Overcoming Toxic Productivity

Have you ever experienced the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion and lacking in motivation caused by burn out? Do you hold yourself to impossibly high standards, striving for perfectionism, and never satisfied with what you do accomplish?

Or maybe your plagued with the feeling of imposter syndrome: that false belief that your a fake, and that you don’t deserve the success you’ve attained?

These are not isolated experience, but rather symptoms of some larger issue: Toxic Productivity.
What is Toxic Productivity?

It sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? How can productivity be toxic?

​Read on to find out

Running the (Rat) Race 

​I used to speed through each day, attempting to complete as many tasks on my to-do list as possible. However, it seemed to regrow endlessly, like the mythical Hydra sprouting two new heads for each one cut off. I felt stuck, making no progress despite my efforts.

Before I knew it, this led to discouragement and burnout, resulting in depression.

It doesn't matter what type of work we do. Trying to accomplish everything we want to accomplish can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed and defeated. But shouldn’t we have goals? Aspirations? Direction?

Yes…but…

Toxic Productivity refers to pushing forward full-throttle without considering our direction, or even questioning if it's the right path. It's prioritizing ourselves above all else, pursuing what we want or think we want, without considering if it's truly beneficial.
​
Is that as clear as mud? Stick with me.

Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash

Making Time for the Seemingly Insignificant

​When was the last time we paused to notice how trees, after a morning rain, appear decked in diamonds?

When did we last sit to watch the sun set below the horizon, or gaze up at the vast night sky? Have we recently sat still as a butterfly fluttered past?
​
I wish I could appreciate the bees collecting nectar, but they terrify me. Nonetheless, they remain an intriguing mystery.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Toxic vs True Productivity 

​Simple moments. Simple pleasures. Big miracles. The workings of God’s created world. How often do we stop and really try to appreciate the beauty He created for us?

Let us stive not to accomplish more, but to take momentary pauses during out day to simply sit and experience the beauty and wonder around us. It’s there if we’ll look hard enough. Soon, the anger and frustration melts away as nature seeps in a fills us with calmness and clarity.

I say this, because I live it. I’ve experienced both sides over the past couple of years. I went through the days of darkness from burnout and disheartenment. But when I stopped and sat for awhile, and let God’s creation fill me, I was able to find my way back to joyfulness and purpose.

Toxic Productivity is driven by striving, hustling, the need to do more and have more. When is more enough? When is the to do list completed? Because, truthfully, when we finish one goal, there’s another one waiting to be tackled next.

True Productivity is walking out your purpose with guidance and determination.

That doesn’t happen when we are running full speed through life trying to grab on to the next shiny trend or fad.

​I will give you a new heart and put in a new spirit in you: I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ​Ezk. 36:26

Moving from Striving to Surrender Mode

So, how can we transition from Striving Mode to Surrender Mode?
This isn't simple and requires a shift in mindset.

1. The process begins by setting intentions and prioritizing following God over achieving goals.
2. It involves making thoughtful decisions and seeking His guidance, instead of solely pursuing our desired outcomes.
   Remember, we don't have to navigate life alone. Isn't it wonderful that God cares enough to accompany us on our life journey?
   Isaiah 49:16
3. While goals are important, we shouldn't let them dominate us. Goals often demand our personal strength to fulfill. In contrast, when we set intentions by understanding our WHY - the reason we want or need to do something - we are no longer trapped in a cycle of constantly trying to outdo ourselves. When one goal is met, another immediately takes its place. With intentions, we embark on a continuous journey to become who we were meant to be. Finding our purpose involves partnering with God.
4. Our intentions guide us towards a specific goal or destination. Understand your WHY - the reason behind everything you do. If you grasp this, it's no longer merely another task to finish. It's a path to follow throughout your life.
5. Realize that success isn't solely determined by what gets accomplished. It's the resolve to keep moving forward, even when progress isn't apparent. We persist because we understand WHY we're on this path. We proceed confidently, not backing down when challenges arise, trusting that if we keep moving, God will meet us where we are and assist us. It's a promise from Him.
   Joshua 1:5-6 (The Bible repeatedly reminds us to be strong and courageous because God is with us.)

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Walking A New Path

​The path of faith isn't always easy or immediately rewarding. However, when we align with our life's purpose, we no longer need to strive, struggle, or chase after elusive goals.

This journey requires a shift in mindset. Instead of rushing through each day, we can slow down and appreciate the world with childlike wonder, working from a place of rest. This approach provides a unique sense of freedom.

Rather than focusing solely on personal success, we can take our eyes off ourselves and instead, concentrate on others—observing their growth and how they are being used by God. We don't need to compare ourselves or keep pace with others. We are on our unique path, walking at our own speed. There's no need to race or push forward. We are free to do God's work without the fear of burnout or stress.
​
Imagine such a serene state. It's attainable—I can attest to this. However, it's an ongoing process. I am learning not to push, but to follow; not to berate myself for what I didn't achieve, but to celebrate what I did accomplish. I now allow myself to rest, to enjoy the sun, admire my garden, and listen to the birds bickering in the morning. How lovely to just be… Me. You. The children He’s created us to be.

​For anyone who enters God’s rest, also rest from their works, just as God did from His. Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.  Hebrews 4:10-11