Throughout my teens, my definition of productivity was simple: The more I do, the more I’ll feel productive. This obsession with being productive reached such heights that I started experiencing constant episodes of burnout.

In college, I’d spend hours travelling, attending lectures, talking to friends, and working for college societies. At work, I’d answer client calls at 11:00pm at night and carry my laptop around on weekends. But once the overwhelm would kick in, I failed to understand what actually led me to this state.

Of Course, you’d think that these are completely normal things that all of us do in college or in our jobs. But how much of it actually makes sense when we indulge in these tasks each day?

The problem was my choice: I always chose ‘go, go, go’ and not ‘stop, stop, stop’.

Majority of us live our life on autopilot every day.

My experience leads me to believe that we often let our minds wander to all places except the present. We’re either thinking about our next move or regretting the way we did something in the past. Since we can’t seem to have control over these thoughts (or maybe we don’t wish to), we choose to ignore the present.

Most actions are performed because they lead to a desired consequence.

My Mind

“Attending lectures would mean that I’d have a chance of scoring well in exams.”

(‘go, go, go’)

NOT

“Attending lectures would mean that I’d have a chance to learn more about something I may have no idea about.” (‘stop, stop, stop’)

The truth is, it’s easier to live a life that is not intentional in some ways. We don’t have to think too much as long as we are earning enough money to support our needs. Even if you aren't on top, you’re always thinking about your next step to reach there.

But if you truly wish to live with intention, it takes effort to just BE in the present, to eliminate tasks from your schedule that are only done because you don’t want to disappoint, and to build awareness of your emotions and actions.

This week, I encourage you to identify how much of your life you live on autopilot each day. Think about the costs of operating on autopilot, and what you can do to transition away from that lifestyle.