Subscribe to my newsletter - the Step Up! You'll get an inside look into my thoughts, mental models, and ways of going about life - with the goal of helping you do the same. Take the first step and join me on this journey. Newsletter every Thursday at 4:30pm CST.
The Step Up - Vol. 23: What is Productivity?
Vol. 23: What is Productivity?I'm blessed to be undergoing executive coaching through Goodwill, and a lot of our discussions have touched on my enjoyment of doing tasks/projects and my personal view of productivity. I've been thinking about this question a lot recently: what is productivity? I have a high personal drive. I love getting things done and being responsible for said things getting done (my top 4 CliftonStrengths are all Executing themes, so I'm naturally inclined to be skilled at it and find joy in it). I love being dependable and consistent. I love making progress in various areas of my life, moving tasks/projects forward, and helping others. But it also has its negatives. I genuinely find it hard to sit still for just half a day - even on the weekend - without doing something I view "productive," whether that be reading a book, going on a run, or sitting at my computer working. I struggle to get out of a "productive," task-oriented mindset. I have to put energy into NOT putting energy into things. I constantly have to pull myself back into the present instead of constantly thinking about what I can do now to build the future. I've recently become aware of how instinctively ingrained this mindset is in me (and its negative aspects), and I'm putting a lot of time into understanding and expanding my definition of productivity. I think I've got it. At least for me. What is productivity? The effective use of time, energy, and resources to get you closer to what you deem meaningful. Let's apply that definition: I deem personal/professional development meaningful, so developing my personal brand, working on projects that benefit my personal/professional trajectory, and taking on leadership responsibilities are productive. I deem a healthy body meaningful, so running and weightlifting, eating a predominantly healthy diet, and getting proper sleep are productive. I deem relationships meaningful, so spending time with friends and family, spending more money on events for the memories they'll provide, and having deep, relatable conversations and interactions are productive. But here's where I have to work at it. I deem rest and relaxation meaningful. You can't pour from an empty cup. But instinctively, I don't view playing video games for a few hours on Saturday, watching Netflix, or "taking a night off" as productive. I should, but I don't. I'm working on it. If you find yourself in the same boat, feel free to use the definition of productivity I've distilled. Productivity: the effective use of time, energy, and resources to get you closer to what you deem meaningful. Be productive. Whatever that means for you. See you next Thursday, Steppers. We will succeed, Grayson Song of the Week:
It's Keem week!! Baby Keem is returning with his album CA$INO tomorrow after more than 4 years, and I couldn't be more excited, so I'm highlighting the song that got me hooked on him! I genuinely love his entire catalog. The Melodic Blue was my #2 album of 2021 and is a personal top 15 album, and DIE FOR MY ***** is another banger project. Keem's Rolling Loud set in 2022 was one of my favorite concert experiences ever, and I just simply can't get enough of his music. For most of you reading this, you probably won't like him, and that's okay! I apologize in advance for the person I'll become once this album drops. Two phone Baby Keem!! |
Grayson Stepanek
Subscribe to my newsletter - the Step Up! You'll get an inside look into my thoughts, mental models, and ways of going about life - with the goal of helping you do the same. Take the first step and join me on this journey. Newsletter every Thursday at 4:30pm CST.
Vol. 26: The Becoming I used to tell myself “I’m not a runner.” I’d say “I don’t know why anyone would ever do a 5k.” Much less a 10k, half-marathon, or full. Or shall I even say… an ultra. I used to tell myself “I’m not a runner.” But one day I ran. Then I did it again a few days later. And again a few days after that. Like adding one grain of sand to another and to another until you’ve got a heap. But you don’t know exactly when you crossed that threshold to be considered a “heap.” You just...
Vol. 25: Vulnerability is Strength This week I watched this great TED Talk from Brene Brown on vulnerability as pre-work for my Goodwill Senior Leader Program, and it made me reflect on vulnerability as a strength. I pride myself on my vulnerability. I aim to be an open book (at least as much as I reasonably can). The ability to be vulnerable - to open up to others about who you really are and how you truly feel - takes more strength than bottling up. It's easy to hunker down. It's hard to...
Vol. 24: Building Strategic Relationships Ruben and I after our presentation Ruben Henderson and I had the opportunity to co-present at last night's the705 Member Meeting about building strategic relationships, and I want to talk about that a bit here. Relationships are critical in getting where you want to go, both personally and professionally. Building strategic relationships is a step deeper. It's the intentional practice - grounded in authenticity and integrity - of building...