The 3 Levels of Joyful Productivity

One of the enduring questions for me — over 16 years as a soulpreneur — is this:

Is it possible to make every moment of work joyful?

I’ve noticed 3 levels that I can approach any workday… and in fact, any work hour.

Level 1: Delayed Gratification

At this first level, what drives a worker is external motivation, a focus on completing a task. Perhaps even attachment to completing it. The work process is simply a means to an end.

• Core Mindset: “I have to get this over with.” The task is framed as an obstacle to overcome, or a requirement to fulfill.
  
  
• Primary Focus: The reward that comes after the task is completed. This could be a paycheck, free time, or simply the relief of not having to do the task anymore. It’s really about delayed gratification.
  
  
• Methodology: The hope is that we can make the task as painless or even as “fun” as possible. This may involve environmental adjustments like putting on music we enjoy, or maybe eating a (healthy) snack, or any other way we can make the workspace more pleasant.
  
  
• Relationship to the Process: The work activity itself holds no inherent value. It’s a transactional process — time and effort are exchanged for a future reward. Most people who dislike their jobs operate at this level, simply trying to get through the week, so that they can get their paycheck and enjoy the weekend.

All of us, even “soul”-preneurs, can find ourselves doing some work at this first level. Let’s be mindful of how we are working today. If we notice that we’re just trying to get things done, take a pause and consider moving our awareness to Level 2.

Level 2: Mission-Driven

This level marks a shift from external to internal motivation, driven by a deeper care for the product.

• Core Mindset: “I am doing this work because I care.” The task is part of a larger, meaningful mission.
  
  
• Primary Focus: The quality of the results. The outcome matters because we can imagine how it serves a purpose, such as a client’s transformation, a societal cause, or simply the development of one’s professional skills.
  
• Methodology: The focus is on effectiveness and craftsmanship. The question shifts from Level 1’s “How quickly/easily can I get this done?” to Level 2’s “How can I do this task well?”
  
  
• Relationship to the Process: The work becomes a vehicle for achieving a mission. While the process itself isn’t the primary focus, the act of producing a quality result brings a sense of deeper purpose.

Sometimes the tasks we do may seem mundane, and it may mean eliminating the task altogether! Read more: the EASE productivity method. But if it’s really necessary for us to do it, then let’s become aware of how the attempt to do the task well helps us develop our skills. Then, perhaps we can move into the next level…

Level 3: Mindful Moments

This is the level where greater integration happens between the work, the mission, and one’s higher self. The act of working becomes itself a spiritual practice and a direct experience of growth. This practice can be applied to any task, any job, any work.

• Core Mindset: “The work activity itself is a stage for character growth.” The purpose is awareness of the usefulness of the process itself, not just the outcome.
  
  
• Primary Focus: The present moment. It’s about bringing virtue, values, presence, and positive energy directly into the act of doing.
  
  
• Methodology: The work becomes a practice of mindfulness and self-cultivation. No matter what the activity is, each moment is an opportunity to practice virtue and experience a higher state of being.
  
  
• Relationship to the Process: The work is a portal to the infinite. It offers a holographic experience where both purpose and personal growth are accessed directly in each moment. The “doing” is an end in itself, a direct connection to one’s higher self and service to the whole.

Realistically, I sometimes start the day at Level 1, until I remember again — this life is precious, and I don’t know (no one knows!) how much longer they have. Then I intentionally move my awareness to Level 2 (caring for why I’m doing this task), and then to Level 3 (how I’m present to the moment’s opportunity to be and to grow.)

In my weekly work retreats I always encourage the participants to start with setting their intention for the hour (what they’re doing — and why) and then to choose a Spirit Word for their hour. This simple, 1-minute practice helps attendees reach towards Level 2, and then Level 3.

I wonder if this framework supports your work as well. I wish for you to experience a more meaningful and joyful productivity, every day!