The downside of being super productive

Feb 1

Written By TJ Lew

This lunar new year, I was excited about the long break.

I had a plan in mind. I was going to dedicate time to do two important things for my business – plan a workshop and write a long blog article.

I whipped out my calendar and looked at days where I could fit my work in between gatherings and family time.

Then, I caught myself. This is my default pattern.

Whenever there’s a window for a break, I shall make “full use” of it. Being productive is my jam.

I was praised for doing things fast when I was a girl. I was praised for doing more.

Thus, it became programmed in me that doing more and doing it fast are non-negotiable traits.

I spent years and years proud of being productive. It’s what brought fulfillment, achievements, and recognition.

As a result, I became efficient and productive, even when I don’t need to.

I took the Chinese saying of “if you’re not progressing, you’re regressing” literally.

This comes with a price.

If I am not mindful, rest can be triggering and feels uneasy for me, even today.

I would feel that I have to justify my rest. The inner critic would say - Have you done enough to rest & enjoy?

Having the inner dilemma of resting while thinking you should be working whilst having the resistance to do the work is a torture I know too well.

It’s something that I need to be deliberately aware of and give myself full permission to rest and enjoy.

I remind myself that my identity does not anchor on me being productive and it does not anchor on how much I achieve for my work.

It’s a practice.

As we step into February, I invite you to ask yourself – Have I rested enough to do my best work?

Your inner critic might say - What if I became too lazy?

Trust me, you will not.

When you give yourself permission to rest and play, you will know when it’s enough.

You will be pleasantly surprised by how much fresh energy you will have for yourself, creating a rippling effect on your quality of life and work.

Trust yourself,

Much love,

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