Faux Work
Social media content creators have glamorized faux work. Faux work is a concept that gives one a false sense of productivity. This includes excessively organizing, spending hours on planning tools and creating an environment that is obsessed with minor details.
In the context of social media, the presentation of faux work is misleading. Influencers might showcase their aesthetically pleasing work setups, elaborate planning systems, or extensive routines, suggesting that these are the keys to their success. However, the reality is real work is less glamorous and focused on substances that drive actual outcomes.
Faux work provides a temporary feeling of accomplishment. It's like taking a cold shower: sure, you stood in there and endured the discomfort, but what did you really achieve besides putting yourself through some temporary discomfort? The allure of faux work is its ability to make one feel busy and efficient, which can be appealing in a culture that values constant productivity. However, it's crucial to recognize and prioritize real, meaningful work that drives progress and results.
Always remember that deliberate practice is inherently painful. Andrej Karpathy said this about learning: “It should look a lot less like that "10 minute full body" workout from your local digital media creator and a lot more like a serious session at the gym”. Now, I am not saying you shouldn't enjoy your work or that it shouldn't be aesthetically pleasing. Enjoying your work and creating an environment that inspires you is important.
It's about recognizing the difference between activities that make you feel productive and those that actually drive progress towards your goals. By focusing on meaningful work, you can enjoy both the process and the results, leading to a more fulfilling and successful pursuit of your objectives.
While writing this, I felt as if someone were giving me this advice because I often get caught up in faux work myself and wander into areas that don't actually matter. I understand how easy it is to be lured by tasks that give a false sense of productivity. Instead of falling for the trap, be a go-getter.