The Productivity Guru: What Comes First: Happiness or Productivity?

I spoke at a conference recently and, during my presentation, I felt very content about what I do. I'm so fortunate that I get to help people (be it through coaching, speaking, hands-on work or training) become who they want to be and do what they want to do!

The Age-Old Question

This got me thinking - what comes first: happiness in your work or productivity in your work? Are we more productive in our jobs because we enjoy what we do - and that in and of itself motivates us? Or, are we happier in our jobs because we're productive? It seems to be sort of a "chicken/egg" dilemma.

Or is it?

Chances are that you're doing what you're doing for a reason. At one point in your life, you had a calling to do what you're doing right now. Then, time goes by, and what gets in your way? Most likely, all the other "stuff." At the end of the day, if you're not happy doing what you do on a daily basis, you'll have a hard time sustaining your productivity. Instead, you'll just be getting things done for the sake of getting things done.

Job Satisfaction

Over the years, I've had to have real "heart-to-heart" talks with some clients about their lack of job satisfaction and how that affects their ability to get things done. It's almost as if when we're unhappy in our work, we get in our own way. And we're never as productive as we could be if we were coming from a place of true joy.

Even if you absolutely love your job, every workday won't be a picnic. But, ask yourself this question: "Am I doing something that brings me a twinge of joy every day?" Life is short, so my hope is that for the most part, you love what you do. If you do, your productivity will flow like a river. And, there's no better feeling than crawling into bed after a productive and happy day!

Sara Caputo, MA is a productivity and organizing consultant who has been streamlining environments and simplifying lives for years through consulting, coaching and training. She believes that by creating more order in our lives and eliminating unnecessary chaos, we can participate more fully in all levels of life. Sara is the owner of Radiant Organizing, a professional organizing and consulting company, based in Santa Barbara, California. Sara can be reached at: http://www.radiantorganizing.com/.