Abstract:

Every decent human being knows that a person’s worth doesn’t depend on their performance. We know that people who don’t or can’t contribute, still deserve dignity.

And yet, we all have an ingrained belief that productivity and worth are somehow linked. Your mission today is to learn why this is so, and what you can do about it.

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Task 1: Unearthing the belief

The thing with beliefs is that we’re often not even aware we have them. Beliefs are usually formed at a young age or through subconscious influences.

If even one of the below apply to you, then you, too, have been subjected to the belief that a person’s worth is linked to their productivity:

• Thinking that you’d be bored if you didn’t have your job.

• Being unable to sit still or focus on anything as long as the house is untidy and/or dirty.

• Feeling guilty for taking breaks or taking time off.

• Spending work breaks at your desk and/or writing emails etc.

• Feeling lazy for taking sick leave or personal time off.

• Being embarrassed to admit that you’re taking it easy, especially to a very busy person.

• Failing to rest at least one hour per day, without doing any work or distracting yourself through social media, TV, Netflix or similar things.

• Wondering what you’d do, or feeling slightly guilty at the thought of taking an entire weekend, week, or month off without doing any work including housework.

• Reacting with “but I have to work, too” when you contemplate prioritising your passion.

Task 2: Realise that this attitude is learned

You might think it’s simply human to want to be occupied and useful. Turns out, it isn’t. I’ve written about how during the Industrial Revolution, fairly drastic measures were taken to literally beat people into turning up for work punctually and every day, year in, year out. We were violently traumatised into the belief that hard work is a value and moreover, that it makes us valuable as humans.

You can unlearn this, but it’ll take time and patience. I much suggest getting coaching for it. You can also read books such as Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s Burnout. You’ll gradually notice the ability to enjoy idleness returning.