Summary

The article discusses the pitfalls of hustle culture, emphasizing the importance of setting quality goals and managing time effectively for true productivity.

Abstract

The author reflects on the struggle of balancing work and relaxation in the era of hustle culture, where the pressure to constantly work is fueled by social media. Recognizing the historical shift from long working hours to a more balanced lifestyle, the author highlights the unhealthy obsession with appearing productive, often at the expense of actual productivity and well-being. The article critiques the "hustle-culture-principle," which involves maximum effort for potentially unworthy goals, and suggests that true productivity lies in setting meaningful objectives and managing time wisely, rather than in the quantity of work done or the time spent working. The author advocates for qualitative goals, minimizing distractions, and adopting regular schedules and work techniques like the Pomodoro method to enhance both productivity and mental health.

Opinions

The author believes that the current perception of productivity is flawed, often prioritizing quantity over quality and appearance over substance.
Posting about work on social media is seen as irrational and primarily driven by the desire to appear productive rather than genuine productivity.
The author regrets setting a goal of writing one article per day, realizing that the focus should have been on the impact and reach of the content rather than the number of articles.
The article suggests that maximum effort does not necessarily equate to maximum productivity, and that better time management can lead to both increased productivity and more relaxation time.
The author criticizes the societal pressure to work constantly, emphasizing that permanent work is not healthy and that rest and relaxation are crucial for productivity.
The article encourages readers to avoid getting caught up in "productivity pornography" on social media and instead focus on achieving qualitative goals through efficient time use.

Mental Health

Stop Feeling Guilty for Trying To Relax

Here is what to fix instead

For many centuries it was normal to work 12 hours a day, even on a Saturday.

Technical & social progress has changed that forever. All because people today sit at their laptop on a Sunday and “hustle.”

Last night I had a battle. Primarily self-employed & people with a side-hustle know such a struggle. I still wanted to work, but somehow not. It was late, and I did a lot — but the ideals of hustle culture kept me awake.

Instagram stories of people posting they were still working pushed me — not in a positive sense. Not in an “I can do this,” but in an “I have to do this” mindset. I lost the battle. My health may have won it.

Around 9 PM, I decided just to read a book and go to sleep. I had a hard time with the decision — I don’t have to explain that working all the time is unhealthy. But I also realized something more important: The way we are productive is a bottomless pit.

“Hustling” is pure ideology.

I don’t think that people are more materialistic today. Sure, some people like expensive cars, watches, and clothes. But, if it’s not about that, what drives so many to work hard?

Posting on Instagram that you’re working is obviously irrational (and a bit cringe-worthy). It costs time, probably doesn’t bring you anything, and no one cares. I suspect many people are only interested in appearing productive.

“Is your productivity really an end?” — that’s the question I’m increasingly asking myself. Productivity should achieve a specific goal. There are two principles everyone should know.

The minimum-principle tries to achieve a goal with as little effort as possible.

The maximum-principle tries to achieve the highest possible goal with the maximum effort.

Both principles have their justification. But what I often see is that both get mixed up.

I call it the hustle-culture-principle: Trying to achieve a goal with maximum effort.

Indeed, this sounds irrational. Both sides of the idea are problematic; let’s start with the goal.

Your goal is already the problem.

In January, I set a goal for myself: Write at least one story every day of the month.

It was hard work (mainly because I’m studying on the side), but I did it — to my surprise.

Looking back, I regret what I set as my goal.

Writing 31 articles is not that difficult — what matters is what you define as an article. I wrote 31 articles during that time, but mostly concise ones.

Instead of striving for reach or other real successes, I was only concerned with a fancy number. “I wrote one story a day” — feels very good to say. But please don’t ask me how successful the content was (PS: it wasn’t).

I think you get what I mean: I set myself a lousy goal. In truth, I was only aiming for productivity-pornography.

It’s all about making you feel good.

Now to the maximum effort from the principle.

A maximum effort can be the entire time of the day. Honestly, it feels pretty good to work all day — but it doesn’t mean it’s productive or healthy.

The problem with this part of the hustle-culture principle is this: Who decides what the maximum effort is?

In the morning, I catch myself staying in bed for a long time. Of course, that takes time — time I can not use to work.

If I’ve worked all day afterward, I may feel good, but I wasn’t that productive. I miss half an hour of the morning. If I use my time better, I can achieve the same — but still relax afterward.

Here’s what you should do instead.

Don’t be fooled by all the productivity pornography on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Productivity doesn’t have to come from spending a lot of time.

Permanently just working is not healthy. I don’t have to explain that.

What’s healthy, liberating, and productive is being better with your time. Here’s how to do it.

Don’t forget to rest. Relaxation can boost your productivity.
Choose qualitative goals. Instead of writing 31 articles, rather how many people you want to reach.
Minimize distractions, like the time you spend on social media.
Block websites like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit during your work hours — you don’t need them.
Stop bragging about your productivity. That’s not the point.
Have a regular schedule. For example, when you get up and go to bed.
Set a time for working. You can use the Pomodoro technique, for example.