sparked an interest in a lifestyle that resonated with me. This idea that one just needs what they need, from a car to a painting that makes them happy to look at in the morning, to needing three monitors on their desk. It's all good, as long as you need it.

Why is our current culture obsessed with selling out? Sorry, I mean making money. Back in the day, people used to be shamed and dissed for selling out or making money doing what they love. Artists would lose their followings if they sold out to promote a brand or go mainstream with a record label. The idea that their authenticity was no longer centered around the art or the fans but rather transitioned toward making money. This was how it was before the '90s, but then the internet happened.

With the internet came instant connection and a new market. Social media platforms became a necessity for interacting with friends and family, and the phone call, letter, or meeting around a good old dinner table was out, and the pixelated screen in the palm of your hand was in.

I've been reading a lot lately, like a ton for me. This holiday, I've read six books in the past two months. I know for some that is pitiful, and for others, that is a whole year's worth of books. The things I'm gaining from sitting down is knowledge, which is a given when you read non-fiction. However, the thing I'm learning the most is routine, discipline, and a constructive distraction from cheap dopamine hits. I no longer pick up my phone to doom scroll. Instead, if I get sick of reading, I just do something else. For example, I take a walk, make some wholesome food, or do the dishes. After a while, I'll get bored, write an article, or pick the book up again and get back to reading.

I'm currently reading the book "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. I've gotten to a part in the book about tools; about comparing our day-to-day tools to a farmer and a blacksmith. Back in the day, it took a lot of convincing and showcasing to make a profession change the tools they were using for their craft. Back in the day, blacksmiths used a firepit, anvil, and a hammer. Telling them to change from a hardy hot cut to a hacksaw would have taken a lot of convincing. But when it comes to our modern-day tools, we don't hesitate in adopting new technology, software, or apps. It's even praised as innovative. My question is, is that innovation truly benefiting your end goal?

So, I have to read a lot of books this year to achieve my goal of becoming a writer. I need to learn, and abstain knowledge to better back up my clams and ideas with tangible evidence. Yet, I'm procrastinating from reading by writing this blog post. I know avoiding one productive thing for another is a conundrum, or is it a juxtaposition? No, that's not the right word… structural procrastination. That's the word.

Optimising something that you're not currently doing is just procrastination. It's a great feel-good excuse for researching or outlining a business plan or structure. It tells the world, "Hey, I'm doing the thing," when in reality, we aren't doing the things at all. Because we are scared, we want to put it off as long as possible until we get all our ducks in a row, and we know every conceivable possible outcome before it even happens. And you know what? We all do this to some extent.

I'm not a writer, but that isn't going to stop me. Sure, I'm dyslexic, and have disabilities with how I hear and process the world. That shouldn't stop me; that shouldn't be a deterrent. It's such a massive wall in my way that I have to get over, and I will make it my superpower. Because to get over these mishaps will make me stronger and a better person for it. I'm not a writer, but damn it, that's not going to stop me.

Life is messy. We have all these things we want to do and accomplish while fighting this wonderful thing called procrastination. You know, doom scrolling and lazing on the couch, watching streaming services, which is fun, relaxing, and oh so good for the soul. Well, that's what we tell ourselves.

Life is messy because things happen that we don't expect, which keeps us on our toes/ Which in turn makes life interesting, and so very emotional. What would a week be like if I didn't dread running out of my food budget, to decide to walk to the grocery shops to save money so I could buy more food? Life would be easy, with no challenges and as a result, boring.

We can't help but compare ourselves to others; it's literally how we know where we stand in the world. If we can do certain things or if we belong in a certain group or place. People say that you shouldn't compare or judge others or yourself. But it is hardwired into our brains; it's biological, a social skill to keep us safe. But at the same time, it can be the detriment to our happiness and well-being. So how do we overcome something that is inherently human nature?

First off, our brains are an amazing organ whose solo job is to keep us alive. Knowing is the first step.

Do what makes you happy and stop oversharing. No one else is going to chase your dreams for you. You have to start doing what makes you happy, not what makes the people around you happy or proud. Because you can't do it for others, and external modifications like praise. You have to do it for yourself. You have to be content doing it even if no one else in the world sees you doing it or your accomplishments other than you.

I keep in mind that you can't change someone; you can only show them the way and hope they go down the right path. I'm not perfect, far from it, but I try. I reflect on my state of mind, my actions, and the emotions I feel. I question why I feel a certain way, what the cause is, and where it comes from. I also strive to improve myself, both physically and mentally. However, lately, I've noticed that my body needs more attention than it's been getting.

It's not your fault. It's not your fault that you can't get any work done because the TV is more interesting. It's not your fault you can't read; TikTok is more entertaining. It's not your fault that you are unhealthy; the bag of chips is too enticing. Some people would say it is your fault, but I'm saying it's not. Our brains want to do the easy thing. We want fun and relaxation. So what are we to do when there are all these distractions and enticements?

The self-help space can be toxic but also damaging when you get advice that doesn't work for you. There is a huge divide between neurotypical people and neurodivergent's. Knowing which one you are will help you consider if an approach to bettering yourself and your life is productive or even viable. So, what can we do to better ourselves without damaging ourselves?

The way I see it is that first, we need to find out what kind of person we are and how we work. Knowing if you're neurodivergent or neurotypical can help a lot.