Breaking the Productivity Spell
As I sit this morning, ready to be productive and tackle my to-do list, I find myself caught in a YouTube rabbit hole. One video leads to another, and three hours have passed before I know it. But this time, instead of feeling guilty for wasting time, I am reminded that some rabbit holes are worth going down.
I dedicated my time on YouTube to searching for advertisements focusing on making a social impact. These were the videos with powerful messages that pulled at your heartstrings and motivational speeches ranging from 30 seconds to three minutes. I viewed ads from prominent companies like Nike and Starbucks and impactful talks by people like Brené Brown and Jim Carrey. Out of all these videos, the ones that spoke to me the most shared two key qualities: authenticity and vulnerability.
Being authentic means staying true to your genuine self. It involves openly expressing your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs without feeling pressure to conform to others' expectations. When I saw those commercials, I immediately sensed which ones were authentic. They had a natural and sincere tone that resonated with me deeper.
Being authentic to ourselves draws in people who value and accept us for who we truly are. We shed any fear of being our genuine selves, creating a deep sense of connection and mutual admiration. In my personal experience, my strongest bonds are with those who have seen me at my most vulnerable and imperfect. They are the ones I can count on and confide in, no matter what happens.
On the other hand, vulnerability is revealing your true self, which includes acknowledging your fears, uncertainties, and flaws. In Brené Brown's speeches, she highlights that exposing one's vulnerabilities is not a flaw but a sign of strength. It takes bravery to be vulnerable because it involves taking emotional chances. Comedian Jim Carrey's frank conversations about his battles with mental health revealed a different aspect of his persona that many may not anticipate from a renowned comedian. His openness and vulnerability made his message even more impactful and easy to connect with.
Vulnerability is necessary for building strong and meaningful relationships. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create the opportunity for others to connect with us truly. While sharing our struggles and fears can be intimidating, doing so invites empathy and understanding. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that my strongest connections come from moments of shared vulnerability. In these moments, we realize we are not alone in our challenges and experiences.
As I finish my binge-watching session, I am reminded that some rabbit holes are worth falling into - if only to remember that we all face similar challenges. Instead of feeling disheartened or inadequate, I use this reminder as motivation to keep striving to make a positive impact and use my talents and resources to lift others up. At that moment, my YouTube binge turned from mere procrastination to a source of inspiration.
As I shut down the browser on my laptop and return to my daily tasks with renewed purpose, I am grateful for these moments of reflection that remind me of the bigger picture—that true success is about empowering others along the way.