20 habits that are killing our productivity

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

Today, high productivity is almost a must for any decent person. In theory, anyone can become incredibly productive, but in reality everything is far from simple, because we often interfere with ourselves. How? Read the article and look for matches.

Everyone around has time to do everything, but not you. Sound familiar? We are guilty of seemingly harmless habits that slowly but surely reduce our productivity. Do you want to wisely spend every minute of your life and do as much as possible? Here is a list of what you should never do.

1. Distracted by everything

There is no escaping extraneous irritants, but who even said that we should pay attention to them? If they call you, write or knock on the door, this does not mean at all that you need to immediately give up everything that you were doing at that moment. There are breaks for everything that is not related to work tasks.

2. Have no purpose

Turn your dreams into highly specific and well-defined goals. Until you do this, they will remain dreams, about the impossibility of which you can sigh well from time to time.

3. Have too many goals

On the other hand, you don't have to plan more than you can actually accomplish. You still won't be able to pay enough attention to each task, so there is a great risk that this venture will go to waste. And besides, it's not quantity that matters to us, but quality, right?

4. Procrastinate

The longer we put off something, the less chances that we will ever sort it out at all. Just believe me: it's better to finally do it and rejoice than once again throw the matter into the back burner and indulge in suffering over this.

5. Replace real life with TV

If the vicissitudes of the lives of the heroes of TV series and reality shows excite you more than what happens with friends and family, it's time to change something.

6. Forget about regular meals

Yes, sometimes there is such a blockage that there is no time even for a snack, let alone a full meal. But the adrenal glands do not understand this: while we refuse food in favor of other things, they work for wear and tear, spending the rest of the energy. Sooner or later, this will certainly end in burnout.

7. Don't keep track of expenses

People whose financial affairs are in disarray have absolutely no chance of a normal life. Keeping track of your income and expenses is comparable in importance to taking care of your health, so don't neglect all this bookkeeping.

8. Waste time on other people's problems

The only person who has complete and complete control over your life is yourself. Your time is the most valuable asset, so it is worth treating it with respect.

9. Do not write down important things

Taking notes helps us not to drown in the flow of what we need or want to do. Plus, it's a great way to unload the brain for better concentration.

10. Don't have a daily routine

No, this is not at all about a strict hourly schedule. This refers to the morning and evening rituals: they set the tone for the whole day and become a reliable fulcrum.

11. Work without interruption

Your body and mind need rest - this is a non-negotiable fact. Whenever you feel tired, take a break right away. It is much better to take a break and collect your thoughts than soon be left completely exhausted.

12. Work in multitasking mode

Several things in parallel is a bad idea: there is a lot of workload, and the result of all this will be so-so. Each task has its own time. This approach not only frees your head, but also gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

13. Postpone household chores for later

What's the point in hard work if it doesn't leave you time to live? In the most hellish rush, make sure that at least a minimum of household issues are resolved: bills are paid, dishes are washed, and linen is washed. In short, your home should not turn into a visual demonstration of how hard life is for its owner.

14. Taking on too much

Does ambition or excitement get the better of you and make you immediately grab onto every new idea? Let's try to postpone it for a while. Think carefully, evaluate the commitments you already have, and decide if it's worth it at all.

15. Strive for excellence

Oh yes, the notorious, mythical perfection. And we know that it simply does not exist in nature, but for some reason we strive again and again to do everything and always do it perfectly. A great way to take the time you can spend on more useful things.

16. Refuse decision making

Difficult decisions are called difficult for a reason. But if you do not make a choice, they will definitely make it for you, and it is not a fact that you will like the result.

17. Receive unnecessary information

A mess in the head is even more suppressive than the largest piles of trash around. The rule of one will save: one e-mail, one checking and one savings account. Limit the flow of incoming information: as soon as you unsubscribe from unnecessary mailings, time will immediately appear for important things.

18. Neglect your health

All our ambitions and aspirations do not make the slightest sense when we run out of strength. Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and most importantly, ensure you get the daily sleep you need at all costs.

19. Throw something halfway

Divide each task into several small steps. This approach will help to cope with even the most seemingly impossible tasks. Rule of thumb: the last 10% of work always takes 90% of your energy, so keep that in mind when planning.

20. Do not admit mistakes

Denying our guilt, or even more so shifting it onto someone, will not in any way improve our life, nor will it help us achieve our goals. A mistake is always a lesson. Learn it and move on.