In the present society, productivity is defined in relation to success. A productive life is a successful life and a life that is not productive cannot yield successful results. We are living in a present world where everything in inter-connected, one then constantly finds oneself being drawn to a whole lot of activities each requiring attention at a drastic speed. The volume of information that is now accessible and the speed at which one is able to obtain them; in turn dictates the speed at which one is to respond - becomes overwhelming.
This is Part 2 of a two-part article on the topic of sustained productivity. Specifically, What is the eco-system of sustained productivity?
The Common Perspective
Birth in itself is an opportunity. That is the beginning of life that also has its significance as the beginning of an opportunity to lead a productive life where we are able to hone and develop all the resources required in ensuring a productive life. Therefore, our lives in itself present the very opportunity and the capacity from which to obtain and produce that which allows one to achieve happiness for oneself and others.
In present society, there is a common "smart competitive" way. From here, we note a common sequence:
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There is a succession from conception in the mind to the expression in the forms of behaviour in relation to the conception.
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The body and the mind is an integral part of us.
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Productivity can be sustained when we find and understand the strategies that help to generate productivity from within.
We are therefore humanistic because it is only through our mind and body and only we ourselves can apply the strategies within to uncover self-dependence. A self-dependent method for productivity needs to be nurtured from within and grow from within.
Productivity, is an input-output relationship. A stimulus must be present in which a response is to be generated accordingly. When there is both action and a completed reaction, some form of "work" is completed. One has then "produced".
The Ecosystem of Productivity
There must be that in particular, which takes the part of a stimuli and as a result there must be an avenue at which the response is to be directed.
Collectively these elements work together synergistically to form a conducive ecosystem that productivity can be manifested. Even with sustained strategies, without the corresponding inter-dependence of elements cannot be the ground in which desired results are to be obtained. These elements include but are not limited to time, health, energy, knowledge, and peace of mind - all these are basic sources to produce result.
Together, they form the eco-system of what constitutes productivity and the way these elements interact gives rise to the qualities of the eventual results. A mind that is tired and congested cannot be productive. A healthy body has much to offer in terms of productivity.
So how do we conserve these valuable resources? Even more important, how do we properly utilize these resources that we have?
Take a look at our own lives - verify our own daily routine. How many hours are we consciously working?
One can then see and verify how [in]disciplined our daily routine is. It is with this [in]disciplined manner that we chase after our own goals. What are the goals?
Tempted to look for fast alternatives and instant favourable results?
Conditions To Be Met
Understanding your own self
Understand the nature and responsibilities of our body and mind. We have to be able to discern the fact that our mind and body works collectively in a mutually supportive manner.
Every action is initiated in the mind as a thought. The subsequent execution of the thought in viable or physical actions will be dependent on our views and interests.
The base of life lies in thoughts.
The understanding of your own mind and thoughts paves the way for a clarity of the mind that guides the setting up of one's life goals and ways to achieving them.
Conduct and Discipline
Every person has a goal that he or she wishes to work towards. It is in line with this goal that one plans and engage in the actions necessary to bring one progressively towards the goal.
Here, personal conduct is interpreted in the context of refraining from what is not conducive to progression towards the goal. If an action that consumes time and energy but there is not discernable value to the achievement of one's target and goals, then one should reconsider the time and effort expenditure.
Discipline is the continuation of such personal conduct in the form of daily routine. Together, personal conduct applied in a disciplined manner becomes the vehicle on which one moves towards the goal.
Knowledge
Everyone has inborn interests and skills that can be harnessed and nurtured towards one own work.
From external exposure and interactions, one will develop interest towards work of certain nature.
Some developed interest in the work because doing the work generate some other things.
Here, interest can be observed in 2 manners:
- I am keen and interested in the nature of the work I choose:
Here the involvement in work is voluntary and there will be interest in gaining knowledge related to the work. In this category, there is enjoyment in application of knowledge to the work that is undertaken.
- I am keen and interested in the work because doing this work gives me the results I want:
Here the interest in work itself is secondary. The primary driver is the results. Whether they enjoy gaining the knowledge required for completing the work will be uncertain.
Sharing
When we are able to maintain an open view towards the society and are willing to share, our views are broadened. There is also recognition to be gained in the society, this develops confidence in us which fuels one's attitude and workmanship. This is the collective effort of society support and recognition.
3 layers of sharing:
- Sharing with an expectation of some forms of returns.
This type of sharing is only satisfiable if the expectation is met. Otherwise it leads to stress and anxiety.
- Sharing with identified recipient deemed "worthy" of receiving.
This type of sharing is selective in that the person selected must not be disappointing.
It is also not satisfactory as there is a constant expectation that the recipient live up to the expectation post sharing.
- Sharing devoid of any expectations, and judgements.
This form of sharing will lead to a sense of fulfilment.