Productivity. Discipline. Force. These are things I used to worship. I thought that putting in the work was all that was needed. But slowly over time I merely succeeded in eroding my passion. Undermining my curiosity and burning out. I discovered that productivity is hollow without purpose.
Thanks for sharing! One of my favorite books that has been most transformative in my life in this area is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. He’s a pastor so it is written in a Christian worldview, but his research and practical tips on pushing back against the hustle culture and slowing down would be valuable to anyone. Highly recommend.
An amazing read Benjamin. You're point on slowing down really resonated where you point towards somewhat of an inertia when pacing towards this flawed idea of productivity.
We need to change it. We become complacent if we don't. I worry that what I do here will also become complacent but I can control what I put out. I can add new things here too, to help form it. Thanks for the read. Always brings new concepts here. Until then.
That's my philosophy as well. If we don't like something then we need to work actively to change it. That#s not always about working really hard it can just be about developing a new perspective through which to see things
Social media can be a drain. Come and get lost in a sea of obscurity where everyone is clamoring over each other to get noticed for a never ending like count and followers, all trying their hardest to get meaningless internet points for validation. I'll take a personal response from someone telling me that my post was meaningful over likes.
I'm with you there Janine. That's why I like substack at the moment. There are many people here who are much more interested in depth and meaning instead of of pumping out endless shallow content
The paradox of waiting 3 years for a Rolex but being unable to wait 3 minutes at Starbucks is truly striking.
Perhaps the real issue is this: "Slowing down" has become a luxury in the modern world. But the irony is that this luxury is actually free, it only requires our courage.
It's high time we shifted from the productivity hustle to meaning craft.
This is like a breath of fresh air sir. Despite my best efforts I too have been infected with this parasite of an ideology called productivity. It's a constant struggle to not post, to not write, to wait, to think and then think again. Is what I'm about to say even worth saying?
We don't know what we are running towards, or why, but we are running as fast as possible. Everyone around us is shouting, so we shout even louder.
We need to rediscover the sacred lost art of shutting the F up.
Your words here make so much sense. In a world filled with messages about push and productivity that make me feel exhausted from the hustle yours does just the opposite. What a relief to know that a better path of pausing, catching my breath, and--if needed--recalibrating exists. Phew. Thank you!
this is great stuff. I have long talked about making actions and goals "condition based vs time bound". We try to cram so much into an arbitrary timeline because we just felt like it was the right thing to do. When instead, we need to clearly define what "done" is and work towards that in a way that adds value rather than just trying to get things done fast
Great piece! I used to think I loved sales, and I was great at it, but as I matured I realized that I loved connection, and so did my clients. I wasn't a great salesperson, I was great at creating relationships. One made me money, but the other made me wealthy. Real community, connection and meaning. That ended up being the product for me. Everything else beyond that was part of my package. My sole regret is how long it took me to realize it.
Life would be so much better if more people understood the benefits of slowing down and doing something meaningful for themselves and for others. This is the path I’ve chosen for 2025 and beyond. It’s terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Every time I envisage it, the energy is amazing - I just hope it stays that way when I’m doing it 🙏🏻 love, love, love this article Benjamin 🧡
Thank you for reminding us to prioritize depth, connection, and fulfillment over metrics. This perspective is a much-needed antidote to the hustle culture that so often drains our humanity.
Incredible and insightful read here. Exactly what I needed as a new founder after years in corporate. Thank you and glad I subscribed!
Thank you Bernadette. I’m curious what have you founded? What’s your project?
It's a small cyber company geared towards healthcare, manufacturing and now small businesses who need our services.
👌Nice.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadettedutra/
Thanks for sharing! One of my favorite books that has been most transformative in my life in this area is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. He’s a pastor so it is written in a Christian worldview, but his research and practical tips on pushing back against the hustle culture and slowing down would be valuable to anyone. Highly recommend.
Thanks for the tip. I have not heard of him
Definitely check him out, he’s a great writer/communicator.
We need a lot more deep, focused work and real stories. Thanks for sharing, Benjamin!
It’s what I’m here for :)
An amazing read Benjamin. You're point on slowing down really resonated where you point towards somewhat of an inertia when pacing towards this flawed idea of productivity.
Many points to reflect on here.
Thanks a lot Malick. The inertia of productivity. I like it
We need to change it. We become complacent if we don't. I worry that what I do here will also become complacent but I can control what I put out. I can add new things here too, to help form it. Thanks for the read. Always brings new concepts here. Until then.
That's my philosophy as well. If we don't like something then we need to work actively to change it. That#s not always about working really hard it can just be about developing a new perspective through which to see things
Social media can be a drain. Come and get lost in a sea of obscurity where everyone is clamoring over each other to get noticed for a never ending like count and followers, all trying their hardest to get meaningless internet points for validation. I'll take a personal response from someone telling me that my post was meaningful over likes.
I'm with you there Janine. That's why I like substack at the moment. There are many people here who are much more interested in depth and meaning instead of of pumping out endless shallow content
The paradox of waiting 3 years for a Rolex but being unable to wait 3 minutes at Starbucks is truly striking.
Perhaps the real issue is this: "Slowing down" has become a luxury in the modern world. But the irony is that this luxury is actually free, it only requires our courage.
It's high time we shifted from the productivity hustle to meaning craft.
Yes yes yes! Shout it louder 😀
This is like a breath of fresh air sir. Despite my best efforts I too have been infected with this parasite of an ideology called productivity. It's a constant struggle to not post, to not write, to wait, to think and then think again. Is what I'm about to say even worth saying?
We don't know what we are running towards, or why, but we are running as fast as possible. Everyone around us is shouting, so we shout even louder.
We need to rediscover the sacred lost art of shutting the F up.
🤣very well said
Your words here make so much sense. In a world filled with messages about push and productivity that make me feel exhausted from the hustle yours does just the opposite. What a relief to know that a better path of pausing, catching my breath, and--if needed--recalibrating exists. Phew. Thank you!
Thank you Karin…we need to spread this message more. I think many of us feel it but haven’t been Abel to articulate an alternative
Thank you for this post. Just what I needed to read today! I agree with all the other comments here. ❤️👏
❤️ Enjoyed reading this
Thank you 🙏. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment
this is great stuff. I have long talked about making actions and goals "condition based vs time bound". We try to cram so much into an arbitrary timeline because we just felt like it was the right thing to do. When instead, we need to clearly define what "done" is and work towards that in a way that adds value rather than just trying to get things done fast
Great piece! I used to think I loved sales, and I was great at it, but as I matured I realized that I loved connection, and so did my clients. I wasn't a great salesperson, I was great at creating relationships. One made me money, but the other made me wealthy. Real community, connection and meaning. That ended up being the product for me. Everything else beyond that was part of my package. My sole regret is how long it took me to realize it.
Life would be so much better if more people understood the benefits of slowing down and doing something meaningful for themselves and for others. This is the path I’ve chosen for 2025 and beyond. It’s terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Every time I envisage it, the energy is amazing - I just hope it stays that way when I’m doing it 🙏🏻 love, love, love this article Benjamin 🧡
Thank you for reminding us to prioritize depth, connection, and fulfillment over metrics. This perspective is a much-needed antidote to the hustle culture that so often drains our humanity.
Grateful for your words.