15. Trying to Do More Instead of What Matters

You’re checking boxes, staying busy, and moving fast… but something still feels off. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin unpacks a common trap high performers fall into: doing more—but not doing what matters. We explore how productivity theater, the urgency effect, and avoidance disguised as action are keeping you stuck in motion without momentum. Erin breaks down the real reason burnout is so widespread (hint: it’s not laziness), the neuroscience behind why we chase small wins over deep work, and how hustle culture trains us to value busyness over purpose. If you’ve ever ended a week feeling exhausted but strangely unfulfilled—this episode is for you.  In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why our brains chase shallow tasks for quick dopamine hits How hustle culture rewires your sense of worth and productivity The four major costs of confusing motion with momentum A client case study that shows how “working smarter” actually works Four science-backed unlearning moves to help you shift from busy to purposeful How to recognize and break the false progress loop  Behavioral Science Highlights: Zeigarnik Effect – why unfinished tasks cause tension and small wins feel satisfying Urgency Effect – how time sensitivity hijacks our attention away from what matters Behavioral Activation – why small steps can kickstart motivation more effectively than “thinking about it”  Real-Life Examples: A course creator “working” for weeks without launching A corporate professional avoiding high-impact visibility work Michelle, a nonprofit leader, who transformed her calendar, her confidence, and her outcomes with one simple question: “What moves the mission?” Try These Unlearning Moves: Three Moves That Matter – Prioritize for impact, not output Shrink the First Step – Make big tasks feel small enough to begin Time-Box for Depth – Protect blocks of uninterrupted focus Schedule a “Do Not Work” Hour – Build white space for clarity and recharge Reflection Prompts: What task are you doing just to feel accomplished—but isn’t actually moving you forward? What are you avoiding that feels meaningful but emotionally risky? What would change if you chose depth over volume this week? 🚀 Join the Conversation! 🎯 Ready to ditch the shame and build a system that fits your brain? Take the free Work Style Quiz at Work Style Quiz and discover your style today. 💬 Share your results! Tag @erinmerideth @unlearningwork and use #UnlearningWork to connect with others building systems that support how they actually work. 🔗 Download the Unlearning Work App to take the quiz, access your results, and explore custom tools designed for each Work Style. 📲 Subscribe & Stay Connected 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for worksheets, behavior tools, and habit tracking🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others find this work📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for exclusive tools and behind-the-scenes insights📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn for weekly strategies grounded in leadership and behavioral science