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Productivity has been embedded In the current ideology As a scale for success: “If you are very productive, you will do well in the workplace.” However, this is a double -edged sword and runs the risk of falling into a silent trap called productivity dysmorphia: feel that your efforts are insufficient, that you never reach the desired level, despite work tirelessly.
This sensation, increasingly common, can have serious consequences In your emotional and physical well -being.
This phenomenon, exacerbated by the culture of hyperproductivity and constant comparison in social networks, leads to believe that it is always necessary to do more, drives To work tirelesslysacrificing free time and mental health in that search for satisfaction that never comes.
What is productivity dysmorphia?
Productivity dysmorphia is not a pathology officially recognized in diagnostic manuals, but part of a self -diagnosis of the writer and productivity journalist Anna Codrea -ado When analyzing your inability to Recognize your professional successes.
The writer claimed that the idea arose when he read the memoirs of Otegha Uwagba, ‘We Need Talk About Money‘who described his relationship with his finances as monetary dysmorphia. Something similar happened to her, but with her productivity. “It is possible to feel that you do not have enough money and act accordingly, even when you have it,” Uwagba wrote in his book.
Productivity dysmorphia is a distorted perception of our own productivity. Those who suffer from it feel that they never do enough, regardless of how much they work or achieve. This sense of insufficiency can lead to an excessive work cycle, physical and mental exhaustion which ends up deriving in states of chronic stress, depression, anxiety and low self -esteem.
According The published by codrea -ado in Business Insiderproductivity dysmorphia may be caused by high levels of self -examination and perfectionism.
As explained A group of experts At the International Conference on Wirtschaftsinformatik, social pressure and constant comparison in social networks, it can create a distortion of the real perception of our work, exaggerating the “imposter syndrome” until it becomes toxic productivity.
Symptoms and triggers
The Productivity dysmorphia symptoms They are varied and are closely related to self -esteem.
On the one hand, the persistent feelings of guilt or anxiety not to be working They are common, which complicates to enjoy free time without feeling guilty for not being doing “something productive.” It is done more difficult to relax Or enjoy leisure activities that should be pleasant, since it always seems that there is something more important than attending.
The constant comparison with others is another significant symptom. Exposure to idealized images on social networks, and poorly managed perfectionism can lead to “Burned worker syndrome” or Burnoutas the meta -analysis elaborated by scientists from the University of York St. John and Bath (United Kingdom).
This constant state of activity without place for rest, inevitably leads to situations of physical and mental exhaustion that derives in Mental health problems more serious and exhaustion.
Some of the main triggers of productivity dysmorphia is the work environment pressurepersonal expectations with unrealistic objectives and the influence of hyperproductivity culture are some of the most common.
Strategies to combat productivity dysmorphia
Fortunately, There are strategies to avoid falling into the trap of the dysmorphia of productivity, which largely coincide with the measures to Prevent burnout. One of the most effective is to establish clear limits between the Working hours and staffrespecting both one and the other.
This implies dedicating time to social, family and leisure activities that allow to disconnect of labor objectives. If necessary, schedule that leisure time as if it were a meeting or any other labor obligation.
In addition, it is important Recognize and celebrate your achievements professionals, however small. Recognize what has been able to assess the effort made and contribute to Strengthen self -esteem and feel more satisfied.
According to the psychologist and leadership coach Jacinta M. Jiménez, “achievements or great experiences can improve our mood temporarily and make us feel great, but the effects can be quite fleeting.”
Practice self -pity It is also crucial. Being kind to yourself and accepting that you can’t do everything allows you to face the situation without generating feeling of guilt for not being a superhero. Michigan University Psychologists They discovered thatthe way in which we talk to ourselves (self -dearly) when we experience unpleasant emotions or challenging situations can increase the ability to regulate emotions.
It is also recommended to reduce exposure to toxic figures on social networks and unrealistic comparisons, in order to focus the focus on most realistic own goals and objectives.
As we say, although productivity dysmorphia is not a medical term in itself, but a form of toxic productivity related to the real distortion of your effort, its effects can lead to Mental health problemsas depression or anxiety, which must be treated by a medical professional.
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