Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are facing a new reality. Recent events that began with social distancing and evolved into “shelter in place” has cascaded into a complete disruption in our daily routine and productivity. This disruption is forcing us to rethink our work schedules and our work habits. 

This is especially true for individuals that are used to working in an office. (Remote workers may find this change a little less jarring)! Being at home leaves us wide open to unexpected distractions (spouses, kids or the refrigerator).  

Not doing a daily commute, may have had the consequence of creating more time in the day, and while serendipitous at first, that “extra time” could easily morph into having an unexpected negative effect on our sense of productivity and self-worth.  

We may have started out with all kinds of high expectations of what we would do with all this “extra- time”. Complete that big work assignment we were putting off, make important phone calls and connections, or finish the book or art project that was started months ago. 

This is an opportune time to put our productivity into proper perspective. Productivity is a tool to help us get what we want, but it is our value system rather than our productivity that defines our self-worth.  

Instead of focusing on how much you are ‘getting done” what if this was the perfect time for deeper self-reflection? Separating productivity from self-worth and becoming aware of what is really important, allows us to focus on our core being, the source of our energy and our strength.  

Here are some steps you can take to begin viewing your self-worth separately from how you are currently measuring your productivity. 

Define Your Values: To clarify your values, write a list of things that are important to you, such as spending time with your children, taking care of yourself physically, exploring nature, or expanding your knowledge in areas that interest you.  Create a strategy and a structure that allows you time to participate in those activities on a daily basis.

Live Your Values: Living by your values relieves the pressure of comparing yourself to others, including family members and other relatives. Your self-worth is not defined by what other people aspire to or accomplish. It is defined by your own definition of success and contentment. 

Take Things in Stride: There is no crystal ball that will illuminate our future. We are going to have good days and bad days. By viewing the ups and downs of life as expected events, we can interpret both our successes and our failures, as a part of our life experience…  “This too, shall pass”.

Keep Learning:  Give yourself some grace. Recognize that no one is perfect, and that mistakes are inevitable. When mistakes happen, write at least two corrective measures that you can employ in the future under similar circumstances. Learn to reframe your beliefs about “failure” and see this event as an opportunity for growth. 

During our Opening the Door Level 1 Seminar, we create a safe space to explore your perceptions of productivity and self-worth, gaining insights into the beliefs that may be holding you back. We’re all traveling along life’s path, and it can be reassuring to know that we are not alone.