Is it productivity dysmorphia or imposter syndrome? Know the difference.

In This Week’s Email

• What’s on our mind: Is it productivity dysmorphia or imposter syndrome?
• Layoffs to Lemonade Part 3 of 4
• The latest episode of Techish
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Today we’re discussing ‘productivity dysmorphia’, a phrase coined by author Anna Codrea-Rado describing one's inability to see their own success.

It’s the urge that pushes you to overdeliver (sometimes to your detriment) to prove to others, but usually to ourselves, that we’re worthy of the rate we’re being paid or the opportunity we’re given. Nothing ever feels quite enough – which of course can lead to burnout.

Kinda sounds like imposter syndrome right? Sure, they are similar but when addressing them head-on, there are some differences to look out for.

With ‘imposter syndrome’, the overriding feeling is that you’re going to be caught out, exposed, or that you are under qualified.

Those with ‘productivity dysmorphia’ may feel confident in their sense of self and ability to put work out into the world, yet never feeling like their accomplishments are enough, and that more must be done to be successful. Codrea-Rado describes it as:

“Productivity dysmorphia sits at the intersection of burnout, imposter syndrome and anxiety. It is ambition’s alter ego: the pursuit of productivity spurs us to do more while robbing us of the ability to savor any success we might encounter along the way”.

She put the question out to Twitter and found that many people suffered, albeit predominately women.

One interviewee said:

“Perhaps I feel less productive than I am because, as a woman in the workplace, I’ve absorbed the messages – implicit and explicit – that I’m not working hard enough.

‘Productivity dysmorphia’ is simultaneously a symptom of modern work’s afflictions but also the cause of them. And so fixing it is less about ridding ourselves of these feelings and more about looking at what they tell us.

Being able to put a title like ‘productivity dysmorphia’ or ‘imposter syndrome’ to a previously unknown feeling gives an individual a sense of calm as it allows the person to feel more understood and able to communicate better when the feeling rears its ugly head. Plus, it’s a helpful reminder that you are not alone with your thoughts, and others experience the same challenges as you.

Tips for overcoming productivity dysmorphia and imposter syndrome

1. Make an active effort to separate feelings from fact.

If you have done something worth a positive affirmation, don’t let that be overridden by a negative thought. Try and sit in that positive space.

2. See failure as a learning, not a deterrent.

Did you know it took the Squid Game director and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk ten years to get the series made due to studios saying the concept was too far-fetched? The hit Netflix series is now reportedly worth $900 million.

3. Celebrate those wins!

It’s not narcissistic or big-headed to compliment yourself or identify when you’ve done well. Create a folder of positive feedback. Someone sends a nice message on Slack? Copy it into a doc a save it. A complimentary email? Screenshot it and pop it in the folder. Then revisit the folder whenever you sense that feeling.

Layoffs to Lemonade: Part 3 of 4

If you’ve been laid off, know that we’ve got your back!

In our education series #layoffstolemonade we offer practical advice to help you plot the next steps in your career positively and sustainably.

In part 3 we teach you how to network authentically to attract the opportunities aligned with your career goals. Watch now on our YouTube.

Tuesdays are for #Techish, listen to the latest episode

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