Navigating Productivity Through Your Emotions

Emotions have a profound influence on our productivity. Not just fatigue or energy, but worry, fear, scarcity…these emotions directly affect what we do, or don’t do, to move ourselves forward toward our goals. Emotions are our constant companions, they all serve a purpose and have something to teach us, there is no “good” or “bad” emotion, but some serve us more than others.

Worry, an Unproductive Emotion

Worry is a draining force fixated on uncertain futures. It is the most unproductive of all emotions. It's like a leaky faucet sapping our vitality and energy and keeping us disconnected from the present and hyper focused on the future. Worry sends us into the dark well of worst-case scenario thinking. And the irony, is that since it’s all an imagined future anyway, why wouldn’t we choose to think through the best-case scenario? Well there’s a part of our brain that thinks we’re preparing ourselves so that we won’t be shocked if something bad happens. But all of that horrible future thinking convinces our brain that it’s already happened that way.

In a study by Nadine Dijkstra, a postdoctoral fellow at University College London, she states that,“The brain uses the same networks for reality and imagination.”

If you have a choice to think about the best or worst possible scenarios, why choose to cause yourself pain in your imaginary world?

Grief, the Most Productive Emotion

Grief, often misunderstood and feared, labeled the ‘worst’ of all emotions, is an active process of healing and growth. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we emerge stronger and more resilient with each wave of grief. You enter the dark, heavy hearted, and emerge lighter, more at peace, and more healed.

Confronting the Fear Factor

Fear stands alone as both a productive and unproductive emotion. It serves as both guardian and impediment, alerting us to danger or hindering our progress when left unchecked. By confronting our fears and exploring all potential outcomes, we empower ourselves to transcend our own perceived limitations. We can take back control and make decisions with confidence knowing that each decision leads us closer to our best-selves.

Finding Balance in the Chaos

Emotions add depth and richness to our experiences but finding balance amidst the chaos is key. It's about embracing discomfort and seizing the opportunities that lie before us.

Jaime Bancroft Gennaro is a business coach, a leadership coach and a consultant. She helps people realign with their talents and skills to have successful, fulfilling careers and businesses.

Book a discovery call with Jaime to talk through your career or business challenges and see if coaching is what you need to get to the next level.