Have you heard the term “toxic productivity”? Reported by Huffpost, in April 2021, “toxic productivity” is another way of describing workaholics, but it is so much more than that. 

Toxic productivity stems from the idea that you should fill every waking moment with a “productive” task. It makes you think that if you rest, relax, take a vacation, read a book or take a walk, you are wasting valuable time that could be used in a much more productive fashion. NOT TRUE! Toxic productivity is dangerous and unhealthy. It causes chronic stress which can lead to burnout. 

Scary Signs that You’re Entering into a Toxic Productivity Routine: 

• Working to the point of exhaustion every day/week. 
• No time ever for family or friends. 
• Constantly thinking about work when you’re not at work.
• Replacing life experiences with more “productive” ones (working out while listening to a business podcast)
• Loving your work to the point it’s all you have.

If you answered “yes” to at least 3 of these, you may be experiencing Toxic Productivity. Rest assured, this is not your fault. Society continuously tells us that we have no value if we aren’t constantly busy. I mean, have you seen this tweet? 

“If you don’t come out of this quarantine with either: 1.) a new skill 2.) starting what you’ve been putting off like a new business 3.) more knowledge. You didn’t ever lack the time, you lacked the discipline.”

Wow. That feels super judgy. 

There’s no shame in having ambitious goals. There is also no shame in taking a break or caring for yourself or establishing boundaries. In fact, setting these parameters is essential to avoid the dangers of toxic productivity. 

Dangers of Toxic Productivity:

According to Dr. John Trougakos, associate professor of organizational behavior and HR management at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, whenever you are overworked or stressed out, your brain releases a stress hormone called cortisol. When cortisol floods the brain, it can disrupt parts of your personality and increase emotional reactivity. 

Toxic productivity creates unnecessary pressure on the brain. 

Over time, this kind of behavior can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Chronic stress 
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Digestive issues
• Disrupted sleep 
• Weakened immune system, etc. 

Don’t fall for the BS that being busy is a badge of honor. It’s not. In fact, it actually prevents you from living a full and authentic life. It stifles your joy and negatively impacts your relationships. Toxic productivity reinforces the idea that you are not good enough if you are not sacrificing yourself. 

Holy cow. This shit is gonna kill you if you don’t reframe. 

How to Breakup with a Toxic Productivity Routine:

1. Set up realistic goals. 

Establish realistic goals and work on them every day, but not all day. Focusing on what you can achieve in the allotted time will create a boundary that is more easily achievable. For example, I block 2 hours each Monday to work on marketing. That’s it – no other tasks – just marketing. 

2. Track everything you do. 

Begin keeping a log of every task, action, or activity that needs to be done throughout the week. Write everything down, no matter how unimportant it seems. These data points will help you gain clarity on where you are spending your time. You may also be able to bundle tasks together or rearrange them so they can be done more efficiently. 

3. Dump, Delegate or Redesign

Looking at this list, what could go away? What is on the list that only you must do? What could be handed off to someone else? 

A personal assistant might be the perfect candidate for this kind of assignment. Just make sure that whatever you do, you communicate effectively with your person so they know exactly what you want them to do. This applies to kids, spouses, neighbors, or any other helpful soul.

4. Connect With Your Intuition

Following your gut is never the wrong decision. In fact, your brain and gut are connected via a neural network called the vagus nerve. Therefore, following your intuition is not as “woo-woo” as it may seem. The key is to not let your brain override your intuition. 

5. Seek Alignment Instead Of Balance.

True balance means all things are equal but it’s really hard to achieve. Instead, align your core values, visions, and dreams. Who are you? What do you want? Why does this even matter? How do I make it happen? Don’t be afraid to dig a bit deeper and get to know yourself. 

A Sustainable Productivity Model

Working hard while you are working is not the issue. It’s being consumed with work to the exclusion of all else that’s the real problem, but it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Neuroscientists found out that many people, despite spending less time at work, produce better results than their non-productive counterparts. I am a testament to that! 

It’s OK NOT to make work your only priority. It’s OK to cut back or reduce your workload. It’s OK to unplug and enjoy time AWAY from your work. It’s OK to focus on adding more JOY into your life and business. 

It’s not easy to rewire your brain and go against the grain. That’s why I created the JOY | Money Micro™. This simple, effective process helps you get reconnected with your core values, vision, and dreams so you can dump all your toxic shit on the table and begin implementing a sustainable productivity model based on JOY. 

After all, if it’s not JOYFull, why do it?