Rebecca Muller* says learning to detach from some of our traditional ideas around productivity can be exactly what we need to stay focused on what’s important.
As the year marches towards its end, many of us are buckling down to focus on upcoming projects and deadlines.
However, putting pressure on ourselves to do more and meet unrealistic expectations can only add to our stress — and detract from our focus.
In fact, letting go of some traditional ideas around productivity can be exactly what we need to prioritise what’s important and feel good about our work.
We asked our Thrive community to share with us the beliefs they’ve let go of in order to find focus and reduce stress.
Which of these beliefs will you give up?
“When I am overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling uninspired, I stop and remind myself that downtime is not wasted time.
“Rather than focusing harder or engaging in wasteful activities like scrolling through social media, I step out into nature, take a walk, or simply gaze off.
“Daydreaming doesn’t take time away from achieving our goals. Instead, it helps inspire more meaningful solutions and ideas.”
— Farrah Smith, life coach, Los Angeles, United States.
“One belief I have let go of is the notion that because I have the competency to do it and it is a ‘good deed,’ I must say yes.
“On a daily basis, I receive varied requests from friends, strangers and organisations to provide support for. Usually, if I am capable of doing it, I say yes.
“However, I have had reason to pause and revisit that belief.
“There is lots of good to be done in the world, and I don’t have to do it all.
“By saying no, I actually create a space for others to step up to the plate, and create a boundary for myself.”
— Judy Joseph McSween, Time Out Specialist, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
“I have let go of the belief that impact is measured by quantity over quality — and that being all things to all people is even a remotely accurate measure of success.”
— Karisa Karmali, online fitness trainer, Ontario, Canada.
“I’ve let go of the need for perfectionism. It doesn’t exist and I’ve found that it often holds me back and interferes with my productivity.
“I have spent significant time trying to do everything to meet my self-imposed idea of perfectionism because anything less wasn’t good enough for me.
“It’s led to a great deal of procrastination and even decision paralysis at times.
“I now embrace the idea of ‘done is better than perfect.’ It has offered me so much freedom and I actually accomplish more now.”
— Kerri-Anne Brown, licensed mental health counsellor, Orlando, United States.
“I’ve learned that it’s okay if there are dishes in the sink, laundry in the basket, and the beds are unmade before I leave for work.
“I can sleep the extra 15 minutes, spend the extra time with my daughter, or read the end of an article I started. The world will not end.”
— Amy Feind Reeves, career coach, Boston, United States.
*Rebecca Muller is a senior editor and Community Manager at Thrive Global. Her previous work experience includes roles in editorial and digital journalism. She is on Instagram @rebeccabmuller.
A longer version of this article first appeared at thriveglobal.com
