You can be proud of your work ethic, level of responsibility, and the number of jobs you can manage simultaneously. However, it is not surprising that all this work, at some point, "boomerang" back to you with fatigue, stress and even anxiety and depression. The very high expectations you have for yourself can sometimes be exhausting.
If you're at a loss as to whether you have healthy ambition or productivity that's turning toxic, a set of questions can help you find the answer, and why not, the solution.
Do a quarterly self-reflection focused on evaluating your relationship with productivity for that time period.
On a scale of one (not often) to five (very often), ask yourself how often you:
- Chosen to finish a job over your family and friends?
- Chose to be productive, sacrificing your well-being?
- Have you thought that there is no solution but to perform a certain task, even when you were physically, mentally, etc. tired?
- How often do you feel guilty when you are not as productive as you claimed?
Did you answer the questions? How do you feel about the result?
This practice is a great step in working with yourself towards creating a balance between the desire for career/money and things that are not so easily measured, such as satisfaction, happiness, etc.
Source: Well & Good
