Success depends on your productivity. You’ve got to produce value, and the only way you can do this is by getting things done. If you have a goal, you’re going to need to do what’s necessary to achieve it.
But, what if you’re unintentionally blocking yourself from productivity? Are you making massive mistakes that ensure you never get anything done?
“The purpose of life is not to be happy—but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.”
– Leo Rosten
Essentially, you’re sabotaging your chances to succeed in life. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid mistakes that block you from having productivity and fulfilling your vision.
Beware of the following productivity killers:
Mistake #1 Getting distracted when you’re on a roll
Sometimes everything is working right, ideas are flowing, and you’re getting things done. It feels amazing! But then your phone starts blowing up with notifications. Then you’re pulled out of the zone. How can you finish anything if distractions always derail your train of thought?
Studies show that getting back to work after a distraction can take 25-minutes! By then, you might forget what you were doing. But, you check your phone, and now you’re lost in a sea of notifications. Goodbye dreams!
Mistake #2 Procrastinating on productivity
When you need to finish a difficult task, you’ll suddenly find a multitude of other things to do instead. Then you end up doing those things and forgetting all about your priorities. It’s human nature but, that doesn’t mean it’s beneficial.
If you tend to procrastinate, try setting a deadline to finish and start a timer. It might help to imagine something horrible will happen if you haven’t finished when the time is up. You could play some productive music or the sound of rain, and when the music is over, time’s up! Moreover, this will give you a sense of urgency.
Mistake #3 The fear of failure
The fear of failure slams the brakes on productivity. It can wreck your chances of reaching your goals because you’ll avoid trying anything life-changing.
Not only does fear sabotage your productivity, but it also blocks your creativity. Above all, this guarantees that your results won’t be that great. But, don’t let these thoughts stop you from trying anything incredible. Instead, feel the fear and go for it anyway!
Mistake #4 Working yourself into exhaustion
“Position yourself to succeed by doing the other things in your life that rejuvenate you. Exhaustion affects your quality and productivity.”
– Jeff VanderMeer
Working all the time won’t make you more productive. If you overwork your brain, it’ll eventually zone out while you’re still trying to use it!
That doesn’t bode well for your output.
Over time your brain builds up a residue of toxins, and sleep is the only time you can flush away toxins with cerebrospinal fluid. But, when you wake up, you’ll be more creative and efficient.
You’re not a machine, so you need to recharge. Besides, sleepiness clouds your thoughts, making your project more difficult and time-consuming than it should be.
Mistake #5 Lacking passion drains productivity
“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”
– Benjamin E. Mays
If you’re dragging your feet on doing what you need to, maybe you’re striving for the wrong goal? If you hate doing it, then don’t make it your career.
Your parents might think you should be a doctor, but that doesn’t mean that’s the best job for you.
Besides, there are all kinds of other jobs you’d enjoy; you need to look for them. So, try taking different routes and see if something else sparks your passion.
Mistake #6 Worrying about things you can’t control
It’s a massive waste of time to obsess about things you can’t control. If you can’t concentrate on what you’re doing, how are you going to be productive? Therefore, let it go and don’t think about the past or the future. Just pay attention to what you’re working on and how great it’s going.
Mistake #7 Not having a to-do list kills productivity
Successful people always have an action plan. You’ll be more productive too when you know what you need to do, and you schedule the time to do it.
So, write a to-do list. Don’t say, “That’s okay. I’ve got it all in my mind.” Research shows that writing things down makes it more probable that you’ll do them.
Furthermore, a list will keep you on track with your tasks and ensure they get done. That’s because the hippocampus (where memories form) has to analyze and process the thought of doing them. Writing it down increases the chance it’ll store the memory.
Mistake #8 Having an overwhelming to-do list
A lengthy to-do list will just overwhelm you and ensure that nothing gets done. So, start with a list of your 3 biggest priorities.
This way, you won’t waste time organizing your junk drawers; you’ll be knocking out essential tasks instead. If you finish all 3 then you can choose 3 more things to do.
Mistake #9 Being a perfectionist blocks productivity
We all want to do a good job. But, we can’t expect perfection. If you’re afraid to produce something flawed, then you might not create anything.
We’re all imperfect. That’s why others will understand if they find a mistake. Besides, you can always fix it up later.
To sum up, write your to-do list and follow it daily. Also, choose goals you’re passionate about, and don’t let anything stop you from achieving them! You’ve got this!
Don’t forget to subscribe or get our free app, so you get encouraging articles. Enter your email below to receive new articles every week!
Incredibly concise and well put together! Wow! You are a true professional!
Thank you! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I found these information very helpful specially for me as an entrepreneur and a blogger. And there is so much to take from this post.
Overall this post is epic if someone knows how important these tips are. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! Yeah, this info is vital to entrepreneurs. I use these tips and they work!