Do you know what the paradox of productivity is? It’s when, by doing more, you actually get less done.
We tend to remain busy all day at work because we associate busyness with productivity. Responding to emails and texts, attending extensive discussions over issues that have been discussed many times in the past, sharing information that colleagues asked for, sending requisition for office supplies…
In the short term, we might feel the day was good. But when we reflect, we realize that we didn’t really do anything. We were exhausted from running as fast as we could, but we’re still in the same place.
On his deathbed, Bhisma Pitamaha’s says to Yudishthira:
“I consider industriousness to be the most important. You should not lose heart if something that has been started does not produce the desired result or is met with some difficulties or challenges. The focus should be on making appropriate effort in whatever task you undertake.”
(source: Mahabharata Unravelled II)
Industriousness is important, but more important is what you’re industrious about.
A mediocre batsman may practice for ten hours a day like Virat Kohli. But what separates Kohli from the rest is that he knows what to focus on and sticks to it… even if the results don’t show in the short term.
Slog your rear off, but do it on things that yield long-term gains, even if they present short-term pains.