Presence over Productivity

By Meghan Ryan Asbury

Many of us live with a seemingly never-ending demand for productivity. As an oldest child, Type-A perfectionist, I often find myself putting so much weight on how much I get done in a day. The to-do lists never seem to get done. Then, in an effort to distract myself from my shortcomings, I scroll through social media only to see everyone showing off their latest “life hacks” and product must-haves:

• How to meal prep in 30 minutes or less.

• Find your best working hours to get the most done.

• These supplements have changed my whole life.

• Get the most out of your workouts.

• 10 things you must buy to survive as a mom.

Sometimes it just feels like too much—too many ways to improve and optimize, yet we still feel like we’re falling short.

What if life is more about being present than being productive?

Now we are also faced with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world is moving at a faster pace than ever before. If time is the only finite resource, we have to do everything we can to find more of it. Efficiency has become king. “Do more in less time and you’ll live your best life!”

In the process of making time, it seems that quantity is more important than quality. Are we actually using these technologies to make our lives better?

What is all this “productivity” doing to our souls? It’s no secret: scientific studies prove we are becoming more stressed, depressed, lonely, and anxious than ever before. Much of that comes from the increasing connection online. Whether it’s remote work or keeping up with various forms of social media, many people feel like they have to be available and produce something constantly. Whether it’s answering emails late at night or coming up with new content to post, we are expected to keep up. Instead of accepting our limits, we use the latest ChatGPT prompts to do more.

Using shortcuts is not all bad! They can be helpful in so many ways, and productivity has its place. Some things really do have to get done—and if there are ways to do those things better, then we should try them!

But productivity can’t become the point by which we measure our worth. And as a creative—and a human—I’ve been asking myself: How is this affecting me?

It would be easy to take shortcuts for the sake of reclaiming my time. But in the process, I feel like I become a “human doing” rather than a “human being”—moving through life trying to accomplish as much as possible instead of being present in it.

Life has to be more about being present than being productive. 

We all feel that ache for more in our souls. That lingering wondering of, “Is this all there is?” Even those of us who love our jobs have days when we hit the wall and it doesn’t satisfy. While we love our families and feel grateful for the roofs over our heads, there are still days when our heads hit the pillow and we question whether we’ve done enough.

I feel this tension constantly—on one hand, I want to get it all done so my mind is free to enjoy the rest of life. But on the other hand, I wonder if it all really has to be done. What if I could accept my limits, mentally, physically, and emotionally? Could I set aside the feeling of needing to do it all and learn to be present?

As I’ve disciplined myself to practice this, I’ve found the freedom to enjoy what’s right in front of me. I’ve noticed beauty in nature, tasted the richness of nourishing foods, and experienced the love of being fully known in relationships. I’m doing more things just for fun. And I’ve found that the work to do, the lists to check off, and the things to create all become richer and more meaningful when I live from this posture of presence.

What could choosing presence over productivity look like for you today? 

• Get on the floor and play with your kids instead of doing the laundry.
• Put away your phone to look at the ones you love across the dinner table.
• Skip the gym to go for a walk outside with no headphones.
• Take the long way home (bonus if it’s with the windows down).
• Don’t Google the answer; be okay without knowing it right away.

There will always be things to do. But there won’t always be time to be.

— V —

---

Meghan Ryan Asbury is an author and speaker who is passionate about helping people discover and live out their God-given callings. She has worked in international ministries as well as with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When she’s not surrounded by friends, you can usually find her reading a book or enjoying the great outdoors. A 30-A beach girl, born and raised, she and her husband now reside in Nashville. Her first book, You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want, is available wherever books are sold. You can connect with her on Instagram @meghanryanasbury and at AlwaysMeghan.com.