He’s always the smartest guy in the room, knows how to make that right eye contact (even if he’s unsure), can make anyone feel intimidated, yet makes you like him.
Yes, I am talking about Harvey Specter.
If there’s any show that can make law seem glamorous, undoubtedly it would be Suits.
From a cinephile’s perspective, I have never run short of applauding for its Mise-en-scène.
But as a productivity buff, eh, would that be my favourite show?
It’s still debatable in my mind.
Of course, you’ll see Harvey spend more than 20 hours a day working – with his colleagues, partners, apprentice and Donna. It’s amusing to see how focused he is in everything around him, capturing all details of the world.
And while all of that may be shown in the most stylish manner, can it be a good idea to dedicate all of your time, literally all of your time into solving cases?
In today’s age of social media, it seems un-doable.
Throughout the entire series, you’d see Harvey behind piles of files, arguing with Donna and Mike, solving cases, and somehow - finding time to visit the fanciest restaurants in the city (mind you, getting reservations these days is no child’s play), and yet Harvey would make it look effortless.
He would walk in wearing the most expensive suit, make the room feel vibrant with his presence and look at you intensely as you speak to him.
But all that charm somehow may get diluted as he keeps showcasing throughout most of the episodes an almost unattainable side of productivity.
He would be in his chambers until late night, keep track of the latest fashion (for men his age), have dinner with prominent people of the city, enjoy a ride later, and yet make it to the next day of work before Mike.
So, if you were to keep suspension of disbelief aside, would it be possible for a healthy adult to tick off all these in a single day?
While I would leave that answer to you, here’s what’s more to be looked into.
The episodes may have you believe that Harvey is the most hard working of them all. Yet, it never shows him using any productivity tool. I have hardly seen him note down anything.
So would that mean, of all the hundreds of documents that he’s looking into each day, all of that information is getting stored in his mind palace?
Take a step back and ponder upon the risk of having to forget any vital piece of information - if you were at a position he’s working at.
With no tools to document, write or even brainstorm, he’s practically seizing the day with his brain power – which oddly makes him look like a handsome genius.
Given the time we’re living in, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is unarguably integral.
So imagine yourself hustling at work for a majority of your time, then getting some dinner outside, and still acing at everything you do – or in simple terms, attempting perfection.
Already sounds too exhausting for me.
Perhaps, it’s time we recognised slow living, rest and stillness in life as elements of productivity that is achievable for everyone.
Give that a thought.
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below or sending me a DM on Instagram.
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