Productivity, Guilt & Mondays

Mondays used to be the bane of my existence. The thought of starting a new workweek filled me with a sense of dread and anxiety. I would often spend Sunday nights dreading the next day, unable to shake the feeling that I had not accomplished enough over the weekend. Mondays became synonymous with guilt and stress.

As someone who is highly ambitious and driven, I am no stranger to the pressure to be productive. I have always been someone who likes to stay busy, constantly exploring new domains. However, this drive also comes with a downside - the tendency to feel guilty when I am not being productive.

For years, I struggled with this guilt. I would beat myself up for taking breaks or kicking back after a long office day. Even when I was putting in the work, I would constantly worry that I was not doing enough. This mindset was not only exhausting but also counterproductive.

Over time, I learned that this guilt was holding me back from reaching my full potential. It was causing me to burn out and preventing me from taking the time I needed to rest and recharge. I was obsessed with tracking every second of my day to increase my productivity. Engrossed in trying to look for ways to be more productive instead of actually being productive. I knew that something had to change.

I began by taking a closer look at my relationship with productivity. I realized that my definition of productivity was too narrow. I had been equating productivity with work output, and nothing else. However, true productivity encompasses a much broader range of activities - including self-care, personal development, and leisure.

I started to reexamine my thinking around productivity, focusing on the things that truly mattered. I began to prioritize self-care , and allowed myself to take breaks when I needed them. I also started to see leisure activities, like reading and spending time with friends and family, as essential parts of my overall productivity.

This new approach was not easy at first. It took time to retrain my brain and let go of the guilt that had become so ingrained in me. However, over time, I began to notice a significant change. I felt less stressed and more energized. I was able to approach my work with greater focus and creativity.

Mondays also began to lose their power over me. Instead of seeing them as a daunting beginning to a new workweek, I began to see them as an opportunity to start fresh and tackle new challenges. I started to plan my day in advance, setting achievable goals and prioritizing tasks based on their importance. A simple to-do list without any bells and whistles helped me track my progress. Moral of the story? If I consider everything as urgent then nothing gets done and it is difficult to meet deadlines

Now, Mondays are a day that I look forward to. I still experience moments of guilt and stress from time to time, but I am better equipped to handle them. I have learned that productivity is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and that it is possible to achieve success without sacrificing my well-being.

If you, like me, struggle with productivity, guilt, and Mondays, know that you are not alone. It is possible to overcome these challenges and find a healthier, more sustainable approach to work and life. Start by redefining your idea of productivity and prioritizing activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Remember that rest and self-care are essential components of true productivity, and that it is okay to take breaks when you need them. With time and practice, you too can overcome the dread of consequences and boost your output.