The art of being productive and perfect as a student has become more than just a way to get things done, for some, it has become a lifestyle; however, this “making every second count” mindset might be doing more harm than good.
Studies show that the more we accomplish, the better we feel about ourselves. According to a study shared in the Harvard Business Review, achieving goals prompts the brain to release happy hormones, or dopamine. This can create a positive feedback loop, where more productivity means more pleasure.
However, some students are only productive to be perfect in other’s eyes, with the feeling of achievement being something that constitutes a whole personality. According to Indiana University, 53 percent of teens feel pressure to be perfect and impressive throughout their achievements. This can come in many forms, including taking honors or Advanced Placement classes and getting good grades.
According to “TheStandard,” along with taking certain classes to feel “accepted,” students associate their worth with the grade on their paper, which can also be called academic validation. Academic validation is when your emotional values directly connect to your academic achievements, which is usually stemmed through discussing school and assignments with others. In other words, students believe that the grade that is in their gradebook defines their worth and intelligence, explaining why some are so productive.
“I am in all honors classes and have two Advanced Placement courses on my schedule,” sophomore Victoria Zelertiens said. “I get the feeling that if I don’t pass these exams or join certain things I won’t meet up to any standards.”
Along with perfectionism, toxic productivity often goes unnoticed. According to Newport Institute, toxic productivity is the drive to be productive all the time – in teens, it represents not just doing schoolwork but for every aspect of life. Our feelings of self-worth decrease, and some start to feel guilty for taking breaks, which is a main factor of toxic productivity.
“When focused on being productive all the time, your self esteem becomes lower and you are being controlled by this sense of perfection.” AP Psychology teacher Arturo Tenacio said. “At some point you feel like you aren’t good enough, introducing a down spiral in your overall health.”
To balance productivity and your overall well being, it is a good idea to take breaks and establish boundaries. Knowing when to be at your burning out point may not make you perfect, but it will increase your overall well being. Mistakes are how we learn and are a part of life.
“Taking breaks and cutting slack can benefit the student mind,” Tenacio said. “As Carl Rogers says, ‘The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.’”