☀️ productivity hack: do something pointless

What was something you absolutely loved to do as a child?

Really think about it.

Did your mom ever “catch you” playing make-believe?
Did you ever set up a fake pet store with your stuffed animals?
Create a new recipe out of English muffins, pizza sauce, and cut-up string cheese?
(These are real examples from my childhood, btw. 😆)

I’m currently in Week 8 of The Artist’s Way, and I’m having a blast letting my inner child play again.

Some of my "playdates" have been elaborate (as I detailed here, sigh...still dremaing about that day), and some have been super simple—like an Epsom salt candlelit bath or a 10-minute detour to a used bookstore.

But I’m convinced:

Play leads to productivity.

Notice: I missed a few days, but jumped right back in. The power is in resuming imperfectly.

Allowing yourself a few aimless hours of curiosity can unlock creative blocks you didn’t even know were holding you back.

In fact, I’m so convinced I made "Play on Purpose" the theme for July inside The Habit Lab—because summer and play just go together so well, don’t they?

Last week, we hosted Elsie Larson as a guest expert on play and creativity. And I think she said it best:

“Nothing is ever wasted.”

She shared how the times she’s followed her curiosity—whether it was learning a new skill or trying something seemingly random—led to unexpected creative breakthroughs… and sometimes even financial success.

It feels counterintuitive to allow ourselves to be “off-task,” but the science is pretty convincing...

Here's what’s happening in your brain when you play:

🧠 Play increases dopamine, the “motivation molecule.” It helps you anticipate reward, take action, and follow through.
When you give yourself joy-filled, novelty-rich moments, you’re not wasting time—you’re priming your brain to want to be productive.

🧠 Play strengthens the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for executive function. That means improved focus, better decisions, more self-regulation, and yes—better habit formation.

🧠 Play quiets the default mode network, the part of your brain that loops on worries, regrets, and over-analysis. When we get out of our heads and into the moment (like we did as kids), we disrupt rumination and build resilience.

And if we don’t plan in a break ahead of time?
Our bodies will take it anyway… usually in a DUMB way.
(Which I wrote about here, that time I read 100 Amazon reviews about a pizza cutter. Yikes. Not the plan. And we can do better than accidentally doomscrolling for an hour and counting it as play, amiright?)

In short: Play isn't fluff.
It's fuel.

That’s why I’m doubling down with what’s left of summer—and inviting you to do the same.

Your next big idea might be hiding in the middle of a chalk drawing, a dance break, or a strangely satisfying trip to the dollar store.
You just have to make space to find it.

✨ Come hop into The Habit Lab—watch the replay with Elsie, take the habits course, and meet your new habit besties.

👉 Click here to start your 7-day free trial.

And hit reply—
Tell me: What did you love to do as a kid?

-Katie

Up Now:

July Challenge: I just released the July Challenge inside the Habit Lab. It's a fun one: Play on Purpose. How Deep Play can increase your productivity WITH assignments like "take yourself on a weekly playdate." This challenge is likely the most fun one we've had and you still get to earn that sweet, sweet badge.

Tuesday, July 29: 12 noon pm CST! Group Coaching with me on Zoom inside The Habit Lab (grab your free trial and just jump in with us!)

Elsewhere:

Podcast Guest: Intimacy Evolution: I was a guest and shared my top seven "habit hacks" for ease in your relationships and or marriage. Give it a listen!

Try it Free!

Have you wanted to try out what I teach inside the Habit Lab, but don't want to commit? I'm running a free 7-day trial for a limited time! That's long enough to binge the entire course, poke around, and no one will even know you were there (unless you want them to!)