Why Purpose Is the Opposite of Productivity

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We live in a world obsessed with productivity. From the moment we enter the workforce—often even before—we are taught that what matters most is the end result. The product. The goal. The deliverable.

Imagine you’re a software developer. Your job is to write code and build applications. In most cases, the process of coding—the creativity, problem-solving, and learning that happens along the way—is overshadowed by the urgency of getting the final product shipped. Deadlines loom, efficiency is prized, and success is measured in completed tasks.

This is how we are conditioned to operate in nearly every facet of life. The mantra is clear: The ends justify the means.

But when we talk about purpose—especially the kind that leads to happiness, health, and longevity—this model breaks down. Purpose, particularly what I call little p purpose (a process-oriented way of living), is the opposite of productivity as we define it today.

Process Over Product: The Key to Meaningful Purpose

When we pursue little p purpose, we aren’t chasing an outcome. We aren’t measuring success by how much we produce or how quickly we accomplish a goal. Instead, we are focused on doing things that light us up—activities that feel meaningful simply because we enjoy them.

For example, I love podcasting. I don’t obsess over the number of downloads I get or whether each episode goes viral. Sure, it’s nice when people listen, but that’s not why I do it. I do it because I genuinely love the process. The conversations, the storytelling, the connection—it all energizes me.

This is the essence of little p purpose. It’s about engaging in activities that bring fulfillment in the moment, rather than striving for some external benchmark of success.

Contrast this with how most of us have been taught to approach life. At work, we chase promotions and productivity metrics. In our personal lives, we strive to build wealth, hit fitness goals, or check off societal milestones like marriage or homeownership. Everything is about the end result.

And yet, when we finally reach those milestones, what happens? Often, we’re left feeling empty. The satisfaction is fleeting, and soon we find ourselves asking: What’s next?

The Problem With Product-Oriented Thinking

A goal-oriented mindset can be useful in many areas of life—especially in work. But when it comes to purpose, it can backfire in several ways:

1. It Creates Anxiety

Big, audacious goals often feel overwhelming. If you define your purpose as achieving something monumental—writing a bestseller, becoming a CEO, making millions—you constantly live in fear of failure. And even if you reach your goal, the pressure only intensifies: What if I can’t maintain this? What if I fall behind?

2. It Leads to a Never-Ending Chase

Once we achieve a goal, the satisfaction is usually short-lived. Rather than basking in fulfillment, we immediately set our sights on something bigger. This cycle keeps us stuck in a "what’s next?" mindset, always chasing the next accomplishment rather than enjoying the present moment.

3. It Fuels Comparison and Self-Doubt

When we measure success by external achievements, we inevitably compare ourselves to others. They have more money. They have a better job. They’ve reached milestones I haven’t. This comparison-driven thinking shifts our focus away from what actually brings us joy and toward arbitrary benchmarks of success.

How to Embrace Purpose Over Productivity

If you’ve spent your whole life thinking in terms of outcomes and goals, shifting to a process-oriented mindset can feel uncomfortable at first. But it’s worth it. Here’s how you can start:

1. Let Go of Goals (At Least Sometimes)

Not everything needs to have a measurable outcome. Engage in activities simply because they bring you joy—whether it’s painting, writing, hiking, or learning a new skill. Allow yourself to do things without attaching a performance metric to them.

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2. Focus on What You Enjoy

If an activity energizes you, that’s reason enough to do it. Forget whether it leads to a promotion, financial gain, or external recognition. Prioritize what makes you feel alive in the moment.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is one of the biggest traps of a product-focused mindset. When you stop measuring your worth against someone else’s achievements, you free yourself to pursue what genuinely matters to you.

Redefining Success Through Purpose

For most of our lives, we are trained to be as productive as possible—to accomplish, achieve, and optimize every aspect of our existence. But purpose doesn’t work that way.

When we shift from product-focused thinking to process-focused living, we open the door to greater happiness and fulfillment. Instead of chasing an elusive finish line, we learn to appreciate the journey itself.

So the next time you feel pressure to “be productive” in your pursuit of purpose, take a step back. Let go of the outcome, embrace the process, and remember: The means justify the ends—not the other way around.