Instead of seeing payroll as a cost center, companies can boost their bottom line by seeing it as an investment in their employees, which can lead to better recruitment, retention and productivity, writes John Driscoll, former CEO of CareCentrix. "If employees have to worry about paying their bills every month, it's hard to imagine they are not unduly distracted and stressed at work," Driscoll writes.

Put it into practice: Replacing employees who leave is expensive, Driscoll notes, with research showing 62% would stay on if they got a raise or a promotion. "For companies struggling with productivity and high turnover rates, the solution to their problems is clear -- pay their lower-wage employees more."

Success stories often overlook the journey from beginner to expert, but the key difference between those who succeed and those who don't is a growth mindset, Naphtali Hoff writes. "If you look at anyone who has reached the top of their field, you'll find countless hours of practice, persistence through failure and a willingness to learn from mistakes," Hoff notes.

Put it into practice: The time to start developing a growth mindset is today, Hoff writes, recommending that you embrace challenges and practice your skills. "You'll be amazed at how much you can achieve when you let go of self-imposed limitations and recognize that growth is always possible."

Using practical follow-up questions can keep a conversation going, writes communication expert Amber Johnson, who recommends using phrases such as "Tell me more," repeating back a few of the last words they said and asking questions based on body language cues and the tone of the conversation. "I keep these ideas in my back pocket to help me deepen a conversation, increase my understanding, and get to the heart of a topic," Johnson writes.

Put it into practice: Active listening can help you pick up on things that someone else isn't saying, and if a disagreement arises, Johnson advises you to ask questions that seek to understand instead of challenge your conversation partner. "Having a great conversation means giving your full attention."

Toxic productivity often hides in daily habits like working through lunch or constantly checking emails, writes Israa Nasir, the founder of WellGuide, who notes that these behaviors can create a lifestyle focused on doing rather than being, leading to exhaustion. Transforming these habits involves scheduling genuine breaks and balancing productivity with relationship well-being, turning productivity into a growth process driven by self-care, Nasir writes.

Could you imagine a holiday without "A Charlie Brown Christmas"? When the special was first proposed, CBS executives were skeptical about its potential success because they saw it as too slow and serious, with its focus on a depressed child and lack of a laugh track. A last-minute call from a sponsor sent developers into hyper-drive, giving them only a few months to shape what ultimately became a timeless classic.

You know you're suffering from toxic productivity when you feel guilty for relaxing, you check your email during vacation or personal time, you skip meals, exercise or sleep to keep working and you prioritize your work over personal relationships.

As Israa Nasir writes, battling toxic productivity means bringing awareness to your work. "By recognizing when productivity stops serving you and starts consuming you, you can shift to a healthier, more intentional way of working -- one that enhances your life rather than depletes it."

Our culture celebrates busyness, but Nasir notes that 80% of our results are driven by only 20% of our daily tasks, meaning much of what we do is just keeping us busy but not actually productive. "Working smarter-not-harder means giving yourself permission to focus on what really matters rather than just filling time," Nasir writes.

It's best to review your goals and workload periodically to ensure they're realistic and aligned with what you're trying to accomplish. Also, focusing on quality work over the quantity of tasks you're doing can help cut back on toxic productivity, as can learning to delegate and taking time away from work.

Productivity should enhance your life, not dominate it. Strive for balance by aligning your actions with your values and well-being.

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