Learning to Let Go of the Need to “Be Productive” All the Time

For most of my life, I measured my worth by what I could accomplish. The tasks I checked off, the roles I fulfilled, the way I could hold everything together. Productivity made me feel useful. Valuable. Safe. Like I was earning my place in the world.

But somewhere along the way, I began to notice that the constant need to be productive wasn’t life-giving—it was exhausting. I wasn’t thriving. I was just surviving, always chasing the next thing, never feeling like I’d done enough.

Even when I had time to rest, I didn’t know how to take it. I’d sit down with a cup of tea and immediately think of ten other things I “should” be doing. Even something as simple as reading a book became a task to complete. I couldn’t just be—I had to be producing.

And yet, I believe in a God who doesn’t measure us by our output. A God who rested. A God who sees us as beloved before we’ve done a single thing.

Letting go of that need to be productive all the time has been a slow, unlearning process. It hasn’t come easily. But it’s come in small, sacred moments:

• Choosing rest without guilt.

• Letting the dishes wait until morning.

• Saying no to the hustle and yes to a slower pace.

• Trusting that who I am is more important than what I do.

I’m still learning. But with each step, I’m finding more peace. More presence. More room for joy.

If you’re in this place too—if your inner voice only affirms you when you’re being “useful”—I want you to know: you are allowed to rest. You are allowed to be. You don’t have to prove your worth through productivity.

You already matter. Simply because you exist.