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Are you being productive or just reactive?

How stress shows up, why it happens, and how mindfulness helps us respond with clarity instead of pressure – at work and beyond.

Team at The People Readiness Company avatar
Written by Team at The People Readiness Company
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Speed reading summary:

Are you starting your day with purpose or just reacting to what’s urgent? This article explores the difference between true productivity and reaction mode, and gives you clear steps to take back control of your time through intention, not just response.

It’s 4:00 p.m. where did the day go?

You had plans. But instead of working on the things that matter most to you, the day filled itself: requests, interruptions, updates, shifting deadlines. You stayed busy, maybe even exhausted, but somehow still didn’t get to the work you care most about.

This is the trap of reactivity.

The difference between reactive and productive

Reactivity

Means spending most of your time answering requests, solving problems, and responding to whatever appears in front of you. It’s driven by what’s urgent, not necessarily what’s important.

Productivity

Starts with clarity. It’s intentional. You define your priorities, set direction, and take action on what truly matters before the noise gets loud.

Both are part of modern work. But too much reactivity means your days begin to belong to others, not to you.

Why reactivity wins (even when you don’t want it to)

Responding feels good in the moment. You check something off. You get praised for being quick. It feels like progress.

But this short-term win often costs long-term focus. Constant reaction fragments your attention. You move fast, but without direction. And at the end of the day, you’re left wondering what you actually accomplished.

Over time, it adds up. Tasks are done, but projects stall. You lose energy. And burnout sets in when it feels like you’re always working, but not getting anywhere.

Signs you’re in reaction mode

  • You check email or chat before setting your own priorities

  • Your calendar is full of other people’s meetings

  • You have no time blocked for focused or strategic work

  • You feel frustrated by the end of the day, but can’t quite say why

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most people aren’t taught to work with intention. They’re trained to stay responsive.

How to shift from reactive to intentional

Start small. These simple steps can help you regain direction.

Daily practice

  1. Begin with 5 minutes of intention

    Before you open any inbox, write down 1 to 2 tasks that matter to you today. What would make this day feel meaningful? Use the Readiness app journal or a piece of paper.

  2. Protect a block of time

    Choose a 60 to 90 minute window for your most important work. Block it on your calendar. Turn off notifications.

  3. Name your distractions

    When you catch yourself reacting, pause. What pulled you away? Was it urgent? Was it necessary?

Weekly design

  1. Start the week with reflection

    On Monday morning, write out your top 3 priorities for the week. These should align with your role, goals, or values – not just what others want from you. Our templates in the Readiness app are a great way to start!

  2. Review your calendar like a strategist

    Look at your schedule and ask:

    1. Where is my deep work time?

    2. Where am I most likely to be pulled off course?

    3. Do I need to reschedule anything to protect my focus?

  3. Create space, not just structure

    Block 15 minute buffers between meetings. Hold one afternoon with no calls if possible. Give your brain room to think, not just react.

Intentional work isn’t fancy. It’s focused.

You don’t need a new planner or a perfect workflow. You need awareness, consistency, and the courage to protect your time.

Start by noticing: Are you driving your day, or is your day driving you? Useing the Readiness app daily will help

Even a small shift in awareness can make a full day feel different.

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