In a recent podcast segment, Chris Williamson sparked an intriguing thought regarding modern productivity. He referred to the common pursuit of productivity hacks and routines as a “weird superstitious productivity rain dance,” questioning if these efforts truly yield results or are merely symbolic gestures. This concept of a Rain Dance Dance in the context of productivity is worth exploring, as it highlights a critical issue in how many approach their work.
Williamson, reflecting on his own journey from advocating productivity tools like Pomodoro timers and elaborate note-taking systems, realized that these methods can become more about the performance of productivity rather than actual output. He humorously coined the term “productivity rain dance” to describe this phenomenon – a series of actions taken in the “desperate hope” of getting things done, but often missing the mark.
To further illustrate what constitutes a rain dance dance in the professional sphere, Williamson provided several relatable examples. These include:
- “Sitting at my desk when I’m not working”
- “Being on calls with no actual objective”
- “Keeping Slack notifications at zero, sitting on email trying to get the Unread number down”
- “Saying yes to a random dinner when someone is coming through town”
What unites these seemingly disparate activities? They are all input-focused rather than output-oriented. As Williamson aptly points out, “The problem is that no one’s productivity goal is to maximize inputs. It’s to maximize outputs.” The essence of the rain dance dance is being busy with tasks that feel productive in the moment but don’t necessarily contribute to meaningful outcomes over time.
Look around any contemporary office, or observe the daily routine of a solopreneur, and you’ll likely witness numerous rain dance dance rituals. The frantic email responses, the endless Zoom meetings, the hours spent tweaking AI assistants – these can all be forms of elaborate dances. Everyone appears occupied, but the crucial question remains: are these activities truly “opening the clouds” and leading to tangible results?
The solution isn’t to discard all systems and routines. Instead, it’s about shifting focus from inputs to outputs. Identify the most valuable contributions you make in your role and then determine what truly enhances your ability to perform these tasks effectively. This targeted approach is where genuine productivity lies.
As explored in “Slow Productivity,” prioritizing key efforts often requires streamlining or eliminating less crucial activities that consume valuable time and energy. Implementing a robust workload management system, like setting quotas or distinguishing between active and waiting tasks, is essential to prevent overload and maintain focus. Furthermore, optimizing collaboration processes to minimize distractions from constant messaging, such as scheduling dedicated office hours for complex discussions, and employing time management techniques like time blocking, can significantly enhance control over your schedule and output.
The distinction between effective productivity strategies and a rain dance dance lies in their measurement of success. Grounded productivity efforts are judged by concrete outcomes, not by the mere appearance of busyness. While “productivity rain dances” might offer a temporary sense of accomplishment and control through meticulous adjustments and constant activity, they ultimately fall short if the goal is to achieve substantial results. True productivity, though perhaps less flashy or exciting, involves focused effort on tasks that genuinely “work the land” and yield a meaningful harvest of outputs.
Ultimately, while the allure of the rain dance dance with its promise of control and activity can be strong, achieving real productivity demands a shift in perspective. It requires moving beyond symbolic actions and focusing on the essential work that truly drives progress and delivers tangible results.
