A moment of connection, a song, a concept, a new product, a moment of silence, a bigger perspective, a blog post, a drawing?

If you can’t figure out what you’re producing, what are you doing?

Even relaxing has a production value, if you think about it: taking a nap, taking a walk, taking a significant break… all of these produce a worker (you) who is refreshed, rested, relaxed, and able to focus on the next task.

Pseudo-breaks (social media, busy work, procrastination) don’t have the same effect as real breaks. They don’t produce a relaxed, refreshed you; in fact, all that digital input or procrastinating detail work tires your brain and leaves you emotionally drained. You get less refreshed, less relaxed, less energized, less able to focus.

When you need a break, take a real break that will have a real and positive effect on you.

When you are doing something, working, think about what you’re trying to produce. This helps you to define your task and avoid getting distracted by all the other needs that will scream at you. Define your goal so you can define your task.

Then ignore other tasks until you get through the one you’re focused on and reach your production goal.