10 productivity myths that keep you from growing

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It seems that the topic of productivity is already completely exhausted. Articles, lectures, courses, special applications vying with each other assure that they will help you become a person who does everything. But do not take every popular advice as true. Moreover, the implementation of some recommendations can completely kill this very productivity.

There are many people who consider themselves to be productivity gurus and generously share the light of divine wisdom with all those in need. While many of their tricks are correct, some of the ways to increase productivity have little to do with reality. They look quite convincing, so they can mislead even those who are already productive enough, significantly slowing down their progress. Perhaps you, too, are influenced by these false truths, but are not yet aware of it.

1. The more you work, the more you get done

How many times have you been late at work, hoping to do something beyond the plan? Not once or twice, I suppose. Everything seems to be logical: the more time we devote to a task, the better it will be performed. Not certainly in that way. If you work overtime, chances are good that you will be so exhausted by the end of the day that your efficiency drops to zero. Yes, staying up late will get you done more, but exactly the same amount you would have done the next morning. Only in less time and much better quality. Be smart about determining the length of your workday and avoid overworking if possible.

2. Works better out of the blue

Many are convinced that they are able to work effectively only under constant pressure. Some even corner themselves on purpose to finish a task. While such a strategy has certain merit in the short term, it is still not the wisest decision. Stress has a negative impact on both work performance and health, so it should be kept to a minimum.

3. Multitasking = efficiency

In theory, everything is again quite simple: if you solve several problems in parallel, you can do more. In practice, the consequences can be disastrous. You have to divide your attention and thoughts between two tasks, as a result, you will not do either of them as well as you could. With this approach, performance at best will remain the same, at worst - and more likely - significantly reduced.

4. Being busy forever is the same as being productive

Not at all. Overloading yourself with unnecessary, time-consuming tasks is one of the most useless undertakings. This behavior should be avoided by all means. Instead of focusing on things that don't matter, do something that really matters. If this is not the case, help others with their affairs.

5. Raising wages boosts productivity

The logic is that if people are paid more, they will try harder. Not always. An employee who receives a fair remuneration for his work, and so works with all his might, he simply has nowhere to increase momentum, because everyone has a certain limit. Without a doubt, the increase in wages will delight people, but it is far from the fact that it will somehow affect productivity.

6. Breaks are a waste of time

Taking a break is an integral part of any work day. Taking a short break can help relieve stress and make sure you get the job done. Anyone who thinks this is a waste of time is cruelly mistaken. Moreover, you probably need more time to catch your breath. The results from the productivity issue found that on an optimal schedule, 52 minutes of work is replaced by 17 minutes of break. It makes sense to try to organize your day in this way, suddenly such a routine will help you to do more.

7. The same system works for everyone

We are all different, from our profession to our personal qualities. It is logical that one particular mode of increasing productivity will not work absolutely always and everywhere. Find what is right for you, even if searching and experimenting will take a long time - they will become an investment in the future. Don't let others decide what's good for you. Only you can know this.

8. Remote work is less efficient

It was like this some time ago, but a lot has changed since then. Thanks to the advancement of digital technology, tasks that previously required an indispensable presence in the office can now be performed from home. In the 21st century, you can work anywhere, the main thing is that nothing distracts you.

9. Order on the table - order in the head

A clean desktop isn't all that important to getting things right. You can work in the midst of utter destruction and chaos, but be the person who has everything under control. However, there are also opposite examples. Focus on your feelings, not someone else's prescription. I like it when everything is on a ruler - great, no - don't bother.

10. It is better to do everything yourself, rather than ask someone

Of course, you should do everything possible to solve the problem, but if it does not work out, then do not hesitate to ask for help. It is much better to ask someone for help than to try to extricate yourself from the difficulties, dooming yourself to failure and subsequent corrections. Conversely, if a colleague asks you for advice, try to give him the support he needs, if you can. In short, do what you are capable of, and do not overestimate yourself - it may end badly sooner or later.

In order to rise to the next level of productivity, it is very important to get rid of these illusions. Forewarned is forearmed, so don't let the ideas listed above seduce you with their perceived attractiveness.