I Didn't Do The Thing Today: On letting go of productivity guilt

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A remarkable combination: part broadside against our culture of frenetic busyness, part consolation for the days when things don’t go to plan, it’s also the best kind of productivity manual, filled with guidance for actually getting around to more of the things that matter. There’s nothing inherently wrong with being productive—we all need to get things done—but when we conflate productivity with self-worth, we never measure up. I was picturing a more practical Laziness Does Not Exist, and while it gave those vibes, it did not live up to them.

Even on days where we get a lot done, the thing left undone can leave us feeling guilty, anxious, or disappointed. But if we are curious about the ordinary moments, if we tend to them, if we get the good out of every bit…what a life we will have created.i'd meander through the book like you might do when hiking outdoors, letting your attention settle on whatever captures it.

A remarkable combination: part broadside against our culture of frenetic busyness, part consolation for the days when things don't go to plan. If you're feeling overwhelmed and like all the balls dropping no matter how you juggle, I Didn't Do the Thing Today might also resonate with you. Obviously the "pro-productivity" genre contains its share of gems, doozies, and lots in between as well. Hi I’m Steph, and each week I share the three big ideas from the best non-fiction books I’ve been reading. We don’t know where our decisions will lead, because we can only connect the dots once we’re looking back.I also just find a source of endless frustration when authors make an active choice to name drop- and even more so when the name dropping comes from situations and interviews they weren’t even involved with. Some days, we may only spend an hour doing the thing, but it can take all day to set ourselves up for that one potent hour. Wondering how other people seemed to have it all figured out, Madeleine Dore spent five years interviewing people she admired in an attempt to uncover their secrets for being more productive, successful, and prolific.