Moving away from toxic productivity
A reflection about the impact of productivity culture on overwhelm and burnout
In my recent existential crisis, not only did I reflect on my place as a content creator, but I also revisited the way I approach productivity as a whole. Today’s post is the result of my reflections on the topic.
First of all, as a productivity blogger, I want to admit that I am guilty of most of the sins I highlight in this post. Most productivity gurus try to make you work harder, achieve more goals and get more done. That is the common definition of being productive in today’s world.
On the verge of that trend, some influencers are gradually starting to change this definition, focusing more on achieving the right things and guarding your time to stay focused on your priorities. After reading books like The ONE Thing and Essentialism, I switched gears in my perception of what productivity should be, but the content I was putting out seemed more aligned with the traditional meaning.
I want to change that from now on.
Efficiency at all cost
One of the things I object to productivity lately is the idea of efficiency at all costs.
We get burned out trying to accomplish more things than ever and we have no time for our families and our friends, our nights are short and our health suffers.
Eventually, our ability to get things done is hindered by sleepless nights and high levels of stress. Our work output lessens and the quality of this work is affected by our poor cognitive functions. We work more, but produce crappy results.
Leaving our priorities in the rearview mirror
While we’re trying to go through our ever-growing to-do lists, we tend to lose sight of our priorities.
It’s easy to give our kids an iPad while we’re sending another weekend email to our coworkers.
Or checking our phones on a date with our wife.
Our most meaningful relationships are the ones we tend to take for granted, but our kids won’t always be living at home and we’ll never get this time back.
Or maybe we’re neglecting our favorite hobby, the thing that truly helps us disconnect from our job and leaves us refreshed and thinking creatively.
Hyperconnected
This dreadful thing you carry in your pocket can be your most helpful friend but is also your biggest persecutor.
Yes, I am talking about your smartphone. In my previous job, it was habitual for me to get text messages from my boss at 11 pm asking me to take note of his latest idea.
We have access to our work emails during our kids’ soccer practice and get LinkedIn requests at the theatre.
Notifications distract us and the fear of missing out becomes a real problem.
Productivity Zealot
I have been guilty of this more than most, trying to accomplish more all the time.
Since I’ve started reconsidering my approach to productivity, cramming fewer tasks into my to-do list, I’ve been feeling guilty about having some free time on my hands.
When I write my list for the next day in my Bullet journal, I get squirmish if I have less than 5 tasks planned. It’s a real struggle! I’m sure some of you can relate!
Get the right things done
I’ve come to realize that, as long as what’s crucial is getting done, I don’t have to worry about the rest.
Free time should be a blessing, not a burden.
Cramming less stuff in my evenings means that I have plenty of time for an impromptu existential discussion with my hubby.
I can decide to go out for a drink on a weeknight with a friend. I can spend an hour in a hot bath with a book if I want to.
I’ve decided to eliminate what is not vital and make time for what makes me feel awesome, what makes my heart sing.
Allow time for rest
Since I’ve revisited my attitude towards productivity, it’s funny, but I feel more efficient when I work on my crucial tasks.
I attribute this new efficiency to the periods of rest that I have included in my schedule.
I feel refreshed, I do not feel stressed or rushed, and think more creatively. My work input has increased and I have completed more projects than ever before.
Focusing on healthy productivity
From now on, I decided to include more personal development and happiness-related content on this ‘Stack.
Productivity will still have its place, but with this new focus on healthy productivity.
I want to move towards a feel-good approach, more mindful of overall well-being instead of achievement. I hope I can attain that goal for all our sakes.
In closing, I would like to know: what does healthy productivity mean to you? What unhealthy practices will you try to eliminate to take better care of yourself? Let me know in the comments below!
“I’ve come to realize that, as long as what’s crucial is getting done, I don’t have to worry about the rest.”
I completely agree. Now, in middle age, I value time more. And I value tasks less. This might not make sense to folks who haven’t arrived at this age and wisdom yet, but there is freedom and happiness in letting go.
I now highlight 1-3 priorities each day in my bujo. Usually there is only 1. If I cross those off my list nothing else matters. Any remaining tasks go onto tomorrow’s list. In this way, everything eventually gets done in its own proper time.
I once had a career where 12-20 work tasks were a priority in my everyday life. I was very successful, but the rest of my world suffered. I corrected that a few years ago and have never been happier! 😊