How to be productive and not just ‘busy’?

How to be productive and not just ‘busy’?

This is one challenge that every artist and/or creator faces. What ever the reason may be, it affects their performance and overall work, especially if what they do is not merely a hobby but a means of earning.

This is a journey that we all go through, so don’t feel lonely in it. We’re all in this together.

Now to the meat of what we’re here to discuss,

How can we be productive and not just ‘busy’?

1. Be careful that your rest doesn’t become a ‘retirement’ –

Very often we would like to take some time off of our work but most time that leads to a period of prolonged ‘rest’, one that you don’t really need. If you are over worked then, yes, take some time off. Give your body, mind and soul the rest it needs.

In the case if an artist or creator, sure, there are always times when we get tired or burntburnt out but we can’t let that mindset grab hold of us. Every once in a while it’s always necessary for us to step back in our domains and flex our mental productive muscles. Even if it’s not actually work that you’re doing. Just try to see the beauty of what you are making and have fun.

2. Be thankful of the opportunities that are given to you –

It’s always important for us to turn and look back sometimes, to look back on where we come from, how far we’ve come. This is what helps me, personally, to be thankful of all that’s been blessed on me so i could do what I do now.

Remember why you do what you do – because you love it. Not mere because you have to, but because you want to. A thankful attitude towards Life is always important for us to maintain our joy and see the beauty in the ugly.

From a small 5 octave keyboard to an 8 octave weighted key digital piano, from a small digital camera to a thousand dollar DSLR – blessings given and earned through your hard work. Lets not waste these awesome gifts and give it our best to improve upon them.

3. Compete –

Get in touch with like minded creative people, especially with people with more experience and skill. In an environment with such high standards, you would have no choice but to reach for that level. Not that this means stay away from individuals who are not up to your level. For such people it’s up to you to teach and lead them so they could also rise and compete.

Try living your life in search of a higher meaning; a better version of yourself. Be humble in the process because no matter how good you may be,”there’s always bigger fish”, there’s always someone better than you. Don’t take that as a discouragement but take that as a reason to keep climbing. That’s where productivity is found , in that constant struggle to try newer things.

4. Communicate –

If what you’re going through is truly hard to break, then talk to someone you trust. As in the point above, get in touch with people – friends, family, colleagues – there’s always someone who’s ready to hear your story. There’s no need for you to carry this burden on your own.

As mentioned, these are issues that each and every one of us go through. We’re all in this together. That’s why, I encourage you, don’t feel like you’re alone. Because you’re not.

I hope these few words help someone and as always, I too am also ready to learn from you as well. Feel free to share your thoughts, what you agree and disagree and let’s all learn to be better together.