As a compassionate, holistic productivity coach, I focus on productivity with a person-first perspective. This shame-free productivity approach prioritizes overall well-being over relentless work and self-criticism. It rejects the “hustle and grind” mentality and embraces flexibility and self-compassion. This week, episode 250 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast is about shame-free productivity: the most effective way to get things done!
In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I share a sustainable, compassionate approach to productivity that releases the guilt and shame that hustle culture presents and I describe what this could look like when implemented.
Key Takeaways:
- Celebrating my journey to 250 podcast episodes (and how my own shame-free productivity approach got me there)!
- Using the example of writing a book to illustrate the difference between the “hustle and grind” mentality and shame-free productivity.
- Why shame-free productivity is actually the most effective approach to get things done.
- The first step to practicing shame-free productivity: self-discovery.
Introducing Shame-Free Productivity: A Person-First Approach
As a compassionate, holistic productivity coach, I believe in putting people first. Shame-free productivity prioritizes well-being and self-compassion over relentless work and self-criticism. It rejects the toxic “hustle and grind” mentality that leads to burnout, stress, and a negative relationship with our work and goals.
Breaking Free from the “Hustle and Grind”
Many of us have been conditioned to believe that success requires constant hustling, pushing ourselves to the point of guilt and shame when we fall short or need a break. This traditional approach often involves rigid schedules, strict rules, and measuring our worth by our productivity. If we don’t meet these self-imposed demands, we feel like failures, linking our productivity to our worth and pushing ourselves beyond our capacity. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and resentment towards our goals.
For example, imagine wanting to write a book. The “hustle culture” approach might dictate: “I must write 2,000 words every day, no exceptions. If I miss a day, I’m lazy and will never finish.” This kind of thinking breeds shame and discouragement when life inevitably gets in the way. This rigid approach often leads to quitting altogether.
Embracing Self-Compassion and Understanding
Shame-free productivity offers a different path, one of self-compassion and understanding. It recognizes that we are human, with limitations and needs, and that’s okay. It’s about building systems that work for us, not against us.
Let’s revisit the book-writing example. A shame-free approach might look like this: “I want to write a book, and I’ll aim for 2,000 words a day when possible. But some days, I might only have time for 500 words or none at all. And that’s okay. I’ll listen to my body, honor my needs, and celebrate every bit of progress. Even 5 words is progress towards my goal.”
The Effectiveness of Shame-Free Productivity
Shame-free productivity isn’t just gentler; it’s actually more effective. While short bursts of intense hustling can achieve results, they are unsustainable and often lead to burnout, negating any progress made.
Chris Bailey, in his book The Productivity Project, explored various productivity techniques, including working overtime. His findings were clear: adding extra hours can increase output for a limited time, but then productivity plummets. Burning the candle at both ends might feel productive, but it ultimately leads to exhaustion and decreased effectiveness.
Why Shame-Free Productivity Works
Here’s why shame-free productivity is so effective:
- Sustainable: It prioritizes long-term well-being and avoids the unsustainable cycle of overwork and burnout. The tactics are sustainable for the long haul, leading to stronger habit development and greater momentum.
- Promotes Optimal Focus: This approach fosters a positive mindset, which increases focus and creativity, ultimately boosting productivity.
- Protective: It recognizes that rest, self-care, and personal life are essential for productivity. Prioritizing well-being protects us from the negative health consequences of chronic stress.
The Power of Self-Awareness
Ultimately, shame-free productivity acknowledges that life happens and it’s okay to adjust. Goals and deadlines can be flexible and approached with self-compassion. This method fosters creativity and prevents burnout, leading to greater consistency and momentum.
Ready to embrace shame-free productivity? It starts with self-discovery. Understanding your values, how you work best, and what energizes you is crucial. Pay attention to your energy levels throughout the day. When are you most productive? What environment helps you focus? What inspires you? What drains you? What do you value? What brings you joy?
Your Path to Positively Productive Living
To help you on this journey, I’ve created the Positively Productive Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to guide you through self-discovery and self-awareness. Explore your core values, tendencies, strengths, and what truly energizes you. This toolkit includes self-guided workbooks and links to various assessments. Visit the RESOURCES page at www.positivelyproductive.com/toolkit to access this free resource.
Remember, shame-free productivity is about being effectively productive in a way that honors your humanity. It’s the core of every conversation on the Positively Living Podcast. My promise to you is to help you create sustainable systems that allow you to achieve your goals without sacrificing your well-being. Be kind to yourself, honor your needs, and celebrate every step you take. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you work with yourself, not against yourself.
Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/
Could you use some support? The Quickstart Coaching session is a way to get to know your productivity path, fast! A speed-round strategy session is perfect for a quick win and to see what coaching can do, the Quickstart will encourage and inspire you to take intentional, effective action! Go to https://www.positivelyproductive.com/plpquick for a special listener discount!
CONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)
Ep 189: Why Compassion is Essential to Be More Productive
Ep 216: How to Let Go of Shame and Rebuild Self-Trust with Valerie Friedlander
Dance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3
Music by Ian and Jeff Zawrotny
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