your worth isn’t measured by your to-do list
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to tie your sense of self-worth to how much you accomplish. But your value goes far beyond productivity! You’re not defined by how many emails you’ve answered/sent, how many meetings you’ve attended, or how many tasks you’ve crossed off of your list. Productivity is something you do; it’s not who you are. Building a healthier relationship between your self-worth and productivity takes intentional effort. Here are some practical tips to help:
1.) Redefine Success ~ instead of equating success with how much you achieve or accomplish in a day, a week, a month or a year, focus on the quality and intention of your actions and the impact these actions are having on yourself and others. I would also encourage you to celebrate your victories, however small they may seem. Remember, it’s not always about the destination; it’s also about enjoying the journey and celebrating the milestones and wins along the way.
2.) Set Boundaries Around Work ~ create designated, work hours and stick to them! Resist the urge to add “just one more thing” to your to-do list outside of those designated hours. Remember to take regular breaks throughout your day to recharge because rest fuels productivity.
3.) Practice Self-Compassion ~ if you don’t finish everything on your to do list, remind yourself that you are human. You’re not a machine. Try replacing negative self talk such as “I should have done more today” with positive affirmations like “I did my very best today and I’m proud of that”.
4.) Prioritize Rest ~ rest is an essential part of your everyday routine, not a reward you need to earn. By resting, you are giving yourself and your body a chance to think and act more clearly and make better decisions.
5.) Intrinsic Over Extrinsic Rewards ~ Remember to engage in hobbies that have no productivity goal or carry extrinsic weight, but carry with it an intrinsic reward. For me, this is painting, puzzling, reading, or doing some yoga. This will motivate you to put rest and leisure ahead of productivity all the time, while still allowing you to feel productive in a sustainable way. This also encourages you to find joy outside of work and reflect on the parts of your life that bring meaning to it such as relationships, hobbies, or just the simple act of being present.
6.) Create a Balanced To-Do List ~ Try limiting your daily tasks to a more manageable number. For example, I will focus on three things that I need to get accomplished in the morning, two things I need to get accomplished in the afternoon, and one task I need to accomplish in the evening. Bonus points if you include a restorative activity afterwards such as meditating, which helps shift your mindset towards the present moment, rather than what you’re striving to achieve in the future.
~Kate
