104: Ancient Philosophies for Modern Productivity

Hi Mate!

In our constant race against time, we’ve mixed busyness with true effectiveness, falling prey to a ‘toxic productivity culture’ that glorifies hard work over real accomplishment.

This common mindset, heavily promoted by YouTube ‘productivity gurus,’ has turned many of us into robots, programmed to make the most of every second of our day.

If you were to ask a hundred individuals on the street what productivity means, most people would say it’s about getting more done.

This constant drive has led to chronic overwork and a culture where a person’s worth is measured by their output, often at the cost of their well-being.

As someone who was once misled by toxic culture, I’ve felt its sting—burnout, dissatisfaction, ignoring personal life, and strained relationships.

It wasn’t until I reached a turning point that I began to question the non-stop chase for more and everything that these toxic productivity culture have taught me.

My search for answers led me to the ancient wisdom, where I discovered true productivity—one that promises satisfaction without sacrificing our health or happiness.

These teachings show that true productivity isn’t about the constant ticking of the clock.

It’s about a balanced approach that improves every aspect of life.

Today, I will share these teachings with you, teach you how you can achieve real productivity without sacrificing your health, relationships, or peace of mind.

1. Gamify Your Tasks

Aristotle, the famous Ancient Greek philosopher, once observed:

Embracing this wisdom, I found that making my tasks fun transformed both important projects and everyday chores into enjoyable experiences.

Facing big projects can feel overwhelming, but by adding game-like elements to my work, I turned daunting tasks into a series of enjoyable challenges.

Work expert Ali Abdaal, in his book Feel-Good Productivity, highlights the importance of enjoying what we do to boost productivity.

He outlines strategies to make work more enjoyable and thus more productive.

Actionable Steps:

• Find a task you’ve been avoiding.

• Split it into smaller, game-like challenges.

• Give yourself a reward for finishing each part.

When work is fun, it doesn’t feel like work at all.

2. The Strength of Small Steps

Lao Tzu, the respected ancient Chinese philosopher, shared a deep truth:

This philosophy connects deeply, reminding us that every great achievement begins with the bravery to take that first, often challenging, step.

Seeing my projects as a series of small, doable tasks rather than a single, large goal was a game-changer.

This change in perspective allowed me to start writing and keep a steady rhythm of publishing.

Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect also shows how consistent efforts can lead to extraordinary results.

The power of small steps is lasting wisdom, pushing us to act consistently and build our efforts towards significant achievements.

Actionable Steps:

• Write down your final goal with clarity.

• Split your final goal into bite-sized tasks.

• Celebrate each small success along the way.

3. Being Busy Doesn’t Mean Being Productive

Socrates, the famous Greek philosopher, once warned:

In our modern culture, we often mistake a long to-do list and full calendar for productivity.

However, this busy work can lead to a life empty of true achievement and fulfillment.

Cal Newport, in his insightful book Slow Productivity, suggests a major change from our current, flawed view of productivity.

Following this teaching, I now limit myself to three main tasks each day.

These tasks align my life’s priorities and long-term goals, making sure that each day adds to meaningful progress without the risk of burnout.

By focusing on what truly matters and following the principles of slow productivity, we can do more with less, finding satisfaction in our work and balance in our lives.

Actionable Steps:

• Pick three crucial tasks that align with your goals.

• Set aside specific times for deep work on these tasks.

• Finish your day with an mindful reflection on the progress made.

Catch you on Tuesday at 5:31 AM EST!

Discipulus.