How Productivity Apps Can Make Us Less Productive (And Less Happy)
But no matter how much Tessa managed to get done, she was not satisfied. Constantly monitoring progress, streamlining strategy, and updating goals filled her days but left her chronically unfulfilled. Whatever she did, it was never enough. She had what I call “goal post-itis.” As soon as she completed a big task, instead of feeling satisfied by the accomplishment, she responded by adding a new project, moving the goal posts further down the field.
We live in a world that worships productivity and celebrates focus. Getting more done in less time is the battle cry of ambitious people everywhere. Seeming “time wasters”—like a walk around the block, a conversation with a co-worker, calling a friend, or taking a moment to look out the window—threaten to undermine the imperative to optimize each hour of the day. There is an ever-growing supply of apps, books, wearable devices and advice to help us...