Let’s be honest—when you hear the word “productivity,” what comes to mind? For most of us, it’s action. Movement. A full calendar. Maybe even that satisfying feeling of checking things off a list. I used to think the same way—until I found myself stuck in a loop of doing more, while actually getting *less* of what I truly wanted.
Over time (and lots of trial, error, and journaling), I realized something: productivity isn’t just about how much you do—it’s about how you show up in your day. And more importantly, it’s about what kind of energy you’re bringing to your work, your rest, and your life.
This week, I’m sharing the three modes of productivity that most people miss—but once you understand how they work together, it changes everything.
Active Productivity: The one we all know.
This is where most of us live. It’s the planning, the task-doing, the moving from one thing to the next. Active productivity is essential—it’s how we move things forward. But if we’re not careful, it can also become the only mode we operate in, which leads to burnout and creative blocks.
If you’re constantly asking, “What’s next?” without ever pausing to ask, “Is this working?”—you might be stuck in go-go-go mode without realizing it.
Restorative Productivity: The one we say we prioritize... but don’t.
True rest isn’t scrolling on your phone or zoning out with Netflix. It’s sleep. Actual, restorative sleep. When you don’t get enough of it, you might still be “doing” things—but the quality drops. Your thinking gets fuzzy, your patience thins out, and your body starts waving the white flag.
Rest is not a reward for productivity. It’s the fuel for it.
Passive Productivity: The secret weapon.
This is the most underrated (and overlooked) mode. Passive productivity happens in those quiet, in-between moments when you’re not actively doing or resting—but simply being. Think: walking without a podcast, sipping coffee on the porch, driving with the radio off, or journaling with no agenda.
It’s in these spaces that your best ideas, solutions, and clarity tend to show up. The problem? Most of us are so busy filling every gap in our day that we don’t leave room for this kind of slow, spacious thinking.
Start paying attention to when your “a-ha” moments actually happen. I’ll bet they don’t come while you’re sprinting through your task list.
If your days have started to feel like a nonstop race between doing and crashing, it’s time to bring more harmony into your definition of productivity. The most sustainable, fulfilling rhythm happens when you’re intentionally using all three modes: active, restorative, and passive.
So the next time you sit down to plan your week, look beyond the to-dos. Ask yourself: Where is there space to rest? Where is there room to think? Because productivity isn’t just about checking the boxes—it’s about creating a life that feels aligned, energizing, and sustainable.
1. A Better Share by Morgan Cutlip
If the never-ending list of household tasks has started to feel a little too one-sided, this book is for you. A Better Share breaks down the mental load in a way that actually makes sense—and gives couples real tools to tackle it together.
Dr. Morgan Cutlip offers a smart, compassionate approach to navigating shared responsibilities, reducing resentment, and bringing more fun (and connection!) back into your relationship. It’s practical, relatable, and just what so many couples need!
How to Plan Schoolwork & Projects Like a Pro (for Students and Parents of Students!)
Whether you’re a student yourself or a parent trying to help your teen stay on top of it all, this week’s video is a must-watch. Managing homework, long-term projects, and multiple class deadlines can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
In this video, I walk through a simple, visual planning system that helps students stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and balance school with other activities. I’ll also show you how a wall calendar can make it easier to map out priorities and actually follow through. These are real planning skills students can start using right away—and ones that will stick with them far beyond the classroom.
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This Week’s Buzz: How I Actually Take Time Off Without My Business Falling Apart
This week, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly how I prep for time off—so I can truly unplug without my business grinding to a halt. Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a small team, taking a real break is possible (and no, it doesn’t require answering emails from the beach).
In this video, I’m walking you through the four key systems I rely on to make vacation time stress-free, including how I plan ahead, delegate, and set communication boundaries. I’ll also show you how I used these systems even when it was just me running everything solo.
If you’re dreaming of your next vacation but worried everything will fall apart while you’re gone—don’t miss this one!
Remember, this video is only available until Wednesday—don’t miss it! Head to The Pink Bee app to watch now.
Friend, don’t forget—just 15 minutes of planning today can set the tone for your entire week. You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the tips, and now it’s time to take action. Let’s crush this week together!
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