How to reduce guilt about not being productive?

With the increasing pressure to constantly be productive, feeling guilty about not being productive is a common experience for many. This phenomenon, productivity guilt, can be described as the sense of guilt arising from not completing tasks, achieving goals and hustling. 

Determining your self-worth based on your productivity level can cause you to go above and beyond what you actually need to do just so you can feel better about yourself. While it may serve as a useful motivation to push us forward, it is neither a sustainable nor a healthy approach. 

You could be setting unrealistic goals, then blaming yourself for failing to meet them. As a result, you constantly criticise yourself over what you have not achieved instead of celebrating the wins you have actually achieved along the way. Furthermore, this poses numerous negative effects on your personal well-being, such as reduced self-esteem, increased anxiety and chronic stress. 

Here are some ways we can overcome productivity guilt and prioritise our well-being.

1. Redefine what productivity means

In the present world, we often feel the need to always be “productive” and constantly stay busy with our to-dos. We believe productivity can bring us satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Overcommitting and overwhelming ourselves with work can lead to burnout and even to a drop in our work performance. 

It is thus important that we reconsider what productivity really means to us. Ask yourself, “Is the work pushing you towards your ambitions or is it just to fill up your time?” Productivity is not just about getting everything done in a short time, it is about getting the right things done. If an activity generates joy or rejuvenates you, think of it as a necessity that gives you the energy to be productive later on. This allows you to feel a sense of fulfilment, not from accomplishing a large number of tasks, but from completing those that are meaningful to you.

Some prioritisation techniques:

The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritise tasks into 4 categories based on urgency and importance

Buffet’s Two List: Segregates priorities into two lists to help determine priorities and minimise distractions

2. Set realistic expectations

It can be tempting to aim high and expect perfection, but when we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, we're setting ourselves up for disappointment and guilt. 

Instead, we should set ourselves up for success by setting goals that not only help us grow as a person, but also stay achievable. This way, we can stay motivated and still feel a sense of accomplishment when we make progress.

For instance, attempting to finish a large project in a short period of time can be overwhelming and unrealistic. It might be better if you break the project down into smaller manageable tasks and tackle each task one step at a time. This not only makes the project feel more attainable but also creates small milestones that keep you motivated and focused throughout the project.

3. Find a balance between productivity and self-care

Whenever you are feeling guilty for not doing enough, try to remind yourself that you are not a superhero. It is difficult to be productive if you are not feeling energised. This is why you must find a balance between getting things done and taking care of yourself. This balance differs from person to person, but it's crucial to find what works for you. 

Self-care doesn't mean laziness or procrastination. It means taking the time to rest, recharge, and replenish your energy so that you can be more productive in the long run. It could be taking breaks throughout the day, prioritizing exercise or meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies and interests outside of work.

Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that it is equally important to take care of yourself and prioritise your well-being, and find a balance that works best for you. 

References:

Neilson, K. (2019, August 2). How to overcome productivity guilt - HRM online. HRM Online. https://www.hrmonline.com.au/how-tos/how-to-overcome-productivity-guilt/

Kwok, C. (2019, December 3). Why You Feel Guilty About Being Unproductive (And How to Fix it). Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@chatwithcherrie/why-you-feel-guilty-about-being-unproductive-and-how-to-fix-it-d9abede72cf3 

Anh Minh Nguyen. (2021, December 8). The Truth About Productivity. IVolunteer International. https://www.ivint.org/the-truth-about-productivity/ 

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