Authenticity vs. Productivity, Part 1 - "One More Thing"

Oftentimes we believe that doing one more thing is inherently good—a productive move—without considering its consequences or where that urge comes from. We often overlook that this drive actually stems from a scarcity mentality, a deep-seated feeling that we’re not enough and that we need to do better. We assume that if we accomplish enough tasks, we’ll eventually reach a place—almost like a salvation—where we’ll be okay because we would have done enough to be accepted as who we are.

It’s interesting to note that while you’re busy doing one more thing, you’re not really practicing who you are; you’re practicing who you’re not. In life, you get what you practice. For example, if you work hard to make money, you will make money. Many people make money in hopes of being happy, but making money and being happy are separate matters. Although money can provide options that might help you pursue happiness, fundamentally, money itself doesn’t make you happier. The idea is simple: if you practice making money, you’ll get more money, but if you want to be happy, you need to practice being happy.

If you consistently try to add one more thing, it’s often because you feel that your life—or what you’re doing—is not enough. This sense of “not enoughness” may drive you to compensate for what feels lacking, whether that’s a part of your personality or your material circumstances. Conversely, if you feel like you’re too much, you might try to do one less thing to avoid overwhelming others. Either way, it all starts with a message that, on some level, tells you it isn’t okay to be your natural self.

When you try to fit in instead of being authentic, you end up compromising who you truly are. This leads to a deeper question: what does it really mean to be yourself? From a practical standpoint, being authentic means being in a natural state—feeling comfortable in who you are, without the need to change or hide in order to fit in. Yet, we often work hard to change ourselves simply to be accepted, and it can be difficult to distinguish between genuine self-improvement and merely conforming.

At its core, this idea of “one more thing” challenges us to consider our natural self and the kind of change that is truly beneficial. A healthy, authentic change is one where, as you evolve, you feel increasingly balanced, more relaxed, and more true to yourself. In contrast, a change that feels forced or compromising leaves you feeling imbalanced—even if it initially feels good, it might eventually lead to tension and dissatisfaction.

This discussion naturally leads to the contrast between a growth mindset and a protection mindset. A growth mindset is about expanding your capacities, exploring who you are, and gradually becoming more at ease with yourself. On the other hand, a protection mindset is primarily concerned with preventing disasters and avoiding harm. While the protective approach might lead to success in preventing failure, it often comes at the expense of true self-understanding and personal growth.

Familiarity brings comfort because it involves doing what you already know well, yet genuine relaxation is not the same as mere familiarity. When you try something new—such as meditation, yoga, or other movement exercises—the initial uncertainty might feel uncomfortable. However, over time, that discomfort can give way to a profound sense of relaxation and self-discovery, as you become more familiar with your true self rather than just the activity itself.

When we fail to distinguish between being (finding comfort in who you are) and doing (engaging in habitual behaviors), we tend to remain stuck in a protective mode. This state of mind focuses on what you don’t want and what might go wrong, rather than on exploring and expanding your potential. Those with a protection mindset might become very effective at avoiding disasters, yet they often miss the opportunity to truly understand themselves and meet all of their needs.

In a growth mindset, both your way of being and your behavior are aligned with who you truly want to be. You explore what satisfies you and develop behaviors that genuinely meet your needs, rather than simply focusing on avoiding harm. While survival—the need to be safe—is important, it shouldn’t overshadow other vital aspects of your well-being. Focusing solely on protection is like taking only one vitamin when you need a balanced mix to thrive.

This is why the urge to do one more thing often originates from feeling insufficient. If you see yourself as either too little or too much, you may always feel compelled to add or subtract something rather than focusing on what truly matters. Interestingly, as you become more authentic and adopt a growth mindset, you might end up engaging in a wider range of activities—not because you need to add more to prove yourself, but because you recognize that a balanced, holistic approach to life is essential.

A protective mindset tends to split your attention between past regrets and future anxieties, leaving you disconnected from the present moment. In contrast, a growth mindset involves checking in with yourself in the here and now to identify and address the most pressing need. In any given moment, you generally have one primary need that stands out—whether it’s hunger, thirst, rest, or something else. By staying present, you allow past experiences to inform your actions and guide your future, creating a more effective system for meeting your needs.

Ultimately, while a scarcity or protection mindset may keep you safe in the short term, it can also pigeonhole you into roles, relationships, or lifestyles that don’t truly satisfy you. Over time, the options available to you may diminish because you’re focused on avoiding harm rather than nurturing growth. Just as an asparagus that is only protected but not nourished will eventually wither, a life led solely by a protective mindset may lead to long-term imbalance and dissatisfaction.

This entire discourse centers on the question of authenticity: Are you being true to your natural self, or are you merely trying to fit in? The urge to do one more thing arises from a feeling of inadequacy. The challenge, then, is to consider whether there is an alternative model—a way to shift from merely surviving by protecting yourself to truly growing by embracing who you are.