How to Balance Productivity and Pleasure in Business
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Hey Friends,
In this manifesto, we explore a new perspective on integrating peace and pleasure into your life and business. I want to dive into what I mean when I say "peace and pleasure" because these are terms we hear often, yet they hold so many meanings. When I talk about peace and pleasure, I’m speaking to something that goes beyond fleeting moments of happiness or euphoria. For me, it’s about softness, simplicity, and tuning into a feminine rhythm that aligns with who we are at our core.
Pleasure is not just one thing; it can look like excitement, joy, flow, euphoria, or even quiet contentment. But when I say I’m moving from a place of peace and pleasure, what I truly mean is embracing a kind of softness. Softness that’s connected to slowing down, moving with intention, and allowing yourself to be guided by your innate wisdom and natural rhythms. It’s the kind of pleasure that’s tied to feminine foundations, to the flow and ease we crave but often struggle to allow, especially in the high-energy world of entrepreneurship.
The Productivity Trap in Business
One of the first things we learn about business is that it requires productivity. We’re taught to stay busy, to make to-do lists, to use every planner and digital tool available so we can keep up with the demands. There’s marketing to do, offers to create, relationships to build, and so many other tasks that seem endless. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good planner, a Trello board, or an Asana setup as much as anyone else. They’re valuable tools, but sometimes, especially for those of us returning to our feminine essence, these systems can become a barrier to experiencing true pleasure in our work.
When we’re constantly focused on productivity, we can lose sight of how we actually want to feel in our work. There’s discipline, of course, in running a business and achieving our goals, but the discipline isn’t just in how much we can do. It’s also in the boundaries we set for ourselves—allowing time for exploration, for checking in with ourselves, for finding the rhythm that genuinely supports peace and pleasure.
When Productivity Overpowers Pleasure
If you’re someone who relies on planners, alarms, apps, and notebooks to keep you grounded, I’d like to invite you to step back for a few days. Sometimes, our systems become the very things that push us into overwhelm, leading us to fill our schedules with tasks that don’t actually bring us closer to the life we desire. Try putting your digital and physical tools aside and tuning into your body. Let your body be your planner; listen to what it’s telling you.
What if, instead of consulting a checklist, you simply asked yourself, What feels good right now? This shift can be transformative. You might realize that your natural rhythm is slower, more intentional, less “do, do, do.” Or, you may uncover a desire to create a different structure, one that supports peace and allows you to feel accomplished without being overwhelmed.
Embracing Structure—For the Free-Spirited Souls
On the other hand, if you’re a free spirit who feels resistance to structure, you may benefit from leaning into just a bit of productivity support. Try out a small tool, like a planner or even a simple calendar, to bring some structure into your day. This isn’t about forcing yourself into a rigid routine. Rather, it’s about creating a gentle framework that can support the parts of you that desire consistency and accountability without stifling your freedom.
The truth is, no one approach works for everyone. Social media can make us feel as though there’s only one right way to be productive or to structure our day, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Not every productivity hack is for every person, and when we try to apply blanket advice, we often end up feeling frustrated or even inadequate. By understanding who you are—whether you naturally lean toward structure or freedom—you can choose what serves you best and feel empowered to adjust when it doesn’t.
Knowing What You Need to Flip the Switch
I love a good plan and a well-organized calendar, but I’m also a free spirit who cherishes the luxury of choice. When I see lots of white space on my calendar, it makes me happy. It gives me room to breathe, to decide in the moment what feels best. Productivity isn’t about cramming every moment with tasks; it’s about creating the life I want and making sure each day holds space for what truly matters.
The real discipline, I believe, is in allowing yourself to tune in, to recalibrate, and to let your peace and pleasure lead. Your calendar can serve as a guide without becoming a jail cell. Look for white space, moments where you can ask, What would bring me joy today? rather than checking off items just for the sake of productivity.
Productivity as a Tool, Not a Goal
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a look at your relationship with productivity. It’s easy to believe that more systems, more structure, and more to-dos will lead to a more successful business. But the reality is, productivity should be a tool, not a goal. Productivity isn’t there to control you—it’s there to serve you. Use it to create the life and business you want, not just to keep up with a checklist.
This doesn’t mean abandoning all structure; rather, it means being intentional with what you choose to keep and what you let go. Evaluate your habits. Are they bringing you closer to the life you envision, or are they simply adding noise? If something isn’t serving you, don’t be afraid to set it aside.
Finding Your Own Balance Between Structure and Flow
To truly bring more peace and pleasure into your business, you may need to experiment with different approaches. Try embracing some structure if you’re typically free-spirited, and try letting go of a few systems if you’re highly organized. It’s about finding a blend that brings out the best in you and aligns with your natural flow.
The journey isn’t about adhering to strict rules or “best practices.” Instead, it’s about tapping into what feels authentic and nourishing. Give yourself the freedom to pivot, to embrace flexibility, and to honor both structure and flow as they fit your unique energy.
Practical Tips for Balancing Productivity and Pleasure
To help you experiment with balancing productivity and pleasure, here are a few suggestions to try:
Limit Your To-Do List – Aim to accomplish just 1-3 meaningful tasks each day. Keep the list simple, focusing on what will truly move you toward your vision.
Schedule White Space – Block out free time on your calendar. Treat this as sacred space to do whatever feels good, whether it’s reading, meditating, or simply resting.
Practice Daily Check-Ins – Instead of diving into tasks, start your day by asking yourself how you want to feel. Let your answer guide your actions.
Experiment with Digital Detox – Try going a few days without your usual productivity apps or tools. Listen to your body and tune into your natural rhythms.
Add Structure Where You Lack It – If you’ve never been a fan of planners or schedules, try setting up a simple calendar or creating a loose daily routine. It can provide balance without overwhelming you.
Final Thoughts: Aligning with Your Feminine Essence
At the end of the day, creating a business and life grounded in peace and pleasure requires us to redefine what success looks like. It’s not about how much we accomplish, but about how we feel in the process. Are we allowing ourselves the freedom to be present, to slow down, to savor the moments that matter most? In a world that often tells us to move faster, do more, and produce endlessly, there’s power in choosing a different path—one where peace and pleasure are the ultimate goals.
If we can tune into our desires, honor our rhythms, and approach productivity as a tool rather than a goal, we open up a space for more fulfillment and joy. The journey of building a business rooted in feminine flow and ease is just as much about letting go of outdated beliefs as it is about embracing new ones. Listen to your body, honor your peace, and let pleasure guide you every step of the way.
Live Pleasurably,
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