If you’re ambitious, driven, and still feel like you’re constantly behind, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Clock In, I’m joined by Israa Nassir, trained-therapist, writer, and mental health advocate, to break down toxic productivity — why high achievers are especially prone to it, and how ambition can quietly turn into anxiety, burnout, and chronic self-pressure.

We unpack:

Why productivity culture makes even successful people feel like they’re failing
How ambition gets tied to self-worth and identity
Why rest feels uncomfortable (or even unsafe) for high performers
How “doing more” becomes a coping mechanism, not a strategy
What a healthier relationship with work actually looks like

If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down, anxious when you’re not being productive, or like no amount of success ever feels like enough — this conversation will help you understand why you feel this way, and how to start breaking the cycle.

About the guest:
Israa Nassir is a trained-therapist, speaker, and the author of Toxic Productivity. Her work focuses on burnout, emotional resilience, and unlearning hustle culture. You can learn more about her work at israanasir.com and pick up her book here: https://www.israanasir.com/toxic-productivity

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Why You’re Always Feeling Behind: The Psychology of Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir

Clock In with Emily Durham

Why You’re Always Feeling Behind: The Psychology of Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir