how to avoid toxic productivity ❌
"the over scheduled life is not worth living" - naval ravikant
topic
✦ toxic productivity ✦
we have entered an era where productivity advice is being thrown around in every direction you face and you’re consuming content from people who are seemingly productive with their everyday routines, whether it’s long-form content on YouTube or short-form content on Instagram/TikTok.
now, there’s nothing wrong with creators who are providing the advice. after all, we are also supplying you with tips on a weekly basis.
however, as the consumer of the information, you have to be cautious of the toxic hustle/productivity culture that makes you feel guilty for not doing enough with your day or not making enough progress.
yes, everyone should strive to achieve success and maximise their potential, but that comes in various shapes and forms. what one person may consider success isn’t necessarily success to you.
more importantly, their routine to help achieve that success may not also work for you, so it’s important to always question the advice you’re given.
frankly speaking, it’s not possible to have a full day of being productive, so you shouldn’t strive for that. we’re likely to be productive within small blocks of time, 2-4 hours bursts of work. one in the morning and one in the afternoon. that’s the common approach, but you may be a night owl who prefers the evening.
in the end, it’s about enjoying the journey and making sure we do not scrutinise ourselves for using every waking moment of the day being productive. it’s important to take time to relax and recharge; your mind and body need it, or you will burn out.
tips
✦ how to avoid toxic productivity ✦
set boundaries
it’s important to set clear boundaries between work, side-hustles, and your personal life.
time block periods throughout the day for each of those areas and accept that these are time constraints within which you will work. avoid comparing your schedule with others'.
avoid perfectionism
your daily routine may work for the majority of the week but there will be moments where it’s knocked off course and it’s key to ensure that you avoid perfectionism during those moments and accept it for what it is.
avoid getting stressed out or anxious during these periods and understand that you can always restart your routine tomorrow.
do not feel guilty missing an odd day.
create realistic goals
finally, your productivity is tied to the goals you are creating. the more unrealistic the goal is, the higher level of productivity you will demand from yourself, causing burnout and self-doubt.
ensure your goals are ambitious, yet realistic within the time you have.
question
✦ do you compare your productivity levels to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt? ✦
take a moment to think about times you have experienced this. what usually triggers it?
thoughts from others
"destroy the idea that you have to be constantly working or grinding in order to be successful. embrace the concept that rest, recovery, and reflection are essential parts of the progress towards a successful and ultimately happy life." - unknown
