Productivity addiction is a paradoxical phenomenon that's gaining attention. It's when our pursuit for efficiency and accomplishment turns into an obsession, blurring the line between healthy ambition and unhealthy fixation. Let's delve into this intriguing subject.
Productivity addiction is based on the same reward systems as other addictions
Productivity can become a goal in and of itself, resulting in compulsive behaviors
- There are five tell-tale signs you may be addicted to productivity
- You don’t want to “waste” any time
- Time anxiety
- Trying to always optimize the way you spend your time and struggling to do nothing may be signs of productivity addiction
Reconsider your relationship with time
We think we are making the most of our time, but instead we are rushing through our precious time without savouring every second of it
Create your own system
Incorporate your meaningful priorities, hobbies, and insights about the way you work best to ensure you can achieve your goals without sacrificing your mental health.
- Pay attention to your triggers and avoid falling back into old patterns whenever you start a new job, hobby, or set a new goal.
Turn hobbies into side projects
You may be tempted to turn a hobby into something more productive such as starting a newsletter about gardening or a small business selling gardening guides, but don’t do that
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How to manage productivity addiction
Practice mindful productivity
- Make space for self-reflection
- Define meaningful priorities
- Explore areas you would like to explore outside of work
- Journaling can be a great way to reflect
- Recover from productivity addiction starts from understanding its source and mechanisms
