My first thought in writing this post was... 'Should I write about how to decrease impacts of hustle culture while I am also very much impacted by it?' I questioned myself because it feels almost imposter-ish to relay this message while I myself am continually processing and trying to dismantle the systems that make me 'feel less' than for not doing 'enough'.
But guess what? We are ALL impacted and so I will not gatekeep what DOES have positive impacts in subduing the impacts of capitalism and toxic hustle culture. Just keep in mind that I am also very much in the trenches of this anxiety as you read along. Take what resonates and leave the rest. This journey is messy, and I'm navigating it with you.
In a world that often glorifies busyness, fueled by the relentless demands of capitalism, the anxiety of 'not doing enough' can be an overwhelming challenge. Today we get to explore how we can find insights and actionable steps to decrease this pervasive anxiety.
The pressure to constantly be 'doing more' is exacerbated by societal expectations, often driven by the relentless pursuit of productivity glorified by capitalist ideals. Understanding and unpacking the roots of 'not doing enough' anxiety within the context of a busy culture is the first step towards breaking free. This is beyond the scope of this post but, stay tuned because more thoughts are coming for you soon!
Incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily lives becomes a powerful antidote to the culture of busyness. Mindfulness, softness, and stillness allows us to bring a heightened awareness to our actions, helping us find satisfaction in the present moment amidst the hustle and bustle. Simple yet impactful exercises, such as mindful breathing and body scans, can be woven into daily routines.
Through value clarification and commitment, we get to clarify our values and priorities, which offers a counter-narrative to the productivity-driven ethos of capitalism. By identifying our core values, we can shift the focus from 'doing more' to 'doing what matters'. This realignment not only reduces anxiety about productivity but also allows us to lead a more purpose and pleasure-driven life, counteracting the effects of a relentless capitalist mindset.
Perfectionism, often fueled by capitalist ideals, contributes significantly to the anxiety of 'not doing enough.' Emphasizing the acceptance of imperfections as a crucial step toward well-being. This approach encourages us to embrace our flaws (or so called flaws) and acknowledge that we are enough, just as we are. This becomes a radical act of self-compassion in a society that often ties worth to productivity.
The point is that as we shift from the relentless pursuit of productivity, exacerbated by capitalist ideals, to aligning actions with values, we begin to break free the cycle of 'not doing enough'. This is a transformative process—one that challenges the narratives of a busy culture and fosters inner peace and a sense of fulfillment. By integrating mindfulness, clarifying values, and accepting imperfections, we pave the way for a more meaningful and joyous life!
Folks, I see you trying to navigate self-acceptance and value driven commitments and I KNOW how challenging it is to do within the structures we are surrounded by.
I can't speak for everyone, personally, I'm not a fan of pursuing a lifestyle centered around competitive overworking—a ceaseless human rat race chasing an elusive and ambiguous notion of capitalist success.
If that resonates with you, allow me to show you ways in which you can continue exploring options to live a more joyous and value driven life!
I'll leave you with a gentle reminder: We were never meant to do this work in isolation!
Jansu Edis (she/her) 🌻, Jansu Psychotherapy 🌻