One of the biggest complaints I hear is the struggle to be more productive. If you’re nodding along, chances are you’ve got a collection of planners gathering dust, a shopping spree’s worth of organizational tools, and a series of failed attempts at time-blocking. And let’s be honest, that cycle can be exhausting, disheartening, and simple not healthy.

I’m all for focused work and getting things done. However, I also believe that our society’s obsession with productivity can throw our nervous systems out of whack and set unrealistic expectations, especially for moms and high-achieving women. If the pressure to be productive is making you feel overwhelmed and you’re running on a treadmill of tasks without achieving anything meaningful, it might be time to rethink your approach to productivity.

Here’s Where I’m At

Currently, my family and I are in the midst of selling our house in Miami and moving. This transition has sparked a profound period of reflection for us. We’re questioning everything: How do we want to live? What truly matters? This experience has highlighted how liberating it can be to reassess our lives and routines, but you don’t have to wait for a major life change to do the same.

Let’s dive into why this matters and how you can identify if your productivity habits are unhealthy. Plus, I’ll share practical tips on shifting toward a more balanced and fulfilling approach.

Why Rethink Productivity?

Many of us are caught in a cycle of toxic productivity—where busyness becomes the norm, and we’re driven by external pressures and unrealistic expectations. This often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-judgment when we’re not working. The result? Chronic stress, shallow work, and a constant state of overwhelm. It’s time to pause and evaluate if your productivity is helping or hurting you.

Healthy productivity, on the other hand, is about achieving goals in a way that aligns with your values and supports your well-being. It involves a balance between work and rest, a sense of purpose, and the ability to focus deeply on meaningful tasks.

5 Signs Your Productivity Might Be Toxic

1. Feeling Guilty or Ashamed When Not Working If you’re constantly battling feelings of guilt or shame when you take a break, it’s a sign that your productivity mindset may be toxic. Many of us have been conditioned to fill every minute with work, leaving little room for rest or leisure. Shift to Healthy Productivity: Start by rethinking what it means to be productive. Is spending quality time with your kids or enjoying a relaxing walk in the park less valuable than crossing off items from a to-do list? Embrace rest and self-care as essential components of productivity.
2. Sacrificing Personal Values for Achievement Reflect on your core values—family, health, happiness—and then take a look at your daily schedule. Are these values being honored, or are they being sidelined in the pursuit of achievement? Shift to Healthy Productivity: Reprioritize tasks based on your personal values. Make time for family activities, self-care, and meaningful connections, even if it means adjusting your workload or saying no to certain commitments.
3. Feeling Frantic and Scattered If you often feel overwhelmed and struggle to focus, your productivity might be suffering. Juggling multiple tasks without a clear plan can lead to a state of constant stress and ineffective work. Shift to Healthy Productivity: Implement strategies like time-blocking or theme days to create structure and focus. Allocate specific times for different tasks and stick to it, allowing for deep, uninterrupted work periods.
4. Engaging in Shallow Work Spending all day on busywork rather than tackling significant tasks can leave you feeling unaccomplished. If you find yourself constantly checking emails or getting lost in trivial tasks, it’s a sign of toxic productivity. Shift to Healthy Productivity: Focus on engaging in deep work that truly moves the needle. Set clear priorities and deadlines for important tasks, and minimize distractions to enhance your productivity.
5. Driven by Perfectionism and Unrealistic Expectations Perfectionism can be a productivity killer. If you’re constantly chasing unattainable ideals, you may find yourself stuck in a cycle of frustration and inefficiency. Shift to Healthy Productivity: Adopt a “good enough” mentality. Embrace imperfection and set realistic goals for yourself. Recognize that progress is more important than perfection, and allow yourself to release work that’s done well enough.

Moving Forward

As you reflect on these signs, remember that making small shifts can lead to big changes. Start by focusing on one area where you can improve, and observe how it affects your overall productivity and well-being. By adjusting your mindset and incorporating self-care, you can create a balanced approach to productivity that supports both your professional and personal life.

If you’re feeling burned out and exhausted from the hamster wheel of busyness, check out my free “Heal Your Burnout” podcast series. It’s packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you recover and thrive. You’ll find a link in the show notes for a deep dive into how to recognize and heal burnout effectively.

Remember, embracing a healthier approach to productivity is a journey, not a destination. Reflect, adjust, and prioritize what truly matters. Thanks for joining me on this path to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

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