In today’s world of hustle culture, it’s increasingly common to feel your worth is tied to your productivity. Many of us struggle with defining clear boundaries around work, around their work, all while navigating potentially manipulative workplace practices and striving to achieve their personal goals. This phenomenon isn’t confined to the workplace alone; it permeates various aspects of our lives and affects adults of all age groups.
In the face of an overburdening workload, it’s possible for anyone to experience feelings of suffocation or inadequacy. Yet, determining the right balance between productivity and personal well-being can be a unique challenge. Individuals who struggle with this balance may find it difficult to establish health boundaries that support their mental health.
Dedication to the pursuit of productivity can then become an obsession and can have massive emotional stakes for those who are heavily invested. If you are unhealthily attached to the idea of productivity, you may find yourself blowing off friends and family for work, not making time to care for yourself (skipping meals, working late), or feeling an overwhelming sense of disappointment when you fail to meet the expectations set for you.
It’s more important than ever to develop healthy habits around productivity, and if you or someone you love is struggling to find a place to start, we have a bit of advice that may be helpful.
Why “The Hustle” Culture is So Common
It’s worth addressing why it’s so common for people to struggle with overcommitting to productivity. The pervasive influence of social media plays a role, exposing young individuals to images of entrepreneurs and influencers who glamorize long working hours and late nights. These figures are portrayed as successful due to their extreme dedication, normalizing the idea that success hinges on all-consuming effort.
Dedication to the pursuit of productivity can then become an obsession and can have massive emotional stakes for those who are heavily invested in this type of lifestyle. Unhealthy attachment to productivity can lead to neglecting relationships, self-care (such as skipping meals or working late), and overwhelming disappointment when expectations aren’t met.
For students who are in school balancing grades, social life, and in some cases a job… it’s pretty easy to overwork yourself. When you feel you have no free time, or that you are failing unless you can face every responsibility thrown your way, you too could be in a toxic tangle with productivity culture. While it’s more challenging to assert boundaries in settings with less control, such as academia, it’s crucial to prioritize downtime at home and make space for relaxation and enjoyment.
Breaking Free
Breaking the cycle is essential, as those who commit to a lifestyle centered around productivity or hustle culture are prone to feeling burnt out, underappreciated, and overall unsatisfied. Research has also linked an inability to regulate productivity with higher rates of anxiety and depression.
If you recognize these signs and are dissatisfied with your relationship with productivity, take heart—it’s a common issue with actionable steps to disengage from an excessively productive mindset.
Get to Know Limits and Your Desires
An excellent first step is to get acquainted with your thresholds and define your desires. Do you want to ensure you have free time for friends and hobbies? Are you committed to eating well and getting enough rest? Do you aim to become better at saying no to additional responsibilities? Defining your desires and firmly establishing boundaries around them can help prevent overload
Learn to Say “No”
Learning to say no and assert boundaries may take time, but it’s a crucial skill in the long run. Start small if needed, like dedicating an hour to relaxation before bed or setting your phone to “do not disturb” over the weekend to safeguard your free time. It’s essential to let go of the notion that self-care is selfish—rest is indispensable for peak performance.
Actionable Steps
Self-care and Mindset
While the examples provided are surface-level, the obsession with productivity can sometimes be deeply intertwined with one’s self-worth. For individuals with low self-esteem, excessive productivity can serve as a coping mechanism to alleviate feelings of inadequacy. However, internalizing this mindset can lead to behaviors that compromise well-being to appease others. Always remember your worth and prioritize self-care. No amount of productivity can substitute for self-acceptance, hindering personal growth and happiness.
Create A Reward System
If circumstances make it impossible to avoid the need for productivity, there are simple ways to boost productivity without sacrificing mental health. Getting motivated to do the things you need to do is something we all struggle with from time to time, so finding a tempting reward or some guaranteed fun to balance out the tedium will help you get through your day; it also reaffirms the need for downtime and enjoyment alongside hard work.
Work From Home Solutions
As remote work becomes more prevalent, the lines between work and home blur. A well-organized workspace can create a professional atmosphere while preserving the rest of your home as a place of relaxation. Scheduling and to-do lists are powerful tools for boosting productivity. Checking off tasks provides a sense of accomplishment, while scheduling improves organization and prevents wasted time. It also aids in redefining the balance between work and life, a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
In Conclusion
Reminder: there is nothing wrong with wanting to be productive and contribute in meaningful ways both for yourself and your community. However, there’s a limit to how much anyone can take on without it coming at the cost of your mental health. Finding ways to implement tools that have a positive effect on both your productivity and mental health is essential to truly flourish. Like many aspects of life, achieving a healthy relationship with work involves finding balance and setting realistic expectations.
Our team of therapists can support you as you navigate The Hustle. Please call or text us at (949) 245-7442 or book an appointment online.