The Joy of Getting Shit Done
You know what I'm talking about
As a sophomore, I was elected to the UNC Undergraduate Senate as a representative of the Biology Department. Sure, I went to all the meetings, and I was a very vocal participant, but it’s not like I was going back out to my “constituents” and actually telling them what I was doing “on their behalf”.1 I participated, and I cared, but that just wasn’t the same thing as doing something.
The reality is that proactivity is hard. It requires creativity, vision, and determination. Often, I couldn’t help but think that some people were just gifted with the ability to get shit done. Thankfully, I began to realize that it was possible to learn this mindset by watching a very good friend2 in action.
I met Nick Sengstaken around 2018, when we were both working on Textbook Affordability. Over time, we became great friends, and I was constantly amazed by his work ethic. He was in 18 hours of classes while playing for multiple UNC jazz ensembles, and he was also volunteering for the NC Public Interest Group while pushing to distribute a textbook pledge to hundreds of professors around campus. Nick was the same age as me, but he wasn’t waiting for anyone’s instructions or sliding by with the bare minimum - he was taking action.3 This inspired me deeply.
I was encouraged and excited to find ways to achieve something tangible through the Senate before I graduated. Ultimately, Nick and I worked together to write “Concurrent Resolutions” - basically, letters to the administration which carried substantial weight after being passed by the Senate. We played a role in establishing LGBTQ and Asian Centers on campus and preventing Pearson from forcing students to spend thousands of dollars on access codes for textbooks.
Sure, I wasn’t exactly doing the brunt of the legwork, although I would get better at that over time. Still, this was a big personal step for me - I had become someone who could be relied upon to get shit done.4 And I loved it.
Please don’t assume that I think shifting behavior is easy. I have spent at least five years thinking about how to become a more proactive person, but my natural inclination is still to spend my free time lazing, and I think it’ll always be that way.
It’s kind of like choosing between watching TV and playing video games all day or going on a hike. One of those activities requires a heck of a lot more work in planning, getting there, and doing the thing. It also sparks greater joy. The kind of satisfaction you get from a day on the couch is empty calories - sometimes it hits the spot, but often you’ll be questioning your decision immediately afterwards.
Finally, remember that “productivity” comes in many forms. In my opinion, it counts as long as it’s helping you move around or use your brain:
Spending quality time with friends!
Practicing an instrument!
Cooking!
Doing something creative like writing or drawing!
Reading a book!
You could even get wild and try some Type 2 fun - the kind where the activity itself isn’t necessarily fun, but you’re glad you did it afterwards.
Working out!
Cleaning!
Applying to school or learning a professional skill!
Shopping (in person)!
This is going to be different for everyone. Earlier this evening, Nick and I were talking, and he commented that he doesn’t know where I find the time to write these posts. I didn’t get a chance to respond, but, in turn, I’m not sure where he finds the time to do an entire Doctorate in Education after work every day.
Two very different kinds of shit getting done. Two very different timelines. But I think we both are finding real satisfaction in spending some of our time on improving ourselves a bit each day.5
Sounds like the US Senate, amirite?
And a diligent reader of this blog!
Granted, he probably looks back at that time and thinks about how miserable and burnt out he was. Take solace, Nick; no matter your regrets, you motivated me! That makes it all worth it.
In this case, working with the people heading up these causes to put together a high-quality letter and convince the Senate to pass and distribute it.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT THINK THAT MAINTAINING A BLOG IS IN THE SAME UNIVERSE AS PURSUING DOCTORATE. Just thought it was a fun parallel, don’t hate me.
Productivity means something a little different to each individual. One thing is universal: the joy of getting shit done. 😎