Break Free From Hustle Culture with Intentional Productivity
Over the past few years, “hustling” has become synonymous with success, encouraging a lifestyle that prioritizes work. This mindset often comes with the attitude that in order to be ambitious you need to put all of your time and energy into your career, guilting people into spending more time achieving and producing in the workplace and less time at home or doing activities outside of work.
When a company encourages hustle culture it breeds a workplace filled with people experiencing burnout, resentment, and health issues (mental and physical) all the aforementioned responses to an unbalanced lifestyle. When people are stressed, resentful, and unwell their ability to collaborate, communicate and work effectively with others is threatened. Attitudes become negative, employees become indignant toward their colleagues, and animosity is fueled. Even one employee in this state can create toxicity in the workplace disrupting company culture.
Millennials and Gen Z’s are now starting to push back on hustle culture seeing first hand the consequences of an unbalanced lifestyle. They are discovering that working more and working “harder” isn’t the path to success. Their response to corporate pressure is setting boundaries in their work and personal lives, starting new hobbies centered around enjoyment and relaxation, and taking things at a slower, more intentional pace.
This has received criticism from big proponents of Hustle Culture saying that these generations are unambitious and unproductive. In actuality they are taking a more deliberate approach known as intentional productivity. People are being mindful about how they use their time and energy by prioritizing what truly matters, setting clear goals, and taking action to achieve their goals. All of this is accomplished while maintaining balance and well-being in their personal and work lives.
Interested in taking a stand against hustle culture? Here's how you can achieve intentional productivity in your life:
SMART Goals. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Using this criteria when goal setting leads you to create realistic targets for yourself.
Refuel. Taking time throughout your day for regular breaks away from your workspace allows you to refuel your mind and body. Using this time to walk around, eat, and take your eyes off a screen improves energy levels, mood, and overall well being.
Stay organized. Use your calendar or other productivity tools to stay on top of deadlines and to do lists. Setting reminders and planning your week out with daily tasks will allow you to stay on track.
Prioritize. Focus your energy on tasks and deadlines that are the most urgent and important first, then work your way through the other things on your to do list.
Taking these steps will not only provide you with a more thoughtful approach to achieving success but also a healthier work-life dynamic that brings you both fulfillment and productivity.. Hustle culture may offer you a pathway to achievement but the consequences greatly outweigh the benefits. By setting SMART goals, taking regular breaks, staying organized, and focusing on priorities, you can achieve success without sacrificing your health or happiness.
