Writing can be an intensely rewarding endeavour, but it also comes with its pitfalls—one of which is the lurking spectre of ‘toxic productivity.’
This increasingly common phenomenon has found a particularly fertile ground in some corners of the writing community.
In our rush to produce more words, churn out more books, and climb sales charts, we risk falling into a destructive cycle.
Let’s break down how you can recognise toxic productivity, why it’s dangerous, and steps you can take to ensure your writing career is more of a fulfilling marathon than a debilitating sprint.
Recognising the Signs of Toxic Productivity
Toxic productivity goes beyond simply being busy.
It’s a distorted relationship with work where your self-worth becomes intricately tied to how much you produce.
This unhealthy dynamic often manifests in several key ways.
Overworking is one of the most common signs.
You might find yourself working late into the night or skipping breaks altogether, convinced that every moment must be maximised for work.
Ignoring physical cues is another red flag.
You might neglect sleep, skip meals, or even delay basic needs like bathroom breaks, all in the name of maintaining productivity.
Constant guilt often accompanies this mindset.
You may feel a sense of guilt during leisure time, or even when you’re not actively writing, as if every moment of rest is a wasted opportunity.
Disconnection is another symptom.
You might start detaching from friends and family, dedicating more and more time to work at the expense of your personal relationships.
Finally, neglected self-care is a significant indicator.
You might skip exercise, relaxation, and other self-care routines, believing that these activities are secondary to your work.
The Real Risks of Burnout
Toxic productivity doesn’t just make you tired—it can lead to full-blown burnout.
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can severely impact your health and well-being.
When you’re burned out, your creativity suffers, and the joy you once found in writing can vanish.
This exhaustion can lead to a decline in the quality of your work, making it harder to sustain a successful writing career.
Moreover, burnout is unsustainable in the long term.
Pushing yourself to the brink without taking time to rest and recover can be detrimental not just to your writing, but to your overall quality of life.
A More Sustainable Path
Building a successful writing career isn’t about sprinting to the finish line.
It’s about pacing yourself so you can keep running for the long haul.
To make your journey sustainable, start by setting realistic goals.
Unrealistic expectations can feed into toxic productivity, so it’s important to make your goals achievable.
Prioritising self-care is crucial.
Take time off to recharge, engage in regular exercise, and spend quality time with loved ones.
Learning to say no is another essential skill.
It’s impossible to participate in every marketing opportunity or pursue every book idea that comes to mind, so pick your battles wisely.
Regular check-ins with yourself can help you stay on track.
Regularly assess your emotional and physical well-being, and make adjustments to your schedule or workload as needed.
Finally, seek community support.
You’re not alone in this journey.
Share your challenges and victories with a supportive community of writers who understand the unique pressures of the writing life.
This support network can provide valuable perspective and encouragement when you need it most.
CherryEdits 