So here's something that has been on my mind lately: the obsession with productivity.
Yep, you heard me right. It seems everywhere you turn, someone is preaching about hustle culture, optimizing every second of your day and squeezing out every drop of energy in your system in the pursuit of progress. The endless message is that you can have it all if you are just more productive. Many of my clients are chronically stressed and burnt out and it impacts both mental and physical health.
But is constant productivity the right way to go? Let's dive in and find out.
Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room, productivity is not the ultimate goal of life. Shocking I know! It's easy to fall into the trap that being busy all the time equals success, but in reality, it's just a recipe for burnout. Constantly chasing after productivity can lead to neglecting other important aspects of life, like relationships, hobbies and looking after yourself.
Also, constantly "doing" and not just "being" gives little time for creativity or thought. Never allowing time to think, to allow your mind to wander never gives you space for great ideas and divergent thinking! You end up on the hamster wheel of life, constantly moving but never really getting anywhere.
And whilst it is great to want to progress, whether it be fitness, training, personal development etc – a constant effort to strive is unsustainable. Endless growth is exhausting and leaves no time for reflection.
So how do we break free from this productivity fetish?
Well, it starts with redefining our priorities. Instead of focusing solely on getting more done, let's shift our focus to doing things that actually matter. That might mean spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing passions, or simply taking a moment to recharge.
Another key step is learning to embrace the concept of "good enough." Perfectionism is often at the root of our productivity obsession, but striving for perfection is a never-ending battle. Sometimes, it's ok to just do the best you can and call it a day. After all, done is better than perfect eh?
Also, let's not forget the importance of setting boundaries. It's crucial to establish limits on how much time and energy we devote to work and other obligations. Saying no is not a sign of weakness; it's a form of self-care.
And finally, let's give ourselves permission to rest. In a world that glorifies busyness, taking breaks can feel like a guilty pleasure. But rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity. So go ahead, take a nap, relax read a book, and spend some time just being in nature. Your productivity will thank you for it.
In conclusion, it's time to stop fetishizing productivity and embrace some space in our lives. Life is far too short to spend every waking moment hustling. So let's take a step back, prioritise what really matters, and give ourselves permission to just be sometimes. Trust me, you'll thank yourselves in the long run.