The pressure of productivity
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Speaking of burning questions, did it ever happen to you to experience the pressure of being productive at any cost?
From a young age, we were taught to equate productivity with worth. I remember as a kid, I’d be praised for staying up late to finish homework or for practicing piano until my fingers ached. But if I spent time playing outside or watching TV, I’d quickly be labeled as "lazy." It’s a word that sticks with you.
Fast forward to my life now as a digital nomad, and that mindset still lingers. There’s a constant pull to work, not just to make money, but to make more money. We start optimizing our days, squeezing every possible moment to be productive so we can carve out time for freedom. But the "free time "we’ve earned, we’re often too burned out to enjoy it.
I’m sure many of you have noticed the same thing, especially with the flood of productivity gurus on YouTube and social media, constantly pushing new techniques to help you "get more done." It’s easy to fall into that trap of toxic productivity.
But here’s where science comes in handy: studies demonstrate that the pressure to be constantly "on" is actually a productivity killer. Psychologist Devon Price argues in their book Laziness Does Not Exist that our brains work best in short bursts, not through marathon sessions of non-stop work. So, next time you think taking a moment for yourself means you’re giving up an opportunity to make money, remember this!
Research even shows that happiness boosts productivity, while stress and anxiety have the opposite effect. Yet, hustle culture tells us to wear our overwork like a badge of honor. It’s as if grinding ourselves down to the bone is the only path to success. But when we make business a virtue competition, we lose sight of what really means to be a digital nomad: living a fulfilling life.
So, here’s a reminder for all of us: Your worth is not tied to your productivity. Get your work done, but also take time to enjoy the simple pleasures—whether that’s a good book, a walk outside, or just doing nothing for a while. Don’t let hustle culture convince you that more work equals more worth. You deserve more than burnout.
Here’s to finding balance,
Irene Lidia
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