Overcoming the Pressure of Being Productive

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As I'm sure this is obvious already, but not being productive isn't my usual topic, but I believe this is crucial to discuss. I was inspired to write this post by a recent book that I read as well as the unfortunate events of COVID-19, which lead me to discover something that I was struggling with. Over the past month, I had a lot of time to tackle projects, explore new hobbies, and also spend time learning about things I found interesting. One morning, I actually came to a huge realization... this post is all about NOT being productive and focuses on how I've been gradually overcoming the pressure of being productive.

Before I dive into overcoming the pressure of productivity, I need to address that we do need to put in the work to actually accomplish goals and to get where we want to be, 100%. I have a goal-setting process if you'd like to take a look at that! Today, I'm just discussing my experiences during the pandemic, and during everyday life, that I believe was really negative.

Productivity During Covid-19

As COVID-19 spread across the world, I noticed a huge wave of “productivity pressure” that started to grow and spread alongside it. Everywhere I looked, I saw a lot of "how to be productive during COVID-19" and that we should use our time at home wisely. I came across this one quote that was being shared all over my Facebook and Twitter feed. The quote stated:

"If you don't come out of this quarantine with a new skill, starting your side hustle or more knowledge. You never lacked time, you lacked discipline."

Ok so, I love the idea of achieving goals, being organized, being productive, and getting my life together! For me, this was a great time to get things done. However, this quote is so unfair and extremely negative. These are tough times for everyone, and I do not believe that telling someone how to use their time, not knowing what they are going through, is cruel. No one needs to prove their "skills" during this pandemic. All we have to do is be here for each other and get through this. So here is your friendly reminder that it is completely OKAY if you don't acquire a new skill, hobby, side hustle, or become queen overnight. If you are struggling and need anyone to talk to please reach out to others, including me!

My Unhealthy Mindset on Productivity

One morning, I was reading this book about productivity (one of my favorite subjects). The book began to discuss a sleep study that the author made reference to. The study concluded that 57% of Americans hit snooze, and 58% admit to staying in bed for more than 5 minutes every morning!

Then the author threw some equations at me. Let's assume we hit snooze an extra 10 minutes a day. When you're laying in bed that doesn't seem like a lot of time, right? Those 10 minutes go by so fast! Well, here are the calculations...

• Take, 10 minutes a day * 7 days per week = 70 minutes per week.
• 10 minutes per day * 30 days = 300 minutes (5 hours) per month and
• 10 minutes per day * 365 days = 3650 minutes (60.8 hours) per year.
• 60.8 hours = 2.5 days per year!

By snoozing an extra 10 minutes every morning, you spend 2.5 days of your year delaying getting out of bed! At first, I was like "Woah, that's insane and a great perspective!" Then, a couple of days later, I was watching a movie with my mom, and I randomly started to feel horrible inside. I felt guilty and uncomfortable. I started to fidget, and I couldn't pay attention to the movie at all. "This should be relaxing", I told myself.

Shortly after, I felt wrong or even ashamed doing anything that wasn't "productive" or didn't lead me to my goals. I convinced myself that I wasn't allowed to waste my time watching T.V, I wasn't allowed to sleep in an extra 10 minutes, because time is precious and there are more important things to do. I had productivity-related anxiety.

How I'm Overcoming the Pressure of Being Productive.

I hated how horrible I felt when I wanted a break. This is NOT a way to live. Yes, there are more important things than watching Netflix. However, this doesn't mean that you CAN'T ever watch Netflix. So, I now created a balance for myself. I'll watch some episodes for a short period of time or I've been sticking to a more productive routine during the day and then giving myself time at night to implement a relaxation routine where I can watch a movie (if that's what I desire).

I needed to re-recognize that I don't need to be productive 24/7. We are allowed to do things that may not necessarily lead us to our goals, or give us the impression that we are productive and successful. I realized that sometimes a lazy day is just as important as being productive. Yes, follow your dreams, set yourself some goals, achieve those goals, just never feel guilty for giving yourself a day off.

I wanted to share this because I do discuss a lot of content addressing goal-setting and pursuing the life you desire. While this does take a lot of work, time, effort, and motivation, I don't want anyone to think that having a lazy day is a waste of time, because it is CRUCIAL. Before I ramble on longer, here are some ways I've been trying to reduce the pressure of being productive.

#1 Understanding the importance of relaxation.

"Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is relax". - Mark Black

I educated myself on relaxation. Sometimes I would get so carried away with a full to-do list and trying to meet all the deadlines I created for myself. I totally neglected and even feared, relaxation. Relaxation IS SO IMPORTANT! Sometimes stepping away from your work is more beneficial than attempting to continue working when you are physically, or mentally, drained. Relaxation is one of the healthiest things we can include in our days, but I honestly use to have the mentality that if I couldn't finish something I had the worst motivation and had little to no self-discipline (just like the quote I mentioned above). This is not the case, I was completely overworking myself. After reflecting on that, I realized I was getting LESS done in 5 hours than I was in 2 hours by simply making an adjustment to my work times and implementing time away from work.

#2 Creating routines.

I have a variety of different routines that I love doing. Some are based on productivity and accomplishing my goals, and others are all about relaxation. After realizing that I was overworking myself, I created a balance between being productive and relaxing. I like to start my days being productive because I have a lot more willpower in the morning. Then I like to give myself breaks through-out the day. After dinner, I place my focus on things I enjoy doing and focus on relaxing my mind and body to get myself prepped for bed. Always make time for taking care of yourself, because there is nothing wrong with unwinding.

#3 Understanding limitations and distractions.

Learn more about yourself and your habits. How long are you able to work on projects before you start losing motivation or start getting distracted? What are your major distractions and is there a way you can avoid them? One of my biggest distractions were my phone notifications. I turned off my social media notifications years ago, I no longer see likes, comments, or tags unless I opened up the app. Every time my phone would light up it would be a huge distraction because automatically my eyes would wander to the brightness of my phone screen. Once you have an idea of your current habits and willpower, you'll be able to schedule your time properly and build a routine that works specifically for you.

#4 Re-framing negative thoughts 

Mindset is extremely important! Reflect on the way you talk to your self and the way you view your "self-care" and "relaxation time". Understand that enjoying a good show is 100% okay and that hanging out with friends is also 100% okay. These things are necessary. We shouldn't EVER think that we are any different, weak, or undeserving of our goals or a wonderful life regardless of how much we are able to get done in a day.

#5 Recognizing there’s no right way to cope.

This is super important to recognize, especially during this pandemic. It's essential to understand that everyone has different views, opinions, and reactions to situations/events that go on in their lives. The way you react to an event, like COVID-19, will be different for every single person. Some looked at COVID-19 like a time for productivity and to work on things they didn't have time for when they were usually going into work 40 hours a week, while others were dealing with financial drops and scares, job losses and definitely did not view COVID-19 as a time for productivity, but it was, in fact, a time of anxiety, losses, and fear. We are all affected differently, so don't ever feel bad, if you can't find that same energy all the time. We were not built to be perfect.

#6 Not comparing yourself to others.

This is by far the worst mindset and habit that people can have, and is also the biggest factor when it comes to feeling the pressure of productivity. Everyone is on their own journey in life, just like you are. Don't compare your timeline to someone else's. Of course, we need to be productive to get things in order, but we need to keep burnout in mind. Don't try to just race to the end. Be here, and enjoy the present time.

I follow a lot of successful people on my social media (sometimes it helps motivate and inspire me), however sometimes it ruins my mood because I don't see myself ever achieving my goals and getting to where I want to be like they have. For example, if I'm having an off day but I'm seeing others achieving a bunch of things it makes me feel like I'm behind. This is a mindset I try to work on every single day! Learning to stop comparing myself to others and to just live my own life based on my timeline.

These are the ways I'm trying to overcome the pressure of productivity in my life!

I really hope that everyone is doing well during these times, and are safe and healthy. If anyone ever needs to talk, I'm always here! I've been talking to a few friends over the past few weeks about personal things I've been going through and it seriously helps to just talk sometimes. I'm incredibly grateful for those people! I try to stay productive but I also understand that I don't need to be productive 100% of the time, and neither do you. Growth is growth no matter how small. We WILL reach our goals, we CAN become successful, remember that all good things take time and lots of rest to grow.