On episode [147: Good Productivity of the Time and Attention Podcast](https://overcast.fm/+AA8PIYspLmI/9:43), [[Chris Bailey]] shares a quote and interesting idea. >[[There's no such thing as love; only proof of love.]] > — [[Jean Cocteau]] ![[20250529210535.mov]] [[Chris Bailey|Bailey]]'s error aside, he makes a brilliant connection to [[productivity]]: >There is no such thing as productivity, only proofs of productivity. I found this to be a really interesting thought, especially as I am currently reading [[Oliver Burkeman]]'s [[Meditations for Mortals]]. So many of us strive to do more, yet Bailey gets right to the heart of it: productivity is hard to measure and exists only in what we actually produce. As [[knowledge worker]]s, our productivity manifests solely in the breadcrumbs of "proof" we leave behind. Although some might try to frame productivity as a measure of effort, it is observed through output. So now it is my turn to twist a quote, this time from [[Oliver Burkeman]]: >...for the usual perfectionistic, limit-denying reasons – wanting to be optimally *[[On Productivity|productive]]* instead of just *[[On Productivity|productive]]*, or wanting to feel in full control of your time and obligations – you never managed to translate your impulses into action. So what lesson do I take away from all of this? **Rather than seeking perfection, seek completion.** Along the way, regularly, leave breadcrumbs of proof rather than focusing on the most productive way to do things.