How to break free from your “toxic productivity” cycle
By any definition, Israa Nasir is a model of productivity. Born in Pakistan, she immigrated to Toronto when she was 13. Her studious and curious nature eventually led her to Adelphi University, where she earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Then a few years ago, she really hit her stride. She was working in the growing field of digital health, enjoyed a bustling social life in New York City, and had finally started a passion project she aimed to turn into a business.
That was the 100,000-foot view, at least. A closer examination of life on the ground would show that those years of absolutely crushing it were actually crushing her.
Nasir skipped meals and sacrificed sleep to accommodate longer work hours. She would dart from one social obligation to another rather than appreciate the time with friends and family. She said “yes” to every incoming request regardless of her other commitments. Despite it all, she felt chronically behind.
As she confesses in the opening of her new book, Toxic Productivity, she had reached a point where she needed “to do more to feel more” in every aspect of her life. As she told Big Think, “I thought, ‘This is just the price you pay for ambition. This is what happens if you want to be driven.’ But the biggest red flag was the emotional disconnection.”
