It has been very interesting for me to come into the US and to see the focus here on productivity. It very much is a cultural perspective of showing value through productivity. You can see it a lot in the types of non-fiction books that are very popular: the four hour work week, deep work, the seven habits of highly effective people.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that productivity is bad. I love being able to get the most out of my time, and I can see the benefits to companies, businesses and society at large. What I am saying is that there needs to be a harmony between the focus on productivity and the ability to be okay with not being productive.

This contrast is best exemplified by the slow movement. A movement that is reactionary to the industrialisation / the globalisation of industries. It very famously started in Italy with the introduction of the first McDonald’s restaurant. I’m sure it was already in people's minds before then.

In order to find Harmony, it’s a good idea to ask the question of “intentional convenience versus intentional inconvenience”. Where in your life would it be more beneficial for you to choose the less convenient route to meeting your needs? Perhaps a better way to phrase it would be “selective convenience”.

There is a fort here as well as to what would you do if you won the lottery? Most people would find that they make their life as comfortable and convenient as possible. Losing out on opportunities to challenge themselves, opportunities to grow, opportunities to respond to difficulties in their lives. I don’t know about you but I truly believe that this is something fundamental to the nature of being human.

I hold a strong belief in the idea of controlled or selective inconvenience.

What are your thoughts?

Check out the SLOW CULTURE MOVEMENT here

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