It’s 5 p.m. You’ve relocated from your dorm to a nearby cafe to try and focus on your homework. You order your drink, put on your headphones and begin to work.
Before you start though, you need to go through your elaborate planner and cross out everything you’ve already done for the day and write down each assignment you plan to do. Then you need to get out your gel pens in every color and your washi tape and lay them out before you, along with your spiral notebook with a “Keep Calm” affirmation.
You design your page with colorful tape and use the alluring pens to make your notes “aesthetic.” Before you know it, 30 minutes have passed and you haven’t even started your work.
This scenario may be on the extreme end of the scale. Still, in a world saturated with curated Instagram feeds and Pinterest-worthy study nooks, productivity has taken on a new aesthetic. The idea of having the cutest supplies and the brightest notebooks is enticing, and often encourages initial motivation.
But what about in the long-term?
Social media has redefined what it means to be productive. Studying or working is no longer just about completing tasks — it’s about creating a vibe. Whether you’re lighting a candle, or setting up in the comfiest cafe, productivity now comes with a carefully crafted ambiance.
The rise of study influencers, also known as “studygrammers” or “study tubers,” has contributed to this trend. These creators showcase bullet-journal spreads, color-coded notes and pastel highlighters, making organization look effortless and appealing. While these visuals can be inspiring, they also set a high standard for what productivity should look like.
When we focus on things like the supplies we use, or how organized we are, we often forget the whole reason for taking these measures is to ensure that we don’t procrastinate.
Instead of focusing on the tasks at hand, people fall into the trap of “performative productivity” — engaging in activities that feel like work but don’t contribute to progress. This phenomenon, sometimes called structured procrastination, gives a false sense of accomplishment.
It’s easy to feel like you’re accomplishing something when you’re setting up the perfect workspace, but it’s not the same as completing real work, something that many struggle to distinguish.
The issue with the aesthetics is not the supplies as much as the process. Are these extra lengths causing you to procrastinate more or encouraging you to power through the work?
I believe in the power of romanticizing productivity — viewing the act of being productive as something interesting and engaging. I use a variety of colors for my notes and try to find a comfortable space, and it works. I’m able to complete whatever tasks I have planned.
Romanticizing productivity doesn’t necessarily mean it takes away from your focus. While the emphasis on aesthetics can sometimes overshadow actual work, there is a reason for its popularity. Creating an attractive workspace can boost motivation and illuminate stressful tasks.
For example, people working in environments they find aesthetically pleasing are 17% more productive than those in bare spaces, according to a study from the University of Exeter.
For some, aesthetic productivity serves as a form of self-care. The organizational routine can create a sense of comfort. Small actions can help signal to the brain that it’s time to focus.
Ultimately, the key is balance. Organization and elaborate setups will never replace the actual effort and consistency of avoiding procrastination. Aesthetic productivity should be a tool, not a requirement. If decorating a planner or setting up a workspace inspires us to be motivated, it can be beneficial. However, if the process becomes more important than the work itself, it may be time to reevaluate your priorities.
The challenge is in using aesthetics as a complement and not a crutch. The ultimate goal should be to work smarter, not just prettier.
