The Dangers of Toxic Productivity

Balance!!!

Hello Steve - things of all sorts seem to run amok.  

Ouch!  One of the difficult things in the Real Estate and Lending industry is balance.  Some things in life are "non-negotiable" and put on the calendar first.  I have to admit though, when it is really busy it's tough to turn it off.  Carol is right Balance, balance, balance, and reminders of what it important in life.

Hi Steve... can't say I've ever worried about life/work balance or toxic productivity. I learned a long time ago to work as much and as hard as I need to when that's necessary and then take time off when I can to recharge. I am totally capable of vegging out when I don't need to be getting something done and doing so without guilt.

I'm an individual agent and do not have a "team" or an admin or virtual assistant. Balance has always been hard for me. I work as hard and as much as I need to depending on what's in my pipeline. When I'm busy, I work a lot and don't nurture personal relationships and when I'm not busy, I take time off. I've been doing this for 21 years now and understand that balance is something to aim for, but it's easier said than done, especially in this industry, in my opinion.

Planning and time management can help avoid this type of negative work/life balance.  I've been guilty of this though. The constant pressure in today's marketplace to put deals together, can be toxic!

Good morningSteve. Do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do! Once I realized that there was a "do what you want to do" in the above, I found balance. Enjoy your day.

I do have a need to always be productive, but I also have managed to maintain balance with everything else in my life. If I start feeling stressed, I know it's time to change something so I do.

Keeping your life in balance is key. This applies to all aspects of our life too.

Balance is necessary to keep from the toxic lifestyle of productivity.  Like others have stated, I work hard -- no matter how long until I have accomplished necessary tasks -- and when I have a moment or two or three of rest -- I REST!  

But for me, starting everyday thanking the Lord for another day and taking time for some devotions has helped me keep my senses ... and taking even a very small coffee break or whatever I need has been my way of holding off burn-out and stress!  Everyone needs to STOP and smell the Roses!

Productivity it’s own sake kind of robs you of the fun of doing something, whatever it may be….

Steve Penner I learned this lesson many years ago - this is great advice. Glad Carol Williams Featured this post 

Great reminder that you have to have balance.

Hi Steve. Thanks for the thought provoking post. I believe in our industry this is a universal issue for most of us. While we need to “make hay when the sun shines”, we also have to remember to “stop and smell the roses” sometimes, too. Those old sayings were created for a reason

Great post.  My husband puts up with the ebb and flow, so long as we take our together time seriously.  The frantic busy-ness allows us our lifestyle, and so we must learn to make our time together count.