"Stop measuring days by degree of productivity and start experiencing them by degree of presence"

Sometimes, we're so obsessed with getting things done that we forget to actually live. We measure our days by how much we accomplish, rather than how present we are in each moment. That's the gist of what this quote is getting at. It’s a reminder to shift our focus from productivity to presence.

Historically, this quote aligns with a growing movement towards mindfulness and living in the moment. As our lives get busier and more technology-driven, there's a pushback—a call to slow down and savor the now. Maybe this was said by someone who realized that their relentless pursuit of productivity was making them miss out on the richness of life. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s hustle culture, where we often wear busyness as a badge of honor.

Imagine you're at a family dinner, but instead of engaging in the conversation, you’re mentally ticking off the tasks you need to complete tomorrow. You’re physically there, but your mind is elsewhere. That’s a moment lost. But what if you decided to be fully present? You’d catch your dad’s corny joke and your mom’s knowing smile. You’d feel the warmth of your niece’s hand as she reaches for yours. These are the moments that make life meaningful.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? It’s about making a conscious effort to be present. Start small. When you’re drinking your morning coffee, really taste it. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands. When you're talking to a friend, put away your phone and really listen. It’s not about abandoning productivity but balancing it with presence.

Let me tell you a story. There was this guy, let’s call him Tom. He was a workaholic, always running from one meeting to the next, his mind constantly buzzing with to-do lists. One day, his young daughter asked him to play with her. He almost said no—too much work to do—but something made him stop. He put his phone away and spent the afternoon building a LEGO castle with her. They laughed, they bonded, and for the first time in a long while, Tom felt truly alive. He realized how much he’d been missing out on and decided to make a change. Now, he sets aside time each day to be fully present with his family, and it’s made all the difference. He’s still productive at work, but now he’s also present in his personal life.

This approach doesn’t just enrich your personal life but can actually improve your productivity. When you’re present, you’re more focused, and when you do work, you do it better. So next time you’re tempted to measure your day by the number of tasks you’ve crossed off, take a step back. Ask yourself instead—how present have I been today? You might find that the most meaningful moments are the ones where you’re simply there, fully engaged in the present.

Remember, life isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about experiencing the moments that make up each day. So, take a deep breath, look around, and really be where you are.