Why Time and Pressure Are Bad for Productivity
By MK Emerson
The ticking clock, the looming deadline, the rush to finish—all these elements are thought to build productivity and efficiency, much like the Pomodoro Technique. However, this approach often leads to stress, burnout, and subpar results - even if breaks are scheduled in.
As an advocate of intuitive (flexibility) and structured planning (discipline), I firmly believe that relying on time pressure is not the most effective way to manage tasks. Here’s why:
1. Increased Stress and Anxiety
When you're constantly racing against the clock, your body's stress response is activated, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones can provide a temporary boost in focus and energy, chronic stress wreaks havoc on both your physical and mental health, as well as relationships. Eek, been there!
Much advice tells you to set a timer for everything you work on, including your breaks.
I’m not affiliated, but I do love the 5AM Club by Robin Sharma, though it contradicts what I’m writing here–I’ll explain more later. Setting a timer means you’re living by a clock and that doesn’t stimulate a natural way of being. It removes intuition completely and caters more to the mechanical side of to-do lists where you’re constantly exposed to “what’s next?” on loop.
2. Reduced Quality of Work
When you’re under time pressure, the primary focus is on completing the task quickly rather than doing it well. This often leads to mistakes, overlooked details, and a reduction in the quality of your work. Hasty work is rarely your best work.
By taking a more balanced and thoughtful approach, you allow yourself the time to produce higher-quality results that you can be proud of. This means you’ll have to have a little intuition in the mix and narrow down that To-Do list even more.
“Yeah, but what if you don’t work at home for yourself, MK?”
Hey, I work for myself because I spent years experiencing what I’m now trying to help you through, and even still I face the pressure of time. Working from home only means you multiply the number of “bosses” you have–your clients and customers.
If you work a 9-5 job then you do have to schedule your break time and clock back in to prevent getting written up. It’s okay to follow a clock in these situations. It’s a lot less stressful to do so than fight against what you cannot change. And stress reduction is the goal here.
However, when it comes to your work, my approach is to have the prioritization done ahead of time so you already know the tasks you need to work on and when.
Structure reigns intuition in this situation. There is no need for a timer because your order of stuff to get done is done. It’s easier to follow and execute without time pressure. What’s better? You actually do a job effectively and well.
3. Negative Impact on Well-Being
Constantly working under time pressure can take a toll on your overall well-being. We are not machines. It disrupts your work-life balance, leading to long hours and insufficient time for rest and personal activities. This imbalance can affect your relationships, physical health, and overall happiness.
Not to mention, being under that constant amount of stress can lead to skin issues. For me, my rosacea flares up due to an increase in heat in my body. My skin also gets dry. This is probably also due to either binging on foods to eat in a rush or skipping meals, including hydration. Time and pressure generally declines all beneficial habits (rituals, as I like to call them).
If you plan intuitively and follow a structure based on your intuition, you’ll not only feel accomplished, you’ll be accomplished. You will gain a sense of fulfillment and that alone is enough to lift your spirits and support your well-being, and good skin.
With time pressure, if another assignment drops on your desk, you’re bound to feel stress. And trust me when I say, another assignment WILL be thrown your way.
What would you do if a client calls you or if your boss asks you to see them? Are you going to pause your timer with the expectation to return to it when the interruption is over? This derails the plans you set for yourself and also increases your work time. That adds more stress.
With intuitive and structured planning, you have more flexibility to adapt to these circumstances and to assess if it’s an emergency. You will have the freedom to choose to handle it then or handle it later.
Why I love the 5AM Club book:
If anyone got the “time pressure” thing correct it is Robin Sharma who wrote The 5AM Club. He knows the importance of structure and energy, not so much time. Though you are guided to time your workflow (i.e. 90 minutes for your most important work including breaks with 60 minutes for other tasks) he includes how your energy levels and cortisol levels manage your effectiveness.
I have practiced The 5 AM Club for over 66 days and found it to be not only helpful, I was able to complete a project that was nagging me and it turned out better than I had expected. I highly encourage you to read this book. Again, I am not affiliated, just a big fan!
Time pressure might seem like a powerful motivator, but it often leads to negative consequences that outweigh its short-term benefits.
The method of using intuition and structure not only enhances your productivity but also supports your overall well-being, creativity, and happiness. Remember, the goal is not just to get things done but to do them well and enjoy the process along the way.
Want to learn how to use intuition and structure? Read this blog: How to Plan with Intuition.
Until then, be well my friends! And reach out on our contact page or leave a comment to share your story and questions. Others may relate.
Love, MK
This blog was written to inform readers of tips to manage distractions. It is not to be consider as professional advice, it is merely an opinion practiced by the author. Take what you want from it and grow, or toss it away and move forward. We’re here for fun!