Let’s talk about productivity.
Productivity is a hot topic. Literally type it into youtube and prepare to be overwhelmed with content. What is productivity? The rate at which a person or company can produce useful work. Our culture tends to be pretty obsessed with how much we can get done. Somehow the measure of our worth as a person is directly tied to how productive we are, not for who we are. That my friends is internalized capitalism. Internalized capitalism can deeply impact your mental and physical health. It can lead to overworking, burnout, negative self-talk, shame, fatigue, never feeling like you are enough or doing enough, as well as, disconnection from others due to a sense of competition, feeling behind, or that you are “wrong,” and losing sight of your own values as the guide for you life. Guess what? All that is pretty big psychological stress which causes all the same medical problems that physical stress does. Remember, your brain cannot tell the difference between perceived mental stress and physical threats, so it reacts the same causing the same responses in your body.
People often talk about productivity in therapy. “How can I get more done? I just can’t do those things, it’s not that easy for me. Is something wrong with me because I can’t do that? I’m a failure. I just need a better system. I must have ADHD because I can’t keep up. How can I be more productive?” Maybe the problem isn’t you at all. Maybe the problem is this system that creates unrealistic expectations. Our bodies were not designed to constantly just be working and getting things done. We are also designed to move, play, relate, create, and rest. In fact, I’d argue that the latter designs are what inspire innovation. Spending time moving, playing, relating to others, creating, and resting actually makes you more productive ultimately. I know I know, its hard to accept. I promise the more rested, connected, and alive you feel, the more capable you will be to accomplish what you wish. However, in an effort not to commandeer these positive behaviors and experiences for more internalized capitalism, it’s important to note we are also born to just be, to live. And I don’t know about you, when I reflect on what brings joy to my life and what memories I hold most dear, what I get done is never on the list. So how about we stop putting productivity on a pedestal? How about we value movement, play, connection, creativity, and rest more than productivity? How about we practice radical acceptance of ourselves and stop pushing past our own boundaries? How about we channel our inner rebellious teen and stop participating in this rat race? Internalized capitalism is just another way to hate yourself and I will not stand for that. You cannot hate yourself into loving yourself. So be kind and remember, how productive you are is not a measure of your value as a person. Quite frankly, it’s the least interesting thing about you.
Questions to ponder.
How does internalized capitalism show up in my own life? What are the stories/beliefs I have about it?
How can I practice radical self-acceptance and rebel against unrealistic expectations?
How can I prioritize movement, play, creativity, connection, and rest?
