Productivity
“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it.”
SENECA
Trauma likes to steal our capacity to create, contribute, do work we are proud of. Depression can cloud our ability as parents, partners, and professionals. Losing who we were, or who we could have been, to trauma, can leave us feeling a low sense of self worth. Psychotherapy is about getting yourself back.
The productive iron mind is not a brute force that grinds through every task. It's a finely tuned engine that directs its energy intelligently and precisely.
The Stoics said validation can be found in the pursuit of worthy work. Dedicating your energy toward meaningful work may sound exhausting. Ultimately though, getting yourself back is so rewarding.
Survivors of trauma who suffer from depression and anxiety may see these symptoms worsen if they isolate themselves, or resign themselves to sit in front of the TV or doom scroll on social media to pass the time.
Humans enjoy purpose and contribution. Meaningful work provides that, whether it's a career or a lifestyle.
I know it seems like we are asking a lot of a mind that's been dealt a heavy load of trauma. But the iron mind cannot be built without challenging it. Healing doesn't happen if you allow the mind to fester with bad memories and negative emotions. We must keep it busy.
How productivity can help the mind after trauma:
Work can be distracting from personal problems and even physical pain.
When work contributes to something larger than oneself, whether it's a community, a cause, or a positive impact, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
Knowing your work has a real-world impact, whether it's helping people, solving problems, or creating something valuable, can increase feelings of self worth.
Work that aligns with your core values, such as helping others, creativity, or intellectual stimulation, can lead to a sense of authenticity.
"If you do the job in a focused way, following right reason with serious energy and calm, and without letting anything else distract you—if you keep your inner self pure, as if you had to return it at any moment—if you hold to this, expecting nothing and fearing nothing, but satisfied with what you are doing right now as nature intended, and with honest truth in everything you say, you will lead a happy life. And no one can stop you from doing that." MARCUS AURELIUS
Being productive can positively impact mental health by fostering a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and structure, which can help combat negative emotions like apathy and depression.
Productivity doesn't have to look like establishing a new professional career or writing the next great American novel. Productivity can be small acts of kindness and care toward loved ones, increasing awareness about a cause on social media, volunteering for a humanitarian project, even acts of self care, like self-education or catching up on hygiene habits and housecleaning following an episode with depression.
Activity: Productivity Goals
Try setting productivity goals to work up to. Think small and brainstorm big. When you're feeling down, lacking purpose, or tempted to scroll the day away, pull out your productivity goals, pick something that feels possible and produce! Set some goals to accomplish this week. This month? This year? What projects have you been putting off that you would like to start?
Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer. Put your principles into practice – now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! You aren't a child anymore. The sooner you set yourself to your spiritual program, the happier you will be. The longer you wait, the more you'll be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better. From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do – now." EPICTETUS
Activity: Accountability
Gently admonish yourself. Don't shame yourself for what's outside of your control. Hold yourself accountable for future productivity within reason.
Explore More:
Watch this video on good habits for stoic productivity.
Assignments
✒️ Complete SELF ADMONISHMENT
🧘♀️ ❤️ Record MINDFULNESS and SELF LOVE