The Right Level of Intensity: Finding Your Personal Productivity Rhythm
- Lay Jordan
- Feb 26
- 7 min read
When I started 2026, the majority of my content was about effort. In February 2026, I experienced a bit of burnout, though at a much lower level than I have in the past, especially compared to the end of January 2024, which was still a strong burnout period for me. Last year (around this time), I began to self-sabotage after hitting my goal weight, and I was also struggling with intensity. This post was inspired by episode 66 of A Little Atypical, which explores how to upgrade your personal systems for sustainable success. Before continuing, I encourage you to listen to the episode:
Episode No. 66
Where to listen:
While the episode covers everything from building systems in survival mode to understanding your personality type (Thinker, Doer, or Connector), I want to focus on one concept that wasn't fully explored: finding your personal "right level of intensity" and what that means beyond productivity culture. The episode touches on the fine line between consistency and stagnation, and the difference between being too harsh on yourself versus being too lax. But here, I want to dive deeper into why our cultural obsession with intensity as the sole measure of effort is not only harmful. It's often rooted in dangerous stereotypes and systemic inequities that affect how we view ourselves and others.
The Dangerous Myth of "Work Ethic"
This Black History Month has been one of the worst with people constantly antagonizing Black Americans. One thing I want to address is the situation with KATSEYE. Manon, the visual of the group and the only Black member, was announced to be taking a hiatus for health reasons. But at the same time, Manon has posted that she is perfectly healthy. Now fans believe she is about to be pushed out of the group, especially because of comments one of the other member's fathers allegedly made. What I want to specifically bring up is the type of conversations happening around this controversy, namely Manon's work ethic. Her being stereotyped as lazy and not wanting things badly enough is inherently racist. Not to mention, for ALL people, it is a dangerous idea to push in society.
I often stray away from talking about work ethic because it is something that deeply saddens and frustrates me. I believe in putting in effort and doing the things you need to do, but I also believe it should never be at the expense of yourself and your health. When I started working, one of the things that really pushed my health issues was the schedule. It was affecting my health physically and mentally because how it was set up wasn't right for how I needed to work. There was a time difference, so I would work 9 am - 3 pm, and then I was supposed to work 6 pm - 8 pm, but every single time it was more like 8 pm -10 pm. For some that doesn't sound bad, but naturally I wake up between 4 am - 6 am, and it took me at least 2 hours to switch from job mode. I felt bad the whole time because I felt like I was trying my hardest and still not able to meet the demands.
I feel like work ethic should never be measured by how much a person does, but by how much they try. Maybe that is a controversial take, but sometimes people have constraints that others can't see, nor do they always want to discuss. Why should that make them lazy in society's eyes if they are trying? Why do people value intensity and consider only that to be hard work, instead of a person consistently working at a rate that sustains them?
Finding Your Personal Productivity Rhythm
The truth is, we all have different rhythms, different capacities, and different seasons of life. What works for one person may completely drain another. The key is not to match someone else's intensity, but to find the rhythm that works for you. This means finding a pace that allows you to show up consistently without burning out.
Finding your personal productivity rhythm isn't just about time management. It's about self-knowledge, boundary-setting, and rejecting the toxic narratives that equate busyness with worthiness. Here are some ways to find and maintain your personal productivity rhythm:
Know your natural energy patterns. Pay attention to when you feel most energized and focused during the day. Schedule your most important tasks during these windows. For some people, this is early morning; for others, it's late at night. There's no "correct" time to be productive, only what works for your body and mind.
Set boundaries that protect your well-being. Just because you can work late into the night doesn't mean you should. Protect your rest, your health, and your mental space. Boundaries aren't signs of weakness. They're acts of self-preservation that allow you to sustain your efforts over the long term.
Recognize that context matters. Your productivity rhythm may look different depending on your responsibilities, health status, caregiving duties, neurodivergence, or other life circumstances. What appears as "low output" to someone else might actually represent maximum effort given your unique constraints. Honor that.
Use intensity strategically. There will be times when you need to push harder: a deadline, a challenge, a sprint toward a goal. That's okay. The key is making sure these periods are temporary and followed by recovery. Intensity should be a tool you use intentionally, not a constant state of being.
Measure progress by effort, not output. Some days you'll accomplish less, and that's okay. What matters is that you showed up and tried. This is especially important for those dealing with chronic illness, mental health challenges, or systemic barriers that make "productivity" look different.
Question whose standards you're holding yourself to. Are you trying to match the rhythm of someone with completely different circumstances? Are you internalizing workplace cultures that prioritize presence over performance, or hustle over health? Sometimes the rhythm we think we "should" have isn't actually sustainable or appropriate for our lives.
Build in flexibility and grace. Your rhythm won't be perfect every day, and that's part of being human. Some weeks you'll have more capacity; others, you'll need to scale back. The ability to adjust without self-judgment is a skill worth cultivating.
Adjust as needed. Your rhythm will change over time. What worked last year might not work now. Be willing to reassess and adjust your approach as your life and circumstances evolve. This isn't failure. It's adaptation, and it's a sign of wisdom.
The Irony of Systems That Set You Free
I know it's a bit ironic that an episode about upgrading my to-do list and systems inspired this post about rejecting toxic productivity. But here's the thing: effective systems aren't about relentless intensity. They're about finding the sweet spot where structure pushes us forward without destroying our consistency or health. Systems should support us, not suffocate us.
Around the same time I was reflecting on how to upgrade my own systems for March review season (as I mentioned in my last post), I was also reading Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. In it, she discusses the courage it takes to be honest about needing help, and how people feel ashamed when they can't do things themselves or work in ways that others deem "hard enough." That resonated deeply with me. It solidified the questions I'd been wrestling with: How do we measure effort? How do we define productivity? And whose standards are we really holding ourselves to?
Finding the right level of intensity isn't about pushing yourself to the limit all the time. It's about understanding your own capacity, honoring your needs, and building a sustainable rhythm that allows you to pursue your goals without sacrificing your health and well-being. Society may glorify hustle culture and relentless intensity, but true productivity is about longevity. It's about showing up consistently, trying your best, and knowing when to rest.
Whether you're navigating burnout, challenging yourself in a new area, or simply trying to maintain consistency, remember: your worth is not measured by how much you produce.
It's measured by the effort you put in, the kindness you show yourself, and the rhythm you create that allows you to thrive, not just survive.
Episode 66 Description:
Ready to transform how you approach your goals and daily routines? In this comprehensive episode, we're breaking down the essential steps to upgrading your systems for sustainable success. Learn how to move beyond survival mode, implement effective planning strategies, and build routines that actually work for your unique lifestyle.
💫 Key Topics:
When routines stop serving your growth and evolution
Building sustainable habits during challenging life seasons (Survival Mode)
Productivity framework for self-discipline and accountability
Strategic planning: goal tracking , prioritization, and letting go
Time blocking techniques to overcome procrastination
New Moon manifestation and intuitive guidance
🎯 Perfect for anyone feeling stuck in their routines, struggling with accountability, or ready to build systems that support their goals without burning out. Whether you're starting fresh or refining what you already have, this episode provides practical insights and real talk about making change happen.
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Music by Remil - Evening Tea - https://thmatc.co/?l=DFECB5D4
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About the It Girl with an IQ
I'm Lay, a writer, podcast host, YouTuber, and lifestyle content creator exploring the intersection of beauty, wellness, and personal development with intellectual depth. Through A Little Atypical, I create content for deep feelers and unconventional thinkers who want substance beyond surface-level advice. I believe you don't have to choose between being glamorous and being thoughtful. Yo
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