On productivity.
I've been thinking a lot about “productivity.” Namely:
Why does it feel so good to be “productive”?
Which aspects of “productivity” are just white capitalist conditioning?
And which aspects aren't so bad?
A gif of a man saying “It’s not horrible. It’s nice. It’s supposed to be nice.” to a woman walking away.
I could - probably will - write a dozen letters about this.
Here's where I think we need to start, though.
What counts as “being productive”?
White capitalist logic would say you're productive when:
You're doing something that makes or saves money
You're doing labor that it recognizes as labor
You're doing more with less - more work in less time, more producing with fewer resources.
This kind of profit-focused productivity is focused on a particularly efficient & efficacious sort of Doing.
And you know? Efficient and efficacious Doing can feel really good.
It can feel powerful to create, to engage, to act in a potent way.
And/but: there are so many non-profit-focused Doings that white capitalist logic doesn't count as “productive.”
Here are some of my Doings from yesterday that I definitely see as productive, but The Man probably wouldn't:
I rolled around on the floor, massaging my neck and shoulders
I played several rounds of Uno with my kid and partner
I practiced a new makeup technique
Self-massage produces ease and wellness in my body.
Several rounds of Uno produce connection with my family.
A new makeup technique produces pleasure and creative expression.
Ease, wellness, connection, pleasure, creative expression.
I want these.
I know these do not detract from my ability to be productive in the efficient, efficacious, profit-focused sense.
On the contrary! These enhance that kind of productivity for me.
So why doesn't The Man want me easeful, well, connected, pleasure-filled, and creatively expressed?
Perhaps it's because when I feel that way, I am much less easy to exploit.
Much less easy, even, to employ.
I am very productive . . . just not in the ways They prefer.
So. Let's enjoy “being productive,” and even expand its definition.
How?
Ask yourself what you really WANT to do. Trust the answer.
Figure out what that Doing produces for you.
Do you want that product? Then do what you want.
Know you are being productive. Powerfully so.
Marvel at what happens next.
love,
Natalie