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 Highlights

• What is output mode?
• The irony of stopping the very practice that keeps you grounded
• Looking out for the recognition signs
• Simple micro-practices to restore self-awareness and creativity
• How 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 Resources

• FreeJournal Planner
• Free ‘Pen to Empowerment’ webinar – multiple dates available

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection

01:24 Understanding Output Mode

05:30 Recognising the Signs of Output Mode

07:20 Reflective Practices to Combat Output Mode

08:16 The Importance of Journalling

09:03 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 webinar
• Connect with me on your preferred platform
• Join my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter