How to Find Real Happiness Without Chasing Productivity
We hear a lot about productivity these days. There’s endless advice on how to carve out time blocks, run sprints, and maximize every minute. People talk about 90-minute bursts of work, followed by a fifteen-minute break, then back to another round of tasks. The focus is always on doing more, faster, better.
But here’s what almost no one talks about: well-being, happiness, and the art of creating real moments of joy for yourself. Not just breaks, but genuine, delicious pauses—what I like to call “gourmet breaks.”
For me, these moments are simple. I often take a coffee break, savoring a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate, sometimes with a piece of chocolate from Adelaide. After that, I love to write by hand. There’s something about the feel of paper, the concrete act of writing, that grounds me. Sure, I could do the same thing on a tablet. I love technology—I work in IT every day. But when it comes to my moments of well-being, I feel much better jotting down whatever comes to mind, or letting my creativity flow, on real paper.
When I use a tablet or any other device, I get distracted. I end up browsing the internet, chasing new ideas, and losing sight of what matters. With paper, I stay focused.
I even have a Freewrite and a Freewrite Traveler, which I use for writing. Let me tell you, it’s not quite like a tablet. The tactile feeling is much closer to paper. I have several notebooks, too—some are just beautiful to look at, and I find inspiration comes more easily when I write in them. I keep notebooks in almost every room of my apartment, so whenever inspiration strikes, I can jot it down right away. The same goes when I travel or go on vacation. If I feel good, if I’m in the zone, I write.
Right now, I’m wearing shorts because it’s summer, and after this, I’ll go for a swim at the beach, which is about an hour away by tram. It’s a popular spot near Adelaide. But before that, I’ll take my gourmet break, write a bit, and just enjoy the moment. These breaks usually last about forty-five minutes.
People don’t talk enough about this. We’re obsessed with productivity, but after a while, it can break you. Sure, you get a lot done, but does it really make you happy? It’s like running a race with no finish line. There’s always another diploma to earn, another project to start, another goal to chase. Where does it end? Some people want three Nobel Prizes, or three PhDs, or more. But it’s the same in daily life. If you don’t create moments of sweetness and detours for yourself, you miss out on the present.
Taking time for yourself lets you enjoy the moment and do things you actually like. For me, that means continuing to write one of my books. I hope you’ll do the same—start today, not tomorrow. There’s no better time. Every day, give yourself a little moment of peace and happiness. I wish you all the best, truly.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
— Dalai Lama
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.
— Mark Black
Key Takeaways
- Productivity is important, but not at the cost of your well-being.
- Create real, joyful breaks for yourself—what I call “gourmet breaks.”
- Writing by hand can help you focus and spark creativity.
- Keep notebooks handy so you can capture inspiration wherever you are.
- Don’t let life become an endless race; savor the present.
Reflection
When was the last time you took a real break, just for yourself? What small ritual could you add to your day to bring more happiness and presence?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Happiness #Mental-Health #Nomad #Productivity #Self Care #Tasks #Time-Management #Well-Being