5 hidden dangers of our urge to be productive

Our society often equates worth with output, but true fulfillment comes from a more balanced approach. By recognizing the hidden dangers of our productivity obsession, we can begin to redefine success on our own terms.

There are various reasons that explain our desire to be productive and—aside from wanting to make a difference, contribute and make a living—those reasons get in the way of our health and happiness.

We’re taught to be productive

For most of us the need to be productive is so ingrained in our upbringing and culture, it’s no wonder we struggle to take time off.

There are so many sayings that urge us to keep at it that it would probably take a page to list them all. But I think this one sums it up nicely:

“Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today.”

When you take that to heart, you literally need to keep going. Don’t get me wrong, I understand where this is coming from and procrastination serves no one. But for the majority of people—though they may be procrastinating in specific areas—doing too much is the real issue.

Many people feel like they can’t leave the office until they’ve finished their tasks. In today’s world that’s a problem because the majority of jobs is never ‘done’. And if you run your own business that problem becomes even worse because there’s always more to do, new ideas waiting to be executed.

I know that last one first-hand—I always have more ideas than time. It took me quite a few years to learn to relax while there were still a million things to do.

#1 Tying self-worth to productivity

When most of us tie our self-worth to our productivity, it becomes apparent why the need to stay productive is a real problem.

I never realized I measured a day (and myself) by how much I got done—until my partner at the time told me I did. During dinner I went on and on about the things I had accomplished that day until he said “So it must’ve been a good day if you got that much done.”

This conversation was many years ago when I apparently still felt the need to prove that I had done useful things while he was away. Even worse, I felt like I needed to show that I was valuable. He went on to explain that each day I listed my activities as if I had to report about them. Ouch.

That comment stopped me in my tracks and helped me see the unhealthy connection between my output and my self-worth.

Are you perhaps doing something similar?

#2 Productivity addiction

It doesn’t mean you can’t feel good about getting a lot done. In fact, our body is wired to feel good when we accomplish something. According to an article in Harvard Business Review, “Your brain releases dopamine when you achieve goals. And since dopamine improves attention, memory, and motivation, even achieving a small goal can result in a positive feedback loop that makes you more motivated to work harder going forward.”

That’s why it’s so satisfying to check things off your to-do list. But this feedback loop can be addictive.

In addition, stress can create a natural high because of the arousal that’s created by stress hormones, and the rush of energy that releases can be as addictive as drugs!

But being a workaholic might serve another purpose as well.

#3 Using work as numbing or avoidance

We are very smart creatures and we intuitively find a way to avoid what we cannot face or handle. If for whatever reason you’re not happy with yourself or your life, work can provide an escape. Because when you keep yourself busy and fill your days you do not have the time or the energy left to worry about what you are really doing in your life.

Other common ways to numb yourself are filling yourself with food, satisfying that hole inside with your drug of choice, or choosing to engage in meaningless sex, mindless shopping, or excessive gaming. If you numb yourself with your drug or habit of choice, you will not have to feel the pain you have inside you.

And that’s just another way of sticking your head in the sand and pretending you’re happy.

(I promise there’s good news at the end!)

#4 Missing out on life’s joy

Pushing your body beyond its limits again and again is damaging your health. That’s not a hidden danger but the full cost might not be obvious. Even if you’re still feeling well today, you’ll have to pay the price at some point. And health problems will impact the quality of your life.

Plus there’s so much more joy to be experienced! You not only deserve the time for rest and play—your body needs it!

Pushing through is not good for your health and relationships. It’s not a great example for your kids either, if you’re a parent or caretaker.

It reminds me of the five regrets of the dying. None of them say “I wish I’d worked harder. I wish I’d done more.” All of them say they wished they’d spent more time with their family and friends. They wished they’d enjoyed and cherished the days.

Don’t miss out on what’s most important in life because you’re too busy to notice.

#5 Diminishing returns

The irony is that if you want to be more productive you need to start doing less, not more! Pushing through does not mean you will get more done. You need breaks, you need time off, you need to recoup. Then you will be fresh, your mind and body will be reinvigorated, and as a result you will be more productive. With a guaranteed minimum of twenty days off in addition to an average of seven national holidays, the Netherlands is one of the countries with the most days off.

We are also one of the most productive countries. That is not a coincidence.

The Netherlands also ranks number 6 on the happiest countries. Just saying 😉

The first step to change

As with everything we want to change, it starts with awareness. My partner’s comment made me painfully aware that I was measuring my self-worth by how much I got done.

So I stopped giving him a boring rundown and focused on truly important updates instead. Of course that didn’t just fix my need to be productive. I’ve done quite a bit of inner work and have received help from coaches and mentors to shift that mindset.

So when we combine our ingrained need for productivity, the fact that achievements can be addictive and that many of us measure our self-worth based on output—it becomes clear that this is a multi-faceted problem.

Please don’t feel bad if staying productive or active has become a habit for you. Most of us are doing it. And you get to decide how you want to live your life from this moment forward.

The good news

You are now aware of the risks of wanting to stay productive and can start making changes as a result!

1. I recommend you start by taking an honest inventory of how much time you spend on work.

2. Once you know that number, ask yourself if this is how you want to spend the rest of your life or if you’re open to exploring a different balance.

3. See where you can uplevel your self-care and can start incorporating healthy habits to support your energy and well-being. This article is a great place to start.

Redefining success beyond productivity

Remember that your value isn’t measured by tasks completed or hours worked, but by the quality of your experiences and relationships. Small, intentional changes—like scheduling guilt-free rest periods, celebrating progress beyond productivity, and practicing self-compassion—can break the cycle of productivity addiction.

The journey toward a healthier relationship with productivity isn’t just about doing less—it’s about living more fully. When we release ourselves from the constant pressure to produce, we create space for creativity, connection, and joy. Those are the true markers of a life well-lived.

The next time you feel the urge to push through exhaustion or measure your day by your output, pause and ask yourself: “What would truly make today meaningful?” Your answer might surprise you—and lead you toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.

If you think you might be addicted to stress or numbing your pain, I recommend you ask for support from a coach, mentor or if needed a healthcare specialist.

I’ve worked with many coaches and mentors over the years to support my personal and professional growth. I believe in investing in myself so I can be my best self and enjoy life as much as possible. And yes, I do work quite a bit but I’ve learned the power of taking breaks and scheduling time off. That’s my wish for you too!

Have a day full of energy and inspiration!

Need support navigating your life? Iris van Ooyen is your guide to hope when life feels uncertain. In the moments when you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Iris offers clarity, support, and a path forward. She’s the author of Radiant: How to Have All the Energy You Need to Live a Life You Love. Contact Iris to help you navigate life’s pivotal crossroads with confidence and purpose.

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Image courtesy Leszek Stępień