What French Women Can Teach Us About Productivity
If you are a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) like me, you might have noticed that following conventional advice around productivity does not sit well with your nervous system. Let’s explore how French women’s wisdom, seasonal living, and Hofstadter's Law can support us in reshaping our relationship with time and productivity.
— In this article —
A Case Against Parkinson’s Law
When I first discovered Parkinson's Law, which states "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion", I felt inspired by it. I saw that I could make better use of my time, and put in place a firm regime to keep me on track to getting more done.
However, after working this way for many months, it suddenly dawned on me how highly strung I had become as a result. Racing against the clock and trying to beat my own estimates had me feeling more frazzled than fulfilled.
But changing my approach didn’t feel like a viable option because I had so much I wanted to accomplish — plus, everyone in the online business world was singing the praises of Parkinson’s Law.
Taking Cue From French Women
But then, a light breeze of change whispered through the chaos, carrying with it the calm and leisurely pace of French life.
A call to slow down, embody 'l'art de vivre' (the art of living), a prioritise quality over quantity, pleasure over pressure, and being over doing.
To channel the French woman’s mindset, which encompasses mindfulness, elegance, and an unapologetic embrace of life's pleasures — a refreshing contrast to the widespread hustle culture we encounter as online entrepreneurs.
Let us take a leaf out of their book by approaching our day with the intention to savour each task, to find joy in the mundane, and to give ourselves permission to linger over a project a little longer with a cup of coffee.
The paradox is that in slowing down like this, our output is more efficient and effective.
Hofstadter's Law: An Unhurried Approach
Here's a thought experiment for us: Imagine a world where work doesn't just expand to fill time, but breathes in harmony with our inner rhythms.
Enter Hofstadter's Law, a gentle yet persistent reminder that "It always takes longer than we expect, even when we take into account Hofstadter's Law."
For us Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs, Hofstadter's Law isn't just a quirky adage, it’s a permission slip that aligns beautifully with our innate depth of processing.
It encourages us to approach our plans and projects not as races to be won, but as art to be created.
What would happen if you approached your business creations as an artist approaches their canvas? What if you poured time and intention into it, layer by layer, letting it unfold naturally?
What if, just like an artist, you didn’t rush your brushstrokes, you savoured each part of the process, and you lived by the adage “It takes as long as it takes”? Yes you may upset some diehard productivity advocates, but imagine how you would feel!
Attuning Your Business to the Seasons
The natural world also offers us wisdom for our entrepreneurial journey —particularly in the way it embraces change.
Just as the seasons flow from spring's renewal, summer's growth, autumn's harvest, and winter's rest we, too, can align our rhythms and planning with the seasons, giving ourselves permission to ebb and flow, reducing burnout, and fostering creativity.
Reshaping your relationship with productivity
Here’s how can we weave these threads of wisdom into the fabric of our daily lives as we embark on this journey of mindful productivity:
Embrace 'Le Petit Plaisir': Borrow from the French and integrate small pleasures throughout your day. Whether it's a beautifully prepared meal, a few moments with a favourite book, or simply taking the time to breathe and be present, allow these joys to punctuate your day with happiness and relaxation.
Plan for the Unexpected with Seasonal Wisdom: Adopt Hofstadter's Law in your planning, and integrate seasonal planning into this step. Allocate more time (a lot more) than you think you'll need for each task, and consider the energy and focus each season brings. This not only reduces stress but also opens up space for creativity and unexpected opportunities.
Cultivate 'L'Art de Vivre' in Business: Approach your business tasks as an artist approaches their craft. Seek beauty in your work, allow for periods of reflection, and don't rush the process. Remember, the best wines are those given time to mature.
In weaving these practices into your day I believe you can have the calm, uncomplicated businesses that you’ve been yearning for — while transforming your work and life into a canvas rich with colour, texture, and depth.
Take a moment to imagine and feel what it would be like to start living your life as the French do, with a bit more flair, a touch more grace, and a lot more joie de vivre — then create this new identity through your daily habits.
Danielle Gardner
The Quiet Marketer
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P.S. Contrary to conventional marketing advice, I don’t use a lead magnet to lure you onto my email list (here’s why). The option to join my list is available on purchasing any of my workshops, courses or mentorships.
