The Key to Boosting Productivity and Finding Happiness: Embracing Pleasure

The Key to Boosting Productivity and Finding Happiness: Embracing Pleasure

In our fast-paced, productivity-driven society, it's easy to feel like we need to be machines, constantly churning out work and achieving more. But what if I told you that the key to true productivity and happiness lies in embracing our emotions and allowing ourselves to experience pleasure?

Dan Shipper, in his TED Talk, "The unexpected key to boosting your productivity," reminds us that we are not machines, but emotional beings. He shares his realization that he didn't actually want to be a machine, but rather felt guilty and ashamed for not being one. When he started working with his emotions instead of against them, everything changed for him.

Similarly, in an article titled "How to Be Happier Without Really Trying," the author emphasizes the importance of enjoying ourselves and finding pleasure in life. They argue that the term "self-care" is indicative of the fact that we had to come up with a new word just to describe the simple act of enjoying ourselves. Pleasure should be our North Star, guiding us towards a state of tranquility and complete pleasure, free from pain and anxiety.

Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that pleasure was the ultimate goal in life. However, he distinguished between different types of pleasure: necessary, extravagant, and corrosive. Necessary pleasures are the simple things in life that bring us joy, such as food, free time, and friendship. These pleasures are easy to come by and don't require intense effort.

Extravagant pleasures, on the other hand, are necessary pleasures taken to the extreme. They may include fancy meals or expensive clothes. Epicurus was not opposed to these pleasures as long as they didn't cause harm, didn't become the sole focus of life, and didn't hinder our ability to enjoy necessary pleasures.

The most problematic are corrosive desires, which have no limit. These desires include wealth, power, fame, and beauty. They are corrosive because we can never truly satisfy them, and they keep us stuck on a never-ending treadmill of wanting more. Epicurus believed that these desires are often the root cause of unethical behavior, as individuals engage in harmful actions to alleviate their anxieties.

So how can we apply these insights to boost our productivity and find happiness in our daily lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace your emotions: Instead of trying to suppress or ignore your emotions, learn to recognize and work with them. Allow yourself to feel all the different emotions that arise throughout the day, and don't judge yourself for experiencing them. By embracing your emotions, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges and find productive solutions.

2. Prioritize necessary pleasures: Take time each day to engage in activities that bring you joy and pleasure. Whether it's going for a walk in nature, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in a hobby, prioritize these necessary pleasures. By making room for enjoyment in your life, you'll find yourself more motivated and energized to tackle your tasks.

3. Beware of corrosive desires: It's essential to be mindful of the desires that have no limit and can never be fully satisfied. While it's natural to have ambitions and goals, be cautious of falling into the trap of constantly striving for more. Instead, focus on finding contentment and tranquility in the simple pleasures of life.

In conclusion, true productivity and happiness come from embracing our emotions and allowing ourselves to experience pleasure. We are not machines, and trying to be one will only lead to feelings of guilt and shame. By prioritizing necessary pleasures, embracing our emotions, and being mindful of corrosive desires, we can find a balance that leads to both productivity and happiness in our lives. So give yourself permission to enjoy and find pleasure in the simple things – it's the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life.