From Productivity to Flowductivity: A Shift Towards Meaningful Impact
By Terre Short
For much of my life, I have taken pride in getting things done—whether in a day, a week, a month, or a year. I have long described this as being productive, measuring my success by how efficiently I check tasks off my to-do list. As I look inward more consistently, I realize that this relentless focus on productivity often implies a lack of control, as if I am merely reacting to demands rather than shaping a meaningful path forward.
Now, I embrace a different approach—one that focuses on being flowductive rather than productive. This shift is not about doing less, nor is it about abandoning ambition. Instead, it is about ensuring that my efforts contribute to something greater than myself. It is about fostering environments where success, growth, and wellbeing can thrive, both for myself and those around me. At its core, flowductivity is a heart-centered approach—one that values intentionality, balance, and connection over sheer output. It is a state of flow that enables purposeful contributions.
The Problem with Productivity as a Sole Focus
Productivity, as traditionally defined, is about efficiency—accomplishing more in less time. While this has its merits, it can also be a double-edged sword. A strict focus on productivity often results in:
- A Checklist Mentality – Productivity can become synonymous with busyness, leading us to value output over impact.
- Burnout and Stress – Constantly striving to do more can leave little room for rest, creativity, or deeper connections.
- A Reactive Approach – Prioritizing task completion can make us feel like we are constantly responding to demands rather than proactively shaping our goals and environments.
- Limited Influence – Productivity is often an individual pursuit, whereas the most meaningful accomplishments arise from collective effort and shared success.
Recognizing these limitations, I have transitioned my focus toward flowductivity—a way of being that emphasizes fostering positive environments, enabling others, and creating meaningful contributions rather than just ticking boxes.
What It Means to Be Flowductive
Being flowductive means actively contributing to the success, growth, and wellbeing of others in all aspects of life—at work, in relationships, and in our communities. Unlike mere productivity, which is often self-focused, flowductivity is about creating conditions for collective success. It stems from the heart, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from completing tasks, but from enriching the lives of those around us. It feels right!
Integrating Wellbeing and Purpose
This approach to life aligns closely with the principles I outlined in the following articles – Embracing a “Doing More with More” Mindset, Do Things F.A.S.T. and Create Space for More Joy, and Integrating Work and Life: Creating Harmony Between Competing Demands. I invite you to find the flow created in the practices offered in each of these previous articles.
- Doing More with More – Instead of stretching limited resources, I focus on leveraging my strengths, relationships, and available tools to create a greater impact. Empathy, prioritization, and strategic pauses allow me to be more effective without overextending myself.
- Doing Things F.A.S.T. – By maintaining focus, alignment, and single-tasking, I have found that I can manage competing priorities with more intention and less stress.
- Work-Life Integration – Creating harmony between personal and professional demands ensures that I am present for meaningful moments, rather than feeling constantly pulled in multiple directions.
The Benefits of a Flowductive Mindset
By transitioning from productivity to flowductivity, I have noticed significant improvements in both my personal and professional life:
- Greater Fulfillment – My accomplishments now feel more meaningful because they contribute to collective wellbeing rather than just personal efficiency.
- Stronger Relationships – Prioritizing connection over mere output has deepened my bonds with colleagues, friends, and family.
- Increased Innovation – A flowductive environment fosters creativity and fresh ideas, leading to solutions that might not emerge in a rigidly productivity-focused setting.
- More Sustainable Success – Energy flows freely as I focus on long-term impact rather than short-term task completion.
Having a sense of flowductivity fills my heart. It is about leading with intention, balance, and connection – and prioritizing what truly matters. When I awake and set my intention(s) for the day, I now contemplate what it will mean to be flowductive. It makes my focus more about being and less about doing. At the close of the day, I reflect on the times I felt in the flow of things, and the lightness of effort when I was being proactive. This mindset keeps me connected to my heart and contributing at my fullest potential. How might this shift serve you?
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Terre Short is a best-selling author, executive leadership coach, dynamic speaker and learning experience creator who connects from her heart.
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