Beware of Fake-Work and Make-Work.

The Happiness Project Blog Logo

I remind myself that all work isn’t created equally. Just because I’m busy doesn’t mean that I’m being productive.

I imagine that every kind of work has its fake-work and make-work. For example, as a writer, I remind myself:

  • Create, don’t fiddle around with italics and formatting
  • Typing isn’t the same as writing
  • Cruising around the internet isn’t the same as “research”
  • Answering emails, checking Twitter and Facebook, and similar tasks, while important, must not be allowed to get in the way of writing and thinking
  • If I’m finding it very hard to write, I should stop trying to write and instead, start thinking harder
  • If I’m finding it very easy to write, I’m probably falling into cliché and should start thinking harder

Of course, one of my Secrets of Adulthood is that the opposite of a great truth is also true, and I have several resolutions aimed at helping me not to worry constantly about being efficient, but instead, to force myself to wander and schedule time for play. Sometimes, I work best by doing things that don’t look like “work.”

In your job, do you have to fight the urge to do fake-work and make-work? What form does yours take?

From 2006 through 2014, as she wrote The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, Gretchen chronicled her thoughts, observations, and discoveries on The Happiness Project Blog.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

DISCOVER MORE

Like what you see? Explore more about this topic.

Interested in happiness, habits, and human nature?

From renowned happiness expert and New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, the “Five Things Making Me Happy” newsletter is one of today’s most popular newsletters. You’ll get a weekly round-up of what’s making Gretchen happy, as well as practical tips, research, and resources about how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.

Subscribe to Gretchen’s newsletter.

Every Friday, Gretchen Rubin shares 5 things that are making her happier, asks readers and listeners questions, and includes exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes material.