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Do you need help keeping up with your never-ending to-do list? Despite the multitude of productivity hacks and tools available, it’s essential to consider whether your issues stem from a productivity problem or a workload problem.
Research worldwide has shown a concerning trend of increasing stress from workloads, leading many to use their scheduled time off to catch up on work, also known as “leavism.” However, breaks are essential for refreshing, investing in relationships, and preventing burnout.
While improving time management skills and focus can be helpful, there are limits to the daily hours and the physical and mental load we can sustain. Working harder for longer is unlikely to make you more productive, as long hours can lead to mistakes, sloppier work, and unnecessary stress. Thus, it may be more beneficial to focus on managing your workload rather than increasing productivity.
If you want to work towards a more sustainable approach to productivity, here are some tips to consider:
- Let a sustainable lifestyle, not your task list, dictate your workload. Start by setting sustainable work hours and see what you can fit within these limits. This discipline can help you focus on what is essential and delegate or drop unnecessary tasks.
- Prioritize your work using the Important/Urgent matrix to ensure you’re focusing your efforts in the right direction.
- Question your expectations and ask yourself why you’re doing each task. Are you putting undue pressure on yourself, finding it difficult to say no, or facing unrealistic expectations from others? Understanding your motivations can help you make better decisions.
- Learn to let go of unrealistic standards and delegate, ask for support, or decommission projects that take up valuable time and energy.
- Rethink unsustainable work and consider making drastic changes, such as changing roles or industries, if demands cannot be negotiated, delegated, delayed, or contained over the long term.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to productivity issues. It’s up to each individual to strike a balance between achieving their goals and prioritizing their well-being and relationships. You can earn a more fulfilling and productive life by managing your workload and adopting sustainable work habits.
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