
Illustration by Sieu Tran
Increasingly, we assess the value of our days through one single question: “Was I productive today?” And if the answer isn’t a resounding YES, we wonder what we could have done better.
In this mini-episode, I explore the toxic nature of a concept that I call “productivity shame” — which is the act of regularly setting unrealistic expectations for what you can accomplish, and then beating yourself up when you fall short.
Key takeaways from this meditation:
- Why we’re driven to set unrealistic expectations for our productivity
- The three factors that contribute to “productivity shame”
- How to stop beating yourself up for never doing enough
Go Deeper
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RESET, a cosmic tune-up for your workday. RESET is a new course from Hurry Slowly host Jocelyn K. Glei that shows you how to take a “heart-centered” approach to productivity that’s intentional, energizing, and inspiring. Watch the 30-second trailer at reset-course.com.
Favorite Quotes
“Like battery acid, productivity shame is a toxic substance that slowly corrodes your ability to take any joy in your work.”
“We have been slowly lulled into a ‘productivity mindset’ that sets us up for shame, rather than success.”
“The productivity stories we typically hear are as unrealistic as any Disney movie.”
Resources
A few references and ideas I mention in this episode:
- Jenny Odell on “time is money” in Vox
- The Millennial Work Ethic by Will Hanna
- Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk
- Jocelyn’s new online course RESET
Call to Action
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