In this episode, we revisit productivity and priorities, and the implications of pursuing productivity amidst the pressure in the workplace.
Last year, I spoke to a productivity expert, Mayo Oshin, about ways that we can overcome procrastination to get things done. This pre-pandemic conversation turned into our most popular episode.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from that episode: “The mistake we make often is that we just go into the office, go to work, and we just tackle whatever is in front of us…It’s like a war zone. ‘Whatever is thrown at me I’m gonna just deal with.’ Firefighting with no sort of strategy in terms of understanding how your energy comes into play.”
You can listen to the original episode here: https://leadwithlevity.com/mayooshin
Mayo’s energy was tested this year, and we talk about his personal struggles trying to force himself to maintain peak performance, how he lost his way, and what he did to reclaim his sense of self.
We cover:
- The effects of putting too much pressure on yourself
- How to get back on track when you’ve let yourself and your priorities go
- Why people feel the need to push themselves to the limit and how damaging that can be for themselves and their teams
Why Forcing Productivity Doesn’t Work
One of the biggest insights Mayo shared is the importance of letting go of the pressure to perform. In today’s world, where busyness is often mistaken for success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our self-worth by our productivity.
Mayo pointed out that this drive often stems from deep-seated perfectionism and internal fears—fear of failure, rejection, or being perceived as incompetent. These fears rob us of the joy that comes from simply engaging in the work.
As Mayo puts it:
“Even the goal of trying to be productive all the time comes from the belief that something is wrong with you right now. Letting go of that pressure allows you to enjoy the process—and paradoxically, helps you get back on track.”
The Power of Stripping Away
Rather than focusing on adding new habits, tools, or strategies to your plate, Mayo recommends stripping away the internal barriers that hold you back. This means identifying and addressing:
- Limiting beliefs.
- Perfectionism.
- Fear of failure or rejection.
- The constant attachment to outcomes.
When you let go of these mental and emotional blocks, productivity becomes a natural byproduct of your newfound clarity and freedom.
Practical Tips for the Sleep-Deprived
For those struggling with exhaustion (hello, parents of young children!), Mayo offers a reminder to focus on fundamentals:
- Prioritize your health: Stick to consistent workouts and a healthy diet, even when life feels chaotic.
- Meditate: Use short, mindful moments to clear your head and reset your energy.
- Create rituals: Even small routines can anchor you and boost your resilience.
Mayo reflected on his own experience of losing discipline during lockdowns:
“The decisions you make today have a delayed impact. It’s easy to fall for short-term pleasure, but maintaining discipline creates a chain reaction across all areas of your life.”
Finding Flow in the Everyday
For anyone looking to achieve more while enjoying the process, Mayo emphasizes the importance of finding flow—that state of being fully immersed and engaged in what you’re doing. Here’s how you can get there:
- Loosen your grip on outcomes: Focus on the work itself, not just the results.
- Reflect on your “why”: Why are you pushing so hard? Is it driven by joy or by fear?
- Let go of resistance: The less pressure you put on yourself, the easier it becomes to do what’s needed.
It’s Okay to Not Be Productive
In one of his recent newsletters, Mayo shared a deeply personal message: “It’s okay to not be productive.” He admitted to falling off track this year and struggling to maintain the standards he set for himself.
This vulnerability is a reminder that we’re all human. Productivity isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, doing your best, and being kind to yourself in the process.
About Mayo Oshin
Mayo Oshin writes about proven science and the habits of highly successful people for stress-free productivity and improved mental performance. He is a trusted source on strong work ethics, killing procrastination and time management. To get these strategies to stop procrastinating, get more things by doing less and improve your focus, you can join his free weekly newsletter or read more of his work at MayoOshin.Com.
His work has been published in Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Quartz, Thrive Global and more.
Oshin’s book, “The Final Push: A Short Inspirational Step By Step Guide On How To Get First Class Marks”, was published in 2016, It is to help students prepare for their exams as well as stay motivated and consistent throughout the year.
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About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
