(Image courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez)
Productivity has become a kind of modern deity, an altar at which many of us worship daily. We are constantly measuring our lives by how much we can accomplish. Efficiency, achievement, performance—these are often seen as measures of our worth, indicators of a life well-lived. But what if this constant striving for productivity is actually robbing us of what truly makes life fulfilling?
Presence—the art of truly being in the moment—is a concept far more intricate and rewarding than any checklist or productivity hack. While productivity has its place, allowing it to dominate our lives keeps us from experiencing the joy, wonder, and connection that make life meaningful. As Annie Dillard once said, “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” If we spend each day consumed by the drive to accomplish, we risk missing the very things that make those accomplishments feel valuable in the first place.
The Cult of Productivity
There’s no denying that productivity has its benefits. It can bring us closer to our goals, enhance our skills, and give us a sense of purpose. But when it becomes an obsession, it can also have a profound downside. We live in a culture that praises us for what we produce, but often overlooks who we are. Our worth as human beings is measured by our output, not by our character, depth, or ability to be present in our own lives.
This relentless focus on productivity can easily spill over into our personal lives, causing us to view even our moments of rest or relaxation as opportunities to improve or achieve. Free time becomes yet another checkbox on the to-do list, and leisure activities start to feel like obligations. This approach is exhausting because it transforms everything into a means to an end, leaving little room for moments of simple, unquantifiable joy.
The Rewards of Being Present
Presence, on the other hand, offers a different kind of reward—one that isn’t tied to results or accomplishments. It’s about tuning in to the richness of the moment, allowing ourselves to fully experience life as it unfolds. Presence is noticing the details, connecting with others, and savoring the small moments that are often overshadowed by our pursuit of productivity.
Consider a simple example: sharing a meal with loved ones. When we’re present, we’re able to enjoy the flavors, listen to the conversation, and feel a sense of warmth and connection. When we’re consumed by productivity, we may find ourselves distracted, checking our phones, thinking about tomorrow’s tasks, or eating on autopilot. The difference is striking, and it reveals something essential about the nature of presence—it allows us to find value in the moment, even when it doesn’t serve a productive purpose.
Presence vs. Productivity: Finding Balance
The key isn’t to abandon productivity entirely but to bring balance into our lives. Productivity has a place, but it should not overshadow our ability to simply be. There is an artistry to balancing productivity with presence, one that requires us to shift our perspective from constantly doing to sometimes just being.
Imagine an artist who spends hours creating a painting. They may focus on technique, composition, and color, but if they’re only concerned with finishing the piece, they lose touch with the joy of creating. Productivity is necessary to bring the painting to life, but the presence—the act of immersing oneself in the creative process—is what gives it depth and meaning. Our lives, in many ways, are like that painting; they are most beautiful when we allow ourselves to be present, to fully experience what we are doing rather than just ticking boxes.
Cultivating Presence in Everyday Life
Practicing presence isn’t always easy in a world that constantly demands more from us. But small, intentional changes can bring this balance back into our lives. Try beginning with simple habits: taking a few minutes each morning to breathe and set intentions, stepping outside without your phone, or setting aside designated time each day to enjoy an activity without any agenda other than to experience it.
Another powerful way to cultivate presence is to engage in what’s known as “deep listening.” In conversations, focus on truly hearing the other person without planning your response or allowing your mind to wander. This practice doesn’t just improve relationships; it also deepens our connection to others and brings us closer to the heart of presence.
Moments of presence give us the capacity for joy and wonder—qualities that productivity alone cannot provide. By consciously choosing presence, we’re able to create moments of fulfillment and meaning that don’t depend on external validation or measurable success. The irony is that these moments of presence often rejuvenate us in ways that allow us to be more productive, but without the burnout and emptiness that comes from constant striving.
Reclaiming the Art of Living
Ultimately, living fully isn’t about how much we produce; it’s about how deeply we experience our lives. The older you get, the more I believe you will appreciate this. Presence invites us to explore the art of living, to see life as more than a series of tasks to complete. When we allow ourselves to experience each day rather than simply achieve within it, we create a life that feels rich, meaningful, and connected.
As we move forward, let’s consider this: what if we valued the quality of our days as much as the quantity of our achievements? By embracing presence, we gain a deeper understanding of who we are, beyond our productivity. We find ourselves renewed, not by our accomplishments, but by our ability to engage with life itself. In this way, we live not just efficiently, but artfully—cultivating a life that, in its quiet moments, is just as fulfilling as in its productive ones.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
