What happens when being productive starts making you feel hollow inside?In this solo chatting episode, I share my recent experience of getting stuck in what cognitive scientist Yousaf Aslam calls "output mode" - when your brain becomes trapped in constant productivity gear, shutting down the networks that support self-awareness, introspection, and creativity.After receiving an email that ‘hit me straight between the eyes, I recognised that despite being busy and productive, I felt numb, disoriented, and ironically, had stopped doing the very practice I teach: journalling.Episode HighlightsWhat is output mode?The irony of stopping the very practice that keeps you groundedLooking out for the recognition signsSimple micro-practices to restore self-awareness and creativityHow personal transformation shifts awareness"The goal isn't to stop being productive - it's to create space for the integration and processing that makes productivity meaningful rather than numbing."I share prompts around how to spot if you’re in output modeand ways to shift your mindset and behaviour to rekindle self-awareness, creativity and reflection. Also, news about my next upcoming conversation with John Stephenson discussing his debut book, "The Making of a Hunter: A Service User's Guide to Transition from the Armed Forces", out on 25 October 2025.Free ResourcesFreeJournal PlannerFree ‘Pen to Empowerment’ webinar – multiple dates availablePodcast Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection01:24 Understanding Output Mode05:30 Recognising the Signs of Output Mode07:20 Reflective Practices to Combat Output Mode08:16 The Importance of Journalling09:03 Creating New Patterns Through Awareness_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Register for my free Pen to Empowerment webinarConnect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

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