When thinking of productivity, the usual way to go is about quantity. How much of X you could produce. Or, as an indie consultant, a creator or expertise-based business, what you can do of something.
However, productivity measures the relation between the maximum output and the smallest effort to do so.
It’s not only about the quantity (or amount), but about the ratio. It takes in consideration efficiency AND efficacy.
Being productive, on the other hand, focuses on what you can get done in a defined (arbitrary) time constraint.
Here’s the thing
We tend to confuse producING with productivity, and productivity with busy-ness.
So, if you’re not “doing” something, you’re not being productive. (You’re losing money)
If you’re thinking of something “creative” —as you’re not doing hands work—, you’re not being productive.
Hence the distinction (and misbelief) that productivity is opposite to creativity.
Buying into this belief tends to put you in a position that fosters you to always implement —do the hands work.
Because if you do only “thinking” or “creative”, it’s a waste of “productive” time.