Hey there, fellow human! Let’s talk about something we all deal with but nobody really wants to admit—mental health. You know, that thing we used to ignore, sweep under the rug, or try to cure with a bubble bath (which, let’s be honest, only works for about 10 minutes). The good news is we’ve come a long way. Mental health is finally getting the spotlight it deserves, and with that comes a whole new understanding of productivity, too.

And here’s the kicker: Your brain, that beautiful, sometimes chaotic, always quirky machine, is unique. And that means you don’t need to force yourself into some cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-nobody productivity system. What you need is a system made specifically for you. Yes, YOU, in all your wonderfully imperfect glory.

So let’s dive into this with a little humor (because mental health is serious, but we don’t have to be serious all the time).

The Myth of the Perfect Productivity System

First, let’s get this out of the way: There is no universal, magical system that will make you a productivity superhero. I know, I know… we’ve all seen those “I wake up at 4 a.m. and drink kale smoothies while solving world peace” YouTube videos. But let’s be real. If you tried to wake up at 4 a.m., you’d probably just spend two hours wondering why you’re awake and questioning every life decision that got you there. That’s not productivity—it’s self-torture.

The truth is, no two brains are wired the same. What works for Captain Kale Smoothie isn’t going to work for everyone. And that’s totally fine! We’re not robots. Well, I’m not… and unless you’re a very advanced AI reading this, you’re not either.

So, Why Do We Need a Professional to Help?

Let’s be honest: If finding the perfect productivity system was easy, we’d all be crushing our to-do lists like they were minor inconveniences. Instead, we often end up in this weird cycle of trying a system that looks promising, getting overwhelmed, and then binge-watching Netflix while silently hoping everything just magically works itself out.

This is where a professional comes in. No, not a productivity drill sergeant. I’m talking about a personal coach, therapist, or mental health expert who can actually help you design a system that’s made for your brain—whether it’s a neurotypical brain or one that’s doing its own little interpretive dance like ADHD or anxiety.

Here’s why working with a professional can be a game-changer:

1. They See What You Don’t
   A good coach or therapist can spot the patterns you’re too close to see. It’s like having a tour guide for the jungle of your mind. You’re hacking through vines of distraction, and they’re like, “Hey, maybe stop whacking everything with a machete, and let’s find the path over here!”
2. Tailored to YOU (Not Some Productivity Guru on Instagram)
   A professional helps you create a productivity system that works for you. No more trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what “productive” should look like. If you’re more of a late-night owl than an early bird, then guess what? You don’t have to pretend the morning sun is your best friend. Your system should match your rhythm, not make you resentful of it.
3. They Keep You Accountable Without Making You Feel Like a Failure
   Let’s face it, coaches and therapists are like the best friends who check in on you—but in a nice, non-judgmental way. Instead of a disappointed sigh, they’ll give you a high-five for even the tiniest wins and help you figure out what didn’t work without making you feel like you’ve flunked out of the “Life” course. Spoiler alert: Nobody’s getting an A+ all the time.

Why Mental Health and Productivity Are Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

Okay, stay with me on this one. Mental health and productivity are like peanut butter and jelly—when they’re in harmony, things are chef’s kiss perfect. But if you’re trying to be super productive while ignoring your mental health, it’s like trying to make a PB&J with crunchy peanut butter and a brick of frozen jelly. It’s not going to spread well, and you’re just going to end up frustrated. (Seriously, who even buys frozen jelly?)

When you integrate mental health into your productivity system, you stop fighting your brain and start working with it. You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You just need tools and systems that actually work for your brain, not someone else’s.

Here’s a little secret: Productivity is not about doing everything all the time. It’s about doing the right things at the right time in the right way—for YOU. And guess what? Only you (with a little help from a professional) can figure out what those right things are.

The Humor in the Chaos

Look, life isn’t always tidy. Sometimes we get overwhelmed. Sometimes our brains go rogue and decide that cleaning out the fridge is more important than finishing that work project. And sometimes, we just need a nap instead of trying to “power through.”

Finding a system that works for you isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about creating a flow where you can show up as your best self, even if that self needs an extra cup of coffee (or three) to get going in the morning.

So, if you’ve been struggling with feeling unproductive, overwhelmed, or just plain stuck, it’s not you. It’s the system. And it’s time to get a new one—one that’s designed for how your brain works. Find a professional (like me!), have some laughs along the way, and remember: You’re not broken. You’re just using the wrong toolkit.

Now, go crush that to-do list. Or take a nap. Either way, you’re doing great.

In case nobody has told you today, you’re awesome.
-Adam