Productivity+ Glossary

Situational anxiety commonly refers to a temporary and specific form of anxiety that can get triggered in response to a particular situation or event. It is characterized by feelings of fear, nervousness, and discomfort that occur in anticipation or during the situation itself. Situational anxiety is typically related to specific triggers, such as public speaking, performance evaluations, or social gatherings, and the intensity of anxiety can vary from mild to severe depending on the individual.

Authentic relating refers to a way of connecting with other people that prioritizes genuine relationships, honest communication, and a deep understanding of emotions and experiences. It encourages individuals to cultivate empathy and compassion and to create a safe space for vulnerability and authentic expression.

Conscious consumerism refers to the practice of making purchasing decisions based on ethical, environmental, and social considerations. It involves being aware of the impact of our choices as consumers and actively supporting companies that align with our values. This includes choosing eco-friendly products, supporting fair trade and workers' rights, and avoiding companies involved in harmful practices.

The time management matrix is a tool for categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance to optimize productivity and prioritize effectively. This method was popularized by former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, for this reason, it is also known as the Eisenhower Matrix.

Bullet journaling is a method of personal organization that involves using a blank notebook to create a customized system for tracking tasks, events, and notes. It utilizes a simple bullet point system and allows for flexibility, creativity, and organization in managing various aspects of one's life.

Scarcity mindset refers to a psychological perspective or belief system characterized by a perception of limited resources and opportunities. Individuals with a scarcity mindset tend to believe that there is never enough of what they need, whether it be money, time, love, or success. This mindset often leads to feelings of fear, anxiety, and a constant focus on lacking or insufficient resources.

Abundance mindset refers to a psychological perspective characterized by a perception of limitless possibilities, and resources. Individuals with an abundance mindset believe that there is an abundance of wealth, success, love, and opportunities available to them and others.

Radical acceptance refers to fully and completely accepting reality as it is, without judgment or resistance. It involves acknowledging and embracing the present moment, even if it is difficult, painful, or not how we desire it to be.

The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure an individual's level of mindfulness or present-moment awareness. The MAAS consists of 15 items that capture the individual's ability to stay focused on the present and avoid being distracted by thoughts of the past or future.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow, which describes the progression of human needs and motivations. The hierarchy is typically depicted as a pyramid with five levels, representing different categories of needs. According to Maslow, individuals are motivated to fulfill these needs in a sequential manner, starting from the most basic and progressing to higher-level needs.

Productivity index refers to a measure used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a system or process in generating output relative to the inputs used. It provides insights into the overall performance and efficiency of a system, helping to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions. It is commonly used in various fields and industries to evaluate and compare the productivity levels of individuals, teams, departments, organizations, or even entire economies.

A visual representation of emotions developed by psychologist Robert Plutchik. The wheel illustrates various primary and secondary emotions arranged in a circular diagram.

The accumulation of unnecessary or disorganized digital files, data, and information that can cause confusion, inefficiency, and a sense of overwhelm in digital environments such as computers, smartphones, and online storage systems.

A list of tasks, activities, or behaviors that a person intentionally chooses not to engage in or prioritize. A not-to-do list is a tool for personal or professional productivity and time management, helping individuals identify and eliminate non-essential or low-value activities that can hinder their focus, productivity, or well-being.

The act or practice of taking responsibility for one's own emotions, thoughts, and reactions, as well as the impact they may have on oneself and others. Emotional accountability involves acknowledging and owning one's emotions, expressing them in a healthy and constructive manner, and recognizing the role one plays in their own emotional well-being and relationships.

The drive to be productive all the time—not just at work, but in every area of life. Signs of toxic productivity include feeling guilty for taking breaks and prioritizing your to-do list over your health and relationships.

The process or practice of organizing time effectively and efficiently to accomplish tasks, goals, and responsibilities. Time management involves prioritizing activities, setting goals, planning schedules, and making conscious decisions about how to allocate time for different tasks and activities.

A personality-typing model based on nine distinct archetypes. Enneagrams provide insights into individuals' core motivations, fears, desires, and patterns of behavior. The term "enneagrams" is used in its plural form because it represents multiple instances or instances of different enneagram types.

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as to perceive and empathize with the emotions of others. It involves being aware of and effectively handling emotions in oneself and in interpersonal interactions.

The practice of reducing or eliminating activities that stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward in the brain.

A digital detox is the process of deliberately refraining from using digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media platforms for a certain period of time. This practice aims to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and encourage real-life interactions and activities, helping individuals break free from the constant connectivity and information overload of the digital world.

Originating in the digital productivity and self-improvement community, "monk mode" refers to a state of extreme focus, discipline, and minimal external distractions. The term draws inspiration from the lifestyle and dedication of monks who live a simple and regimented existence to pursue their spiritual or intellectual goals.

An individual who uses digital technology and the internet to work remotely while constantly traveling and living in different locations.

A philosophy or approach that advocates for intentional use of digital technology, focusing on reducing digital distractions and maximizing the benefits of technology in one's life.

The practice of linking new habits to existing ones, routing new information through existing neural pathways in the brain, in order to manifest behavioral change.

Stress can be defined as a physiological, psychological, and behavioral reaction to pressure. 

Also known as positive stress, eusstress is any kind of stress that has positive connotations, like the activity that comes with getting married, scoring a promotion, having a baby, making new friends, graduating, etc. 

A working model that work combines remote and in-office work. Hybrid work involves working remotely on some days and on-location on others. Some employers offer hybrid work schedules as an option to attract workers who value flexibility.

The practice of grouping similar tasks together and assigning them a specific time slot in your day in order to reduce the cognitive effort of switching between different types of tasks.

A time management method that improves focus and regulates your working rhythm. To practice this technique, plan your day in 30 minute intervals that alternate 25-minute stretches of focused work with five-minute breaks. After two hours like this (or four work intervals), take a 15-30 minute break.

The ability to recognize and attend to the feelings and sensations that arise in response to the world around us. It is the foundation of emotional intelligence, as it is difficult to regulate or manage your feelings without first being aware of them.

Simple phrases crafted to promote positive thinking, resilience, and personal development. They are designed to counteract self-doubt and limiting beliefs by mindfully re-focusing attention on statements that affirm self-empowering truths. Common ways to invoke positive affirmations are in daily journalling prompts, mantra meditation, the spoken word, and through visual art.

A communications theory proposed by Walter Fisher in 1984 that posits all meaningful communication occurs through storytelling. The Narrative Paradigm proposes that compelling storytelling is supported by 1) coherence, or the degree that the story makes sense to the listener, and 2) fidelity, the credibility or reliability of the story to a listener.

A response within a system (molecule, cell, organism, or population) that influences the continued activity or productivity of that system. In essence, it is the control of a biological reaction by the end products of that reaction, wherein part of the output is fed back as new input to modify and improve the subsequent output of a system.

The tendency to overestimate the duration or intensity of future emotional experience. For example, when a person is sick they cannot imagine they will ever feel better.

The excessive focus on a desired outcome that can become so engaging for some individuals that they participate in unethical and selfish behavior simply to obtain what they want.

The most severe stage of burnout, characterized by chronic emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It leads to a persistent state of depletion and detachment from work and life, with severe symptoms like depression and chronic fatigue.

The cognitive and emotional burden of coordinating tasks, responsibilities, and decisions within a social context that often falls on women and caregivers.