In a society where success is defined by the amount of hours you are spent at a desk, it is unsurprising that we are left basing our self-worth on productivity. But when is the point at which we realise that how “productive” we are is not our most important self-definition? Productivity is relative. How do we know what “productivity” truly is when we are being given mixed signals as to how we should be working. Even on Instagram there are filters with stickers showcasing being “on the grind” and getting IT done. Even this simple reminders serve to affirm to ourselves and prove to others that we are being our most productive selves.
I want to address how we know when our relationship to productivity becomes toxic. Sometimes when we want to achieve the most, it becomes impossible to do so because we are warped by the idea of being the “most” productive. This is a blog to remind you that we cannot always be productive and that is ok. Do not get me wrong, ticking things off of the to-do list is satisfying; it feels great at the time, but there needs to be a time where this is not the day’s greatest achievement. We must find other things to provide us with satisfaction which does not revolve around the concept that time is money.
As a final year student, I find myself more and more becoming overwhelmed with the stream of deadlines ahead. One assignment submitted is yet another seven to-do. How can achievement be felt when we are constantly striving to complete the next thing? It is important to take a step back and appreciate your successes before you allow yourself to rush into the next thing.
When you are constantly striving to be “productive”, you lose sight of what it means to switch-off. Only ever in work mode leads to burn out and a lack of motivation. And what burnout looks like is relative to every individual. Some forms include a lack of sleep, a lack of energy, irritability and increased anxiety. Each of these symptoms are hardly enviable. Taking regular breaks have changed the game for me in terms of my work schedule. I have spent so long being at war with myself against taking breaks. I would go hour after hour after hour typing at a screen forgetting that there was a world around me. Especially, with the context of lockdown, it has become more essential for me to appreciate the importance of taking breaks. It can be as simple as a 10 minute interval in-between an hour work session which will make all the difference to the quality of your work. Do not get me wrong, sometimes it is impossible to escape the moment and we have no choice but to keep working. That is unavoidable and I am not saying you should interrupt that – instead, it is when it becomes an inescapable burden that you have to keep working through your bodies signals that it should be ring alarm bells.
Know that you are more important than how productive you deem yourself to be. Invest your time in your work, sure, but also invest your time in yourself. Go on a run, listen to music, have a hot drink whilst watching Netflix. Doing something for yourself is just as important as doing the work you need to for others. Be proud of your own work. Take pride in the things you can do, not just the next thing on your to-do list.
All my love,
Is