Struggling To Get Things Done? Productivity Paralysis Could Be The Culprit
Life coach Lai Han Sam of Life Work Global shares how to cope with the phenomenon that might be holding you back at work
Feeling overwhelmed with your workload? Yet, as more tasks are scratched onto your to-do list, you’re unable to get started on any of them.
If this situation sounds familiar, it might be productivity paralysis, an unconscious response triggered by feelings of stress and overwhelm, which causes an inability to get work done.
To better understand what productivity paralysis is, we spoke to certified life coach Lai Han Sam of Life Work Global.
She also shares with us the difference between burn out and productivity paralysis, and how to overcome the condition to get more work done effectively.
This state of inaction might be productivity paralysis, otherwise known as analysis paralysis. This refers to a situation where one is overtly stressed or emotionally overwhelmed by the number of tasks and options, leading to a lack of productivity and progress. It is often caused by perfectionism, fear of failure, and an inability to prioritise tasks effectively.
Productivity paralysis can result in a person spending too much time analysing their options and trying to make the perfect decision, rather than taking action and making progress towards their goals. This can lead to a decrease in motivation and ultimately result in missed opportunities, failure to achieve desired outcomes or accumulated work that, in turn, results in more overwhelm.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. It can lead to feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness, which can negatively impact productivity. So while productivity paralysis can be a symptom of burnout, it is not the same thing.
Productivity paralysis and burnout can be interrelated even though they may have different causes and symptoms. For example, if someone is experiencing burnout, they may be more likely to experience productivity paralysis as they are overwhelmed or lack motivation. On the other hand, productivity paralysis can lead to increased stress and pressure, which can contribute to burnout over time.
To deal with productivity paralysis, it is important to set clear goals and priorities, break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and focus on taking action rather than striving for perfection.
It can also be helpful to seek feedback and support from coworkers, friends, and family. Developing a mindset of experimentation is also an actionable way to help perhaps prevent and deal with productivity paralysis.
• Set clear goals and priorities: Identify what is most important and/or urgent and prioritise tasks accordingly. Plan your workday or week in advance and create a schedule to help you stay on track. Use tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
• Work smart: Try to increase your functionality and improve your workflow by automating repetitive tasks if you can. Using automation tools to handle mundane tasks can help free up your time for more important tasks. Or, try to delegate them to others where possible, so that you can focus on the work that matters most.
• Minimise distractions: Eliminate or minimise distractions such as social media, emails, and unnecessary meetings. Use tools such as noise-cancelling headphones or time-blocking techniques to help you stay focused.
• Prioritise self-care: Prioritising self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising, can help improve focus and energy levels, which can lead to increased productivity. Seek out opportunities to learn and improve your skills and knowledge, thus increasing productivity by improving efficiency and effectiveness in tasks.
Text: Cheryl Lai-Lim/HerWorld