Do You Place Your Self-Worth On Your Productivity?

 I do….well I did. I'm working on releasing that belief. But I see it all the time. We run around with over-packed schedules, over committing ourselves then stressing out from overwhelm.

Then that overwhelm seeps out as yelling at our kids, disconnecting from our husbands and the martyrdom mindset that follows as we push, push, push ourselves to meet all of our unnecessary commitments.

Why do we think we need to constantly be busy? Because we tend to value ourselves more when we are productive. Our society praises this and therefore many of us attach our worthiness to how many things we check off our to-do lists in a day.

I’ve been totally guilty of this. In fact, there were many years when I would stop at nothing to get shit done - even if it meant ignoring my kids. It felt like everyone was in my way. I just wanted them all to leave me alone and let me do what I needed to do. I was angry and resentful.  

What I discovered was that I was not making time for my own self-care. I almost never practiced self-care unless I was completely miserable. It's really sad. I think part of didn't  feel I was worthy of feeling good and taking time for myself. Which is total bullshit, right?! I mean I was pregnant or nursing for 6 years straight while I was homeschooling and running a business with my husband.  I certainly deserved to take time for myself but I wouldn't.  I honestly believed I didn't have time. At least that's the story I told myself.

The truth was, I wouldn't make the time for myself.  I felt guilty and undeserving. We all have our own story why, maybe you know yours, maybe not.  I just discovered mine earlier this year. I was carrying around the shame of the lost, young woman I used to be before I became a mother and transformed my life. But I let that old story go. 

Now, I know that I am happier and more fulfilled when I slow down and take time for myself. And the craziest thing is, when I slow down I actually get MORE done. 

How are you placing your self-worth on your productivity? And what is one step you can take to show yourself that you are worthy just because you are? Share with us in the comments below. 

With grace & ease, 
Cara

P.S. If you want to go deeper on this topic, HOM Collective is just the thing for you. This month you can join for 55% off. Learn more here.