How to Deal with Productivity Guilt as a Founder/Entrepreneur

"Productivity guilt is the belief that doing more and doing it faster will bring success and happiness. In reality, it's the opposite. You can't be productive if you're burnt out and exhausted." - Katrina Ubell, MD.

As a founder or entrepreneur, you're constantly juggling a million different balls.

You're responsible for the big-picture vision of the company, but you're also knee-deep in the day-to-day operations. And on top of all that, you're expected to be a thought leader in your industry, which means staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.

It's a lot to handle, and it's easy to feel like you're falling behind.

But here's the thing: you're not alone.

In fact, many entrepreneurs struggle with productivity guilt. That feeling that you should be doing more, that you're not working hard enough, or that you're not being as productive as you could be. It's normal to feel this way from time to time, but it's important to find ways to deal with it so that it doesn't take over your life.

1. Understand where the feeling is coming from

Productivity guilt is often rooted in impostor syndrome, which is when we doubt our abilities and accomplishments. We compare ourselves to others and think they are doing better than us, which can lead us to feel like we're not good enough.

2. Reframe thinking around productivity

We live in a culture that values busyness and hustle, but that doesn't mean that those things are actually productive. In fact, often times they are the opposite. Being busy does not equal being productive. Instead of trying to do more, we need to focus on doing things that are actually going to move the needle forward.

3. We need to give ourselves some grace

We are human beings, not machines. We need time to rest and recharge, and that's okay. Trying to do everything all at once is not sustainable or healthy. So cut yourself some slack and don't beat yourself up if you're not able to accomplish everything on your list today. Tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities for productivity.

Productivity guilt is something that many entrepreneurs struggle with. It's normal to feel like you should be doing more, but it's important to find ways to deal with it so that it doesn't take over your life. Try reframing your thinking around productivity and give yourself some grace when things don't go as planned. Remember that you are human and that rest is just as important as work when it comes to sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

Other resources to help you with productivity guilt