She Strengthens

The Unrelenting Pursuit of Productivity: A Millennial’s Plight

Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that success was synonymous with productivity. My parents, part of the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations, instilled in me the importance of hard work and achievement. They wanted the best for me, and I’m grateful for that. However, this relentless drive for productivity has become an addiction, plaguing my generation with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and burnout.

The Origin of Our Obsession

From a young age, I was enrolled in extracurricular activities, private lessons, and volunteer work. My parents encouraged me to explore my passions and develop my skills. The goal was to find something I loved, excel at it, and make a career out of it. This well-intentioned advice has led to a culture of overachievement, where we’re constantly striving to be better, faster, and more efficient.

The Myth of Passion-Driven Work

The notion that doing what you love means you’ll never work a day in your life is a myth. Just because you’re passionate about your work doesn’t mean you won’t experience burnout. In fact, combining your passion with your livelihood can lead to greater exhaustion, as your creative expression and income are intertwined.

The Dopamine Trap

When we accomplish something, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This fleeting feeling of satisfaction drives us to seek the next accomplishment, creating an addictive cycle. We’re forever chasing the next high, neglecting our well-being in the process.

The Fear of Falling Behind

We’re terrified of taking a break, fearing that others will surpass us. This anxiety stems from the belief that our worth is tied to our productivity. We’re constantly asking ourselves, “What’s next?” instead of savoring our achievements.

Rethinking Productivity

Artist and writer Jenny Odell argues that our obsession with productivity has warped our sense of fulfillment and growth. Perhaps being productive means nurturing what we’ve already accomplished, rather than constantly chasing what’s next. Solitude, observation, and leisure activities can help restore individuals and communities.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

Learning to let go and prioritize quality over quantity is key to happiness. It’s essential to recognize that productivity alone does not equal happiness. But how do we achieve this balance? The answer lies in finding what works for each individual, whether it’s setting aside time for self-reflection, pursuing hobbies, or simply being still.

Embracing Imperfection

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to unwiring our desire for constant productivity. What works for me may not work for you, and it may not work forever. As someone who struggles with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, I need structure and goals to achieve even the smallest tasks. However, when burnout sets in, it’s time to find peace.

Permission to Stop

Remember, you don’t always need to be doing, searching, striving, and achieving. You can stop creating, working, and striving every once in a while. You’re already good enough, just as you are.