Right now, for the first time in almost a decade, I have no interest in hacking my content creation productivity. I have been writing Pragmatic Productivity for almost a year now and I have been researching and writing about productivity for significantly longer.
I cannot in good faith write an article about day batching after watching a Ukrainian toddler die from a head wound in his parents’ arms.
I understand this is a hard left from what you usually read in Pragmatic Productivity, but sometimes the most productive thing we can do for ourselves is to make the world better for others.
Social media has brought the tragedies of war into our pockets. From the graciously expectant crowds offering to welcome weary families into their homes to the mangled bodies belonging to families forever separated. And they’re peppered throughout our Instagram and Twitter feeds.
Bomb shelters crowded with babies. Swipe. A sale at Nordstrom. Swipe. Rihanna’s baby bump. Swipe. An elderly couple desperately clawing their way up steep embankment carrying a small suitcase and their beloved dog. Swipe. A cat snuggling with a duck.
You tell me. In today’s world, what is really productive?
10 ways you can help Ukrainian citizens in less than 10 minutes
Donate to the International Rescue Committee. This organization helps families impacted by conflict in Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan, and crisis zones worldwide.
Join a Facebook group to help families from Ukraine find a temporary home. The Accommodation, Help & Shelter for Ukraine Facebook group is a fantastic place to offer up an extra room or sofa in your home.
Donate to or volunteer from Voices of Children. This Ukrainian company’s website says, “Today, during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are providing non-stop assistance to affected children and families from all over the country, providing emergency psychological assistance, and assisting in the evacuation process.”
Volunteer to fight. Yes, this takes more than ten minutes, but starting the process doesn’t. If you’re interested in applying to join the Ukrainian army, you can start by approaching the Ukrainian embassy in your country. Here is more information.
Support Doctors Without Borders. The organization, as of March 6th, has begun emergency response operations and just successfully sent a first shipment of medical supplies to Kyiv.
Donate items at a local church or donation center. It is highly likely that there is a church or donation center in your area that is taking donations of clothing, medical supplies, and other needed items. Do an internet search for your area and you’ll probably find somewhere close to share your items.
Learn how this whole thing started. Well, in most recent history anyway. Check out Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight For Freedom on Netflix.
Encourage others to take action. You can talk with your friends about how you can help, post places to donate on social media, or, well, you could write an article on it (like me). The more people are informed and encouraged, the more likely they will be to help those in need.
Support the Ukrainian Red Cross. Their website says, “All funds will be used to help those in need, affected by armed conflict, blood collection, mobilization of volunteers and resources, and emergency activities.”
Attend a rally. Numerous organizations around the world, including west coast American-based non-profit Nova Ukraine, are organizing rallies for people to get out and show their support for the Ukrainian soldiers and citizens.
Whether you have a few dollars, a few minutes, or an entire life to donate, there is a way for you to help.
Final thoughts
A friend told me that we cannot do anything about the crisis that is currently unfolding from our homes in Los Angeles. We can’t let it affect our lives, he said. We have work and families and bills to pay and goals to reach.
I wholeheartedly disagree. I think that if we care enough about anything in the world, we can absolutely work to make a difference in it. And after all, isn’t that what productivity is all about? Efficiently getting the important things done so we can live a free and meaningful lives? To me, that is the best kind of productivity.
A Hard Look at Productivity Today
Hy Michelle, i loved your newsletter, its really helpful. I am also a fellow creator just like you. Could we do a written article of things your grab wisdom from internet. My audience will love to see you, just let me know about it.