Equating stress with productivity

Here’s a common misbelief we have about our workday: we’re only getting “real” work done if we’re in a state of stress or under pressure.

It’s a collective story we’ve been taught - when it comes to work, everything must be difficult.

And because we believe that work must always be difficult, when we’re not in a state of stress we question whether we’re working hard enough.

When we see others overworking, we question whether we should be doing the same.

We start to believe that the fuel for getting more things done is to be more stressed.

But it turns out that in many ways that belief is backwards.

In addition to taking a physical toll, this kind of thinking prevents us from accessing the kind of quiet, focused mind we need to show up at our best.

Try this:

Consider this question: what if making meaningful progress didn’t have to be hard all the time?

In other words, what could you accomplish if you stopped equating stress with productivity?

Of course some forms of stress or uncomfortability are essential, to the extent they provide an opportunity to grow or learn.

But stress becomes toxic when we use it as a marker to determine whether we’re working hard, or doing enough of the right kind of work.

Instead of allowing stress to define whether you’re being productive, shift your focus toward making progress.

A sense of progress is a powerful, natural place from which you can draw energy and create momentum.

Instead of always trying to find a way to go faster, make time to celebrate small wins.

If you want to do your best work, start equating productivity with progress.

Go have a great workday.