Five years ago, I launched the Positively Living Podcast with the goal of shifting the narrative around productivity. The core message? Productivity isn’t about rigid systems or fitting into a mold; it’s about embracing your unique self, fostering self-acceptance and self-compassion, and releasing the shackles of shame and guilt. This isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about living your best life, authentically and joyfully. And at the heart of this transformative approach lies a powerful, often misunderstood, concept: pride.
Redefining Pride: More Than Just Boastfulness
When you hear the word “pride,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s linked to arrogance, being “full of oneself,” or the opposite of humility. But what if we’ve got it all wrong? What if genuine pride is actually a fundamental ingredient for a flourishing, productive life?
This month, as we celebrate Pride Month, it’s the perfect time to reclaim the true meaning of pride. In its purest form, pride simply means believing in your self-worth. It’s not about thinking you’re perfect or better than everyone else; it’s about recognizing your inherent value, your unique qualities, and your accomplishments, big and small. You are unlike anyone else, and that in itself is cause for celebration. When you truly grasp this, you unlock a profound sense of satisfaction and a willingness to step fully into your abilities.
Embracing Your Vulnerabilities
A vital aspect of self-pride is the radical act of embracing your vulnerabilities. These aren’t weaknesses to be hidden; they are the very traits that make you uniquely you. When you take pride in yourself, you cultivate self-respect, even in the face of insecurities. This self-respect becomes a powerful compass, guiding you closer to your goals and empowering you to live and act more authentically.
The Authentic Advantage: Why Being Yourself Boosts Productivity
The concept of authenticity has moved from a feel-good buzzword to a critical contributor to well-being and, yes, productivity. Research in the workplace has shown a clear link between authenticity and enhanced employee well-being, a positive organizational culture, and psychological safety. All of these factors directly promote productivity.
Think about it: When you’re able to express your true self, your values, and your beliefs, there’s an inherent freedom. You feel inherently good, worthy, and free. And when you feel free, you do your best work.
The Neuroscience of Authenticity
This isn’t just a philosophical idea; there’s a scientific basis for the power of authenticity. Engaging in authentic behavior triggers the release of beneficial neurochemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. These are the “feel-good” chemicals associated with happiness, connection, and reward. When you act authentically, you experience a sense of fulfillment that helps regulate your emotions, reducing anxiety and building overall emotional resilience. These are all essential ingredients for sustained success.
The Cost of Inauthenticity
Conversely, trying to be someone you’re not—forcing yourself into a personality, lifestyle, or even a productivity system that doesn’t fit—creates internal friction. This “inner struggle” leads to a problematic environment. You end up feeling stressed, unhappy, and utterly unproductive. It’s like trying to run a race in shoes that are three sizes too small; no matter how hard you try, you’ll constantly be fighting against discomfort and inefficiency.
Pride in Practice: Unlocking Your Unique Productivity
Taking pride in who you are and what you bring to the table doesn’t just unlock productivity; it transforms your entire relationship with success. When you blend an understanding of how you work best with a deep appreciation for yourself as a person, you redefine what success means. Every step, every effort, every moment becomes something to be proud of, shifting your entire productivity mindset.
Honoring Neurodiversity: The ADHD Brain
Consider those with ADHD. Their first instinct is often frustration when standard planning and time-blocking methods, widely promoted as universal, simply don’t work for them. As a coach, I’m grateful to explain that it’s not their brain that’s “wrong,” but the system that isn’t right for them. We must be aware of how our brains work and honor that.
I had a client who experienced intense anxiety over batching tasks, a technique so universally promoted that she felt obligated to adopt it. We quickly realized this approach would never work for her. Our first step was helping her acknowledge and accept this. Then, we implemented a flexible time-blocking approach, allowing her to organize and move tasks and projects with ease, free from the pressure of batching. This newfound freedom supercharged her brain, one of the many superpowers of the ADHD mind. She realized she could accomplish more than most people while doing things differently. This is the magic of pride and acceptance in action.
Celebrating Effort: Caregivers and Chronic Illness Warriors
Another powerful example comes from caregivers and those living with chronic illnesses. They show up day after day under incredibly challenging circumstances, an effort that deserves immense recognition and pride from the outset. Yet, what often happens? They lament not doing “enough” or having to do things so differently from others.
When we lay out all they actually accomplish in a day, considering the tools and energy they have, a new sense of understanding and pride emerges. No, it doesn’t mean doing everything they want to do or getting it all done. Some days, it means accepting that it won’t. However, the key is this: when you understand you may have only a small window of energy, and you’re good with that, ready for it, and proud of those moments, your positive energy and focus will carry you through. You’ll find you can get a lot done in a short amount of time. That’s the undeniable power of pride and acceptance.
Overcoming the Dunning-Kruger Effect
There’s an ironic twist to pride worth mentioning: the Dunning-Kruger effect. This cognitive bias suggests that people with low ability often overestimate their competence, while those with high ability tend to underestimate theirs. In essence, sometimes the least knowledgeable are the most vocal, while true experts hold back.
For those with less competence, a certain (perhaps unjustified) pride can actually boost their productivity. Conversely, a lack of pride and self-awareness can hamstring truly competent individuals. This serves as a vital reminder to pay attention to what you do well and confidently share your light with the world. It’s often hardest for us to recognize our own superpowers.
Cultivating Your Authentic, Productive Self
The benefits of embracing your authentic self are profound. By accepting and appreciating who you are and understanding how you work best, you unlock a unique and powerful form of productivity. Whether it’s adapting to your brain’s unique wiring, acknowledging the immense effort you put in, or recognizing your own hidden strengths, pride empowers you to achieve your goals in a way that is both deeply fulfilling and truly sustainable.
I’ll leave you with a powerful thought from one of my guests, Mallory Jackson, who shared something that has stayed with me ever since: we are born worthy. We arrive in this world inherently worthy, with nothing more to prove beyond that. I hope you remember this truth as you go about your day and take immense pride not only in what you do, but in the magnificent, authentic person you are.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)
Ep 31: Authenticity in Life and Business with Mallory Schlabach
Ep 99: Emotions, Intuition, and Authenticity with Kristen Kubik
Ep 92: 5 Ways to Take Back Your Self-Worth with Jomana Elaridi
Dance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3
Music by Ian and Jeff Zawrotny
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