Most people I know have a to-do list so long that it’s not clear that there’s an end to it. Some tasks, even quite important ones, linger unfinished for a long time, and it’s easy to start feeling guilty or ashamed about what you have not yet completed.
You’re Never Going to Be “Caught Up” at Work. Stop Feeling Guilty About It.
Many people have a to-do list so long that it’s not clear that there’s an end to it, and when important tasks linger unfinished, it’s easy to start feeling guilty or ashamed about what you have not yet completed. But are those useful emotions? The answer is: it depends. Shame is almost never a useful emotion. In fact, it likely hurts your productivity. Guilt, on the other hand, can motivate you to get something done, but only if you’re in a position to take action. You’re probably better off avoiding these emotions altogether, especially when you’re away from the office. How? Exercise self-compassion. Focus on what you have been able to achieve. And practice acceptance. Failing to get some work completed does not make you a bad person. It just makes you a person.