In today’s world, many people view constant productivity as a virtue. Thousands of articles and videos focus on the merits of “hustle culture,” which prioritizes ambition and output over work-life balance. Internalized capitalism is the process of adopting these values.
Although some people are motivated by a focus on productivity, constant pressure can lead you to make your output your identity. This oversimplification can slowly erode your relationships and leave you at risk of burnout. Healing begins with understanding what internalized capitalism is, where it comes from and how to reframe your self-worth.
Defining Internalized Capitalism (and Where It Comes From)
Internalized capitalism isn’t a formal diagnosis. It’s the belief that your worth comes from your productivity. For people who struggle with this belief, it’s not enough to have healthy relationships or enjoyable hobbies. Internalized capitalism fuels the idea that you’re not worthwhile if you’re not doing something productive.
This concept didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Centuries of conditioning have managed to convince people that productivity is more important than rest. In the United States, leaders promote achievement, ambition and self-reliance above all else. Shows like Shark Tank and The Profit idealize the world of entrepreneurship.
Recent economic changes have only reinforced these beliefs. Thanks to rising costs, coupled with mass layoffs and market turmoil, many people are picking up second jobs. TV networks have been highlighting feel-good stories of Americans who replaced their low-paying jobs with successful businesses. The message is clear: If you want to survive this economy, you need to work harder.
When you’re exposed to these messages day in and day out, it’s easy to adopt a capitalistic mindset. Instead of enjoying beautiful sunsets and delicious meals, some people end up focusing on bank balances, investment gains and career achievements.
How Productivity Culture Impacts Mental Health
Productivity culture can affect your mental health in several ways. If you believe your worth is based on economic output, it’s easy to feel guilty or anxious every time you relax. This is known as productivity guilt.
For example, if you’re watching Netflix instead of writing a blog post, you might think, “I’m so lazy” or “I’m wasting my time.” Productivity guilt is often accompanied by negative self-talk. You might start to think you’re not good enough or you don’t deserve good things in your life.
Chronic stress is another potential consequence. Once you’re embroiled in hustle culture, it’s common to work long hours. You might ignore your hobbies or spend less time with loved ones. If you don’t take time for stress relief, you may experience:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Aches and pains
- Low energy
- Changes in appetite
- Emotional withdrawal
Stress has also been linked to substance use disorders. In stressful situations, some people cope by drinking alcohol or using drugs. Over time, these habits can cause serious mental and physical changes.
Signs You May Be Valuing Yourself Based on Output
Everyone responds differently to internal and external pressures. However, these are some common signs that a person is valuing themselves based solely on output.
- Feeling worthless during your downtime. You may be struggling with internalized capitalism if feelings of worthlessness set in every time you try to relax.
- Constantly overworking yourself. It’s great to have goals, but your body and mind need regular rest. You may be struggling with internalized capitalism if you’re always working long hours or pushing yourself to the point of burnout.
- Difficulty accepting criticism. When your worth is tied to your output, even minor criticism can feel like a personal attack. For example, if someone suggests removing a single detail from one of your reports, you may feel they’re questioning your knowledge or skills.
- Feeling a constant need to prove yourself. Due to internal pressure, you may often feel you have to impress other people with your achievements.
- Sacrificing your well-being. You may be struggling with internalized capitalism if you prioritize productivity over your own well-being. For instance, you might put your health at risk by working 15 hours in a single day.
- Inability to relax. Many people struggling with this belief find it difficult to relax. Even when you plan non-work activities, you may find yourself thinking about work.
- Focusing on goals to the exclusion of everything else. Internalized capitalism may make you so focused on your goals that everything else takes a back seat. You might even tell yourself you’ll finally be worthy after you hit your next target. When you reach your goal, however, there’s a good chance you’ll start focusing on the next one instead of taking a well-deserved break.
The Link to Burnout, Anxiety and Self-Criticism
Constant anxiety and self-criticism can push you toward burnout, a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. Burnout causes a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Anger
- Irritability
- Lack of enjoyment in daily activities
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep problems
Anxiety and burnout occur in a vicious cycle. You feel anxious, so you burn yourself out. That burnout then causes increased anxiety. Self-criticism doesn’t help, as it makes you believe you’re unworthy of rest and support.
Reframing Self-Worth Through Rest and Boundaries
Healing from internalized capitalism isn’t about abandoning your goals or quitting your job. It’s about reframing your self-worth. Setting boundaries and taking time to rest can help you get more joy out of life.
These practices can support your transformation:
- Identify your internalized beliefs. When you rest, do you feel guilty, anxious or something else? Your reaction tells you a lot about your internalized beliefs, making this a critical step for healing.
- Rebuild your identity. If you’ve been using your work as your identity, think about who you are outside of work. What do you value? Who do you admire? What hobbies do you enjoy?
- Practice compassionate self-talk. Instead of telling yourself you’re worthless every time you relax, try, “I work hard, so I deserve to take time off to rest and restore my energy.”
Healing From Overidentification With Work
If you’re struggling to break free from the demands of internalized capitalism, you don’t have to do it alone. We have a team of compassionate professionals available to help you reframe the beliefs that are keeping you trapped in a cycle of stress and self-judgment. Contact Restore Mental Health today to begin your healing journey. Remember, your productivity isn’t your worth.
