The Key to Sustainable Productivity: How Reading Fiction Can Make You a Better Person

The Key to Sustainable Productivity: How Reading Fiction Can Make You a Better Person

In our fast-paced world, productivity is a highly sought-after trait. Many of us strive to be productive, but often find ourselves struggling to maintain consistent levels of output. The key to sustainable productivity lies in understanding the difference between subjective and objective views of productivity.

Subjective productivity is the feeling of being busy or exerting effort in our work. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in the short term. On the other hand, objective productivity is the actual amount of important work that gets done. It is the long-term investment that allows us to achieve more, irrespective of how productive we feel.

To become more productive, we need to shift our focus from the subjective to the objective view of productivity. This requires us to create systems that enable us to get more work done without relying on constant busyness or willpower. Sustainable productivity is about decoupling our feelings of productivity from the actual output of our work.

One way to enhance our productivity is by acquiring knowledge and skills. The more skills and experience we accumulate, the easier it becomes to tackle tasks that once seemed vexing. By investing in our personal growth and development, we can become more efficient and effective in our work.

Interestingly, reading fiction can also play a role in boosting productivity. Reading fictional books has been shown to cultivate empathy in readers, which can lead to personal growth and improved social awareness. Fictional stories allow us to experience someone else's perspective, even if we can't directly share in their experiences.

Research suggests that reading fiction activates the temporal lobe and increases global blood flow in the brain. This means that reading fiction can mimic the neural activities of the experiences we're reading about. It allows us to "fail better" at understanding others' experiences, as author Samuel Beckett puts it.

Studies have found that reading fiction correlates with increased affective empathy, which is the capacity to share another's feelings and emotions. It also predicts immediate helping behavior. By reading fiction, we can practice taking on someone else's perspective and improve our social awareness.

To improve sustainable productivity, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Focus on building knowledge and skills: Invest time and effort in acquiring new skills and expanding your knowledge base. The more expertise you have, the more productive you'll become in your work.

2. Incorporate fiction reading into your routine: Make it a habit to read fiction regularly. This will not only enhance your empathy and emotional intelligence but also provide a mental break that can rejuvenate your mind and improve your overall productivity.

3. Prioritize objective productivity over subjective feelings: Instead of relying solely on the feeling of busyness or exertion, focus on creating systems and strategies that allow you to consistently produce high-quality work. Embrace the concept of sustainable productivity by separating your subjective experience from your objective output.

In conclusion, sustainable productivity is about decoupling our feelings of busyness and effort from the actual output of our work. By investing in our personal growth, embracing fiction reading, and prioritizing objective productivity, we can enhance our productivity and become better individuals in the process. So, the next time you find yourself struggling to stay productive, consider picking up a fictional book and immersing yourself in the experiences of others.