How to really fix yourself this month
Starting this month, let’s talk about productivity, and trust me forget about it.
How we fall apart:
I used to be all about lists and schedules, striving to check off every task. It was smooth sailing until it turned into an obsession, causing me more stress than anything else. I found myself drowning in the “so much to do, so little time” whirlpool. I thought I was being productive by forcing myself to finish everything before bedtime. But then, it became “no sleep until it’s all done,” and I ended up feeling guilty for just ticking off a task or two that weren’t even that crucial. I lost sight of enjoying the process; it was all about the finish line.
That’s not productivity.
I got caught in an endless cycle of burnout, making everything harder to manage. I started avoiding myself because I couldn’t do it all, even without deadlines.
What to Avoid:
Clutter your list: If you’re like me, a fan of to-do lists and schedules, don’t mix the important stuff with the trivial. Sometimes, you’ll trick yourself into tackling the simplest tasks first just for the satisfaction of crossing them off.
Shaming yourself: Instead of beating yourself up for past failures, think about what held you back. Was it time, energy, fear, or maybe just plain laziness?
Overwork: Overworking leads to burnout. Trust me, I’ve been there. There’s a big difference between working when you’re energized and when you’re trying to convince yourself to do something big.
Freaking out: We all panic, especially when facing a daunting task, but it’ll keep haunting you until you tackle it.
This is a wonderful time to be alive. There have never been more possibilities and opportunities for you to achieve more of your goals than exist today.
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
About Toxic Productivity:
As a one-person show running my own company, work followed me everywhere. I forgot what it meant to have leisure time. I was convinced that every moment had to be dedicated to work.
Let’s Break Down Toxic Productivity:
Boundaries: Work-life balance? What’s that? It’s hard to disconnect from work when it’s always on your mind, affecting relationships and well-being.
Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic standards only leads to stress and anxiety.
Internal validation: Find worth in yourself, not just external achievements.
Mental health: The constant pressure to be productive can take a toll on your mental well-being.
Isolation: Prioritizing work over friends and family can lead to social isolation.
What to do Now:
Next time you glance at your list, consider what’s essential and what could hinder your future. Focus on just three tasks. Do them and reward yourself. If you finish those, add more, but keep it simple. Label your tasks and start with what’s most important, or even better, leave out what’s less important for later when you’ve got a handle on things.
