# Ep. 4: True Productivity | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter **Author:** Dr. Tesneem Alkiek **Series:** Habits to Win Here and Hereafter **Published:** 2022-01-06 **YouTube:** https://youtu.be/P6t4hemfa-A **URL:** https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep4-true-productivity-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter **Topics:** General Psychology, Psychology & Mental Health ## Description What does it mean to be productive? Our goals are defined by what makes us happy—whether that’s worldly or spiritual. But as we reflect on what those goals are and what the Prophet ﷺ has advised us, we’ll realize what true productivity really is. Our goal as Muslims We’re here in this world as... ## Transcript **[0:00]** One day, as the companions were gathered around him, the Prophet ﷺ shared a gut-wrenching reminder. A day will soon come, he said, peace be upon him, that people will gang up on you and all share in on attacking you, just like people invite one another to eat a dish. Meaning that it'll be all **[0:17]** too easy to come after the Muslims. So one of the companions, perhaps a bit stunned at what that implied, asked, oh is it, you know, because there will be so little of us Muslims at the time? Are we just going to be outnumbered? And the Prophet ﷺ responded, no in fact, there will be **[0:34]** plenty of Muslims around, but the amount of Muslims will be meaningless, since you'll be like the leftover foam in the ocean that, while plenty, simply floats on the water. Your enemies will have no fear or respect for you and Allah will place al-wahn in your hearts. Now the companions **[0:49]** at the edge of their seats asked, what is al-wahn, oh messenger of God? To which the Prophet ﷺ responded, love of this world and hatred of death. **[1:08]** You might be wondering, what does hadith have anything to do with good habits and being productive with our time? I mention it because it's a powerful reminder of what true productivity actually is. We're here in this world as Muslims, not to increase our population or just get more work done, but we're here to make a difference. A time will come where there are millions of Muslims, **[1:29]** yet our contributions will be negligible. How many of us Muslims work day in and day out, pouring all of our energy solely into our careers, just like any other person? Whether or not that time has already come, it's a stark reminder that we need to always be aware that our goal in life **[1:45]** is not to pursue endless wealth or fame or other happiness only this world provides. And unfortunately this is where many of us find ourselves today. Our definition of productivity is defined by pursuit of pleasure. What makes us happy, even if temporarily, is what defines our goals, purpose, **[2:03]** and ultimately our day-to-day activities. For some of us, that means working hard enough to pay off that next vacation or expensive lifestyle. For others, it could mean spending time watching videos on YouTube or TikTok. But our lives are so much more worth pursuing when we seek the only **[2:19]** thing that will ever give us everlasting happiness. Think about where you stand today. Why do you do what you do? What are your strengths and weaknesses? And what do you need and even want to do to reorient your purpose? And by the way, as you engage in the self-reflection, don't feel like you need **[2:36]** to start from scratch or that you have one too many things you need to work on. Remember that ultimately this religion is easy and meeting our goals is never out of reach. The Prophet ﷺ said, Inna al-deena yusr. This religion is easy. Whoever makes it hard, it's going to become **[2:53]** hard. But you don't do that. Fasaddidu wa qaribu. Take a balanced approach. Be intentional. If you can't meet your goals, do something that will get you one step closer. Wa abshiru. Give glad tidings. Keep your head up and encourage one another to do good. And along the way, ask Allah **[3:13]** Subhanahu wa ta'ala for help. Now that is true productivity. ## Other Episodes in "Habits to Win Here and Hereafter" - [Ep. 16: Overcoming Procrastination | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep16-overcoming-procrastination-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 15: How to Sleep Better | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep15-how-to-sleep-better-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 14: Know the Value of Time | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep14-know-the-value-of-time-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 13: Take Care of Your Body | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep13-take-care-of-your-body-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep 12: Overcoming Setbacks | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep12-overcoming-setbacks-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep 11: Nothing Is Going as Planned | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep11-nothing-is-going-as-planned-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep 10: Take Advantage of Barakah | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep10-take-advantage-of-barakah-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep 9: Getting in The Zone | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep9-getting-in-the-zone-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 8: Plan Ahead with Block-scheduling | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep8-plan-ahead-with-block-scheduling-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 7: Training Your Brain to Focus | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep7-training-your-brain-to-focus-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 6: How to Start Your Day Right | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep6-how-to-start-your-day-right-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 5: Forming a Sustainable Habit | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep5-forming-a-sustainable-habit-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 3: Live Life with No Regrets | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep3-live-life-with-no-regrets-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 2: What Motivates You? | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep2-what-motivates-you-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Ep. 1: Know Your Purpose | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/ep1-know-your-purpose-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md) - [Trailer | Habits To Win Here and Hereafter](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/habits-to-win/trailer-habits-to-win-here-and-hereafter.md)