This is the tendency to have “intrusive thoughts” about a task that we once started but didn’t finish. It is in our human nature to finish off things that we start and we often hate having to leave a project unfinished. Some people are very good at maintaining a detachment between their work and their outside life. For others (especially those indoctrinated in ‘life hacks’ and productivity tips), the guilt to be constantly doing something can be a real energy sucker.

The Zeigarnik effect

Busy-ness (or business) is a state of doing what you are told to do, having tasks piled on top of you and running around frantically trying to balance them all. Productivity; however, is a state of doing what we truly need to do to reach our goals. Cutting down the unnecessary and focusing on the essential is going to be a quick way to boost your real productivity.

Busy” vs. Productive

Before comparing yourself to that guy over there, realize what he’s sacrificing.If you’re feeling guilty about your lack of “productivity”, then you’re not going to be truly productive at all.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Creativity is not something we “do”.  We cannot force ourselves or grind out a completely new creative idea for a blog post or essay.Relaxing and doing nothing can actually be a vital part of the creative process. It is all about balance.<h2></h2>

You Can’t Force Creativity

Productivity guilt is a mindset of feeling bad about not creating, achieving or working hard.

Productivity guilt

Step back and evaluate the day-to-day tasks which are the most important to you.  <ul><li>If you’re feeling guilty about putting off an unimportant task, then cut that task out or outsource it to someone else. </li><li>If you’re feeling guilty about putting off a really important task, then maybe you should do that task right now.</li></ul><div>Most importantly, don’t let your most important tasks become a chore.</div>

Solve productivity guilt

"Self Development" sites ( mine included) are constantly bombarding the internet with productivity advice. "Productivity" is a cultural trait that is now securely ingrained in our minds, mainly because we all have so much "stuff" to do in our everyday lives.

Productivity guilt

Similar ideas to Productivity guilt

Productivity guilt

Guilt and Shame Defined

Guilt is an informative emotion