Beyond the Grind: When Hard Work Hinders Productivity
Hard work becomes a liability when it isn’t integrated into a broader vision of what it means to be productive.
In my pursuit of productivity, I used to think that working hard was the key to getting ahead. Protestant work ethic and all that. As an Enneagram 3, productivity is important to me, and both personally and professionally, I loved to achieve goals and get things done.
But after decades of focusing on goal-setting, time-management, and every productivity hack I could get my hands on, my productivity stalled out. In fact, for a few years it waned. I had reached the limits of hard work. There were no tips and tricks left that could be leveraged to squeeze another ounce of proficiency out of me.
I came to learn that an emphasis on hard work becomes a liability when it isn’t integrated into a broader vision of what it means to be productive; a vision that emphasizes not just getting things done, but accomplishing what matters most in a sustainable and value-aligned way.
For me, that meant discovering the value of taking regular breaks to pause, rest and recharge. From 10 minute walks to actually taking time off from work. These times were not just about conserving physical energy but also about spiritual renewal. Taking time to rest and recharge was about creating space for God to speak into my life, provide renewed strength and perspective, and (re)align my actions and intentions.
I also had to learn the importance of staying active and eating well. I knew how important this was conceptually, but it has been the first thing to go when pressure surrounded me and stress welled up within me. In order to be productive in all the ways that mattered, I needed to prioritize strengthening and nourishing my body.
Lastly, after years of struggling with poor sleep patterns, I set out to strengthen this foundational piece of productivity. I started to research how to build a sleep routine that would allow me to start my day with energy and focus. I used to sacrifice sleep in the name of productivity. Now, I was learning that quality sleep was one of the most precious gifts from God, a time to trust Him with my worries and prepare to wake up refreshed and ready to accomplish what matters most.
If I could go back and talk to my 25 year-old self, I’d commend him for striving so intensely and for wanting to achieve and produce. These are virtues when they are directed towards good ends. But I’d also counsel him to realize that hard work becomes a liability when it isn’t integrated into a broader vision of what it means to be productive. True productivity is only meaningful, sustainable, and holistic when comes from allowing ourselves to be nourished, renewed, strengthened, and encouraged through ordinary means of grace like good food, good sleep, strengthening movement, and intentional rest.
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If you’d like to explore how you can better integrate rest, nourishment, movement, and intentional practices into your routine, please message me through the link below to schedule a free coaching consultation with me. I’d love to help you move beyond the grind and establish a practice of productivity that is life-giving and accomplishes what matters most to you.