The Truth About Productivity + 3 Tips to "Be More Productive"

“Be Productive”, they say. “Easier said than done”, I say.

There’s a lot of circulation around productivity - figuring out how to be the most productive, what time to be the most productive, and where to be the most productive. To me, the word productivity exudes more male-centric energy. So as someone who is attuned to the spiritual, and trying to embrace her femininity, trying to “be productive” feels like applying concrete on grass.

I too have been on a quest to “be productive”, yet this has unfortunately come with the cost of burnout. I rode the coattails of “work hard” till my bones hit the floor. And especially as a Projector in Human Design, I know that my energy needs to be conserved, as it is sacred. No one’s cup can be full all the time. Even when you drink water throughout the day, you have to constantly refill before moving on. You have to constantly go back to source.

Where do I find source?

In rest, in boundaries, and in replenishment.

So, how do I “be productive” while not becoming overwhelmed?

I’ve discovered it’s actually carving out space and time to enter the flow state. Realise this: being productive is actually about stepping into the courage to create. Isn’t this approach more organic and easeful?

The Flow State is a state in which what you have to create comes as a stream of output, of sharing, of energy. It’s the alignment of the heart’s intention and the mind’s willpower to simultaneously create, do and be. I realised what overwhelms me about productivity is the attachment to the outcome. 

The key to being authentically productive and ascending into the flow state is actually creating a space of allowing and surrendering. This is a combination of devotion, discipline, grace, dedication, physical space and mental distinction. We have to decide the identity of who we want to be and make a commitment to step into that person. If you are writing poems, journals, blogs, newsletters, or copy, then you are a writer. If you are committing to waking up ten minutes earlier in the morning to exercise and move your body, then you are an athlete. If you are transcending gender norms and dressing in clothing and makeup that expresses who you really are, sharing your talents with your charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, then yes, you are a drag queen. I think we often conflate achieving astronomical success with being able to “earn” these roles, but the hard facts are, if you are someone who is committed to showing up, and committing your time, energy and effort, you are that. Very that. You don’t have to be Maya Angelou, Serena Williams or RuPaul to finally be what you want to be, because if you wait till you become them, then where are you? Where can the world really find and see you? These are incredible people we can look up to and seek inspiration from, and of course, while we can aspire to become our idols, the crux of life is expressing your life as you, authentically you. 

For a lot of my life, I’ve been so afraid to be judged or make mistakes that I became stuck in analysis paralysis, and I hold back. Productivity feels like a burden, and hiding becomes the norm. I had all the voices telling me reasons why I shouldn’t put myself out there, yet I’ve had to learn to distinguish those as lies.


Anchor and tether yourself to the sport or craft that brings you joy, and use the way that you show up to play the game and apply it to the bigger picture. Adapt and apply that approach in your own life.

How Can I Ease into this Flow State? 3 Essential Tips:

  • Carve out a Space to Flow Into

Find a physical space where you can let go of distractions, clear any clutter, and expand yourself. For me, it’s extremely helpful to put my headphones on, select a no-lyrics playlist, set a timer, and just write. It has done wonders for me. Find your space, physically and mentally.

  • Technique of Habit Stacking

I learned this from the incredible James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, when I need to start a habit that I need but am experiencing some resistance, I stack this with a habit I want to do. So for me, I’ve committed to only washing my hair if I exercise beforehand. I know it sounds a bit gross, but it’s super effective. As long as I commit to any form of movement - be it gentle or cardio pumping, the hair doesn’t get washed until the movement happens.

  • “Not more than, not less than” Rule

I learned this from Greg McKeown of Effortless. And in it he explains the rule of “Not less than, and Not More than”. When it comes to my writing practice, I commit to showing up daily, and writing not less than and or not more than 400 words. Because if I complete the goal of 400 words, yet then continue to push myself and write more than that, it’s more difficult to show up the day after. It’s the same idea of leaving the party when it’s still fun - don’t stay till the end where the music starts to wind down and 70% of the crowd have already left. Leave when the crowd is still at 70%, not at 30%.

And there you have it! Thank you for reading, I appreciate you.

And before you go, what is one “AHA” moment you had from reading this? Feel free to sound off in the comments.

I’m cheering for you!

Yinki Nicole Wong