Unrealistic expectations can break you.
During the beginning phase of lockdown did you start with plans of doing something truly meaningful and productive?
Have you been pushing yourself to self-improve and focusing on your productivity?
If this is true it’s quite possible that you are feeling overwhelmed because you are simply not able to achieve the ‘unrealistic’ expectations you may have set for yourself.
Whether it is writing a book, creating the most complicated three-course meal for your family, working on your fitness regime or simply just hustling at work and that too without any break – Well this means you might be succumbing to toxic productivity.
Unrealistic Expectations lead to toxic productivity.
This is quite similar to workaholism or hustle culture
It refers to an unhealthy and extreme obsession with productivity, which is never ending and never enough.
It is an obsession with work where more matters, even if the quality isn’t that great.
It can get you overwhelmed to the extent that you can only see your self-worth when attached to the amount of work you are doing.
What are the signs of toxic productivity?
1. You work so much that it harms your personal relationships and health:
You are falling into the trap of toxic productivity, if you are ignoring basic human requirements like sleeping, eating, socializing and forgetting your other responsibilities.
2. Having unrealistic expectations :
its unreasonable to Expect the same output from yourself everyday, irrespective of the stressful situations or external factors that may disrupt normalcy.
3. Being restless:
If you feel guilty taking a break or time off and feel that your self-worth is reducing, you could be suffering from toxic productivity.
Most of us attach our self-worth to how many hours in a day we have worked or how productive we are, which is quite unhealthy.
It is important to work hard, but equally important to not work yourself out.
If you feel like you may be suffering from a case of toxic productivity right now, you are not alone.
The good news is, you can take simple steps to circumvent this habit.
Register for my workshop on Mindful Productivity now and get ready for some shocking revelations.
Watch this video to understand about TOXIC PRODUCTIVITY and how unrealistic expectations can push you on the path of anxiety and depression.
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Much love,
Preetjyot Kaur
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Toxic productivity is something people may not realize. They must be seeing the sign of anxiety or dissatisfaction when not able to meet their desired list of things to do but the truth is as you said, they might be suffering from toxic productivity. I am sure, your workshop will definitely help them in understanding the traits and handling them in time.
Thanks Alpana.
We’ve all faced some kind of toxic productivity during the lockdown, thanks to everyone else’s rocking social media feed. Your workshop will be quite helpful. All the best!
Thanks Varsh.
The term Toxic Productivity was new to me till I read your blog post. I realised that there are so many people in this world and in my close circles who suffer from this problem. I am so glad that you are holding a workshop on the topic. All the best! May your words heal the world 🙂
Thanks Mayura. This really means a lot.
I completely agree with you… These unrealistic expectations are taking toll on our personal and professional lives ..one needs to define their boundaries to live stress free yet productive life.
So glad that our thoughts resonate Swati.
Unrealistic expectations do take a toll on us mentally, physically and emotionally. It is good to see as a parenting and life coach you are offering parents a twig in a hurricane of thoughts and expectations. Assuming, Understanding self is the base of this.
Thanks Pragnya for the kind words.
Thanks Preet this is really something new for me and I have learned, We really need to understand the real meaning of expectation!!
Totally agree Ruchi.
yes it is indeed a toxic life on the whole when you are expected to do more than required or more than you can. for some, work is all they have so they expect everyone to be that way i guess.
Thanks Cindy. It’s actually more about the expectations we keep from ourselves.
Yes I agree so many of us suffer from this condition time to time but personally I believe it is very important to make a balance in your personal and professional life to avoid burnt out. Nicely written post dear.
Thanks
I know a lot of people who are obsessed with achieving their goals by working too hard even though they themselves know the goals are not realistic. And yes, that’s the reason they are not able to achieve them since unrealistic expectation lowers down their productivity. Glad to know that you are conducting these workshops, I am sure it will help people in need.
Thanks Neha.
When I read your post I could totally relate to it. Yes, you have explained the term toxic productivity so well that we are all facing I our lives
Thanks.
Couldn’t agree more! Our life is changed ever since the lockdown became the new normal, however, the real problem lies in the lame adaption of change. Work-life balance is something we aren’t used to, hence all the mental and toxic effects. I am definitely sharing about these workshops with my peers. You are doing a great job.
Thanks Dipika.
I really liked how you said “… work hard , not work yourself out …” Setting goals is an important part of stepping up productivity but the goals need to be realistically set and met to not cause toxicity and negative repercussions.
I am so glad to hear that our thoughts resonate Preeti.
Every since wfh is in place all waking hours are working hours. Your posts points out right points.
That’s true Ujjwal.
I agree toxicity does creeps in. All the v best for your workshops buddy. Will share among my friends.
Thanks Roma. You are too kind!
Expectations are culprit in many cases. And if they enter our productivity cycle then a good work also tends to slow down. I am sure your workshop will help many to be mindful.
Thanks Meenal.
You article is really insightful .It is so true that we sometimes set unrealistic goals which leads to expectations .which often leads to toxicity and negative repercussions. All the best for your worskshop .Will share with friends
Thanks Jyoti.
just to realise that there is now a proper term for this! i feel all of us at some point or the other this year have been unrealistic to the point of being silly! this is an important reminder to find balance between our expectations nad actions.
I totally agrre. We all go through this at some point or the other.
I am feeling overwhelmed right now with #MyFriendAlexa. I have too much on my plate right now and I am wishing for the month to end. Thanks for pointing it out to me. I should be mindful from now on.
So glad to hear that Harjeet.
I completely agree with you… These unrealistic expectations are taking toll on our personal and professional lives ..thanks for sharing about the workshops . I will share this with my friends.
Thanks Snigdha.
I didnt think about it much but yes I have max of these issues. I do over work sometimes which hamper my mental health, sometimes I really feel restless. But ya I have to cut down my work coz a person cant work like this.
Sayeri I totally get you. Cutting down your work won’t help much. I really feel we must prioritise our tasks and no over pressurize ourselves.
This blog is a much-needed read for the simple reason that all along we are talking about how men are supporting women in household chores but how little are we talking about mums who are juggling work and home OR those who are now 24*7 on their toes because house chores have been amplified.
Thanks Vaishali. I am glad our thoughts resonate.
In this fast paced and competitive world toxic productivity becomes a natural trap. Great subject for a post.
Indeed
Totally agree and relate to your central thought with this post. I believe we are getting more and more obsessed with productivity. Saw so many people saying finish books, learn new things during the lockdown…I mean with all the negativity around every human has their different coping mechanisms. Some work better some just survive. Both are doing amazing in their respective places. Great post. Keep writing Keep inspiring.
#MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
I totally second you Manas. You have said it right.
This post is something we should re-read every week may be.. because work life realy gets us sometimes that we forget the need to balance out lives properly.
Thanks.
This is a superb post. Thanks for sharing this. It is very true and this trend is especially seen in the service sector.
I totally agree.
Your post is on point. One has to be realistic and there has to be a balance. Workaholism is celebrated but is the most damaging.
I couldn’t agree more to what you said Ritu.
It’s so easy to give in to the hustle and try to compete with everyone without taking care of your own needs. And yet it’s so important to guard against toxicity of any kind.
I totally agree.
I just realized all the points you described here in this article apply to me 🙁
Damn. This hurts. (I knew it at some level, of course)
Don’t say that Roshan. Almost all of us go through this. But with the appropriate measures we can sort things out.
Especially in these days of work from home where the line between work and personal life are getting blurred, it quite easy to swerve to either side of the line. And indeed, too much of it can be very exhausting and take a toll on you, mentally, physically and of course, professionally. If we don’t discover it in time…
I am glad our thoughts resonate.
I have been actually very restless! Got caught red handed today 😉
Hehe I totally get you.
I think I may be going through such a phase of trying too many things at the same time, but mine isn’t as bad I guess. I’ve always wanted to keep myself busy with something but I don’t think I have discarded other aspects of my life by doing that. This is an interesting topic that you brought up that made me think and reflect. Thank you for sharing this.
I totally get you. Please do let me know if I can be of any help.
Dear lord all your signs fit me. I know you are correct. I have fallen into this cycle of toxic productivity. I keep expecting more and more from myself and thus keep pushing myself. I know one day my mind and body will probably revolt against me but I simply cannot break the wheel.
Don’t worry Nils. Most of us go through this at some point in life. Do let me know if you need my help.
Hi Preetjyot! I am a victim of toxic productivity, and I will reach out to you about this. #MyFriendAlexa campaign #TinaReads
Do ping me on Instagram or mail me at lifecoachpreet@gmail.com. I would be happy to help.
Everything has to be kept under control. Including obsession with being productive. It is important to realize when we are becoming too obsessive with our goals for being productive and pushing ourselves too hard. You post gives some very valid pointers in this direction.
I am so glad that you resonate with this.
I very well know over-expecting productivity can be dangerous. During the lockdown, I was expecting and working from home despite having a critical pregnancy. I had some madness to prove that I could be equally productive as my team mates are. However, soon my health went on a toss. I had to then take leaves almost before a month of the due date. Your post is an eye opener for people trying to do beyond their limits.
Oh my Goodness! This must have been a difficult suituation. Things can anyways get overwhelming during pregnancy.