Are you finding it difficult to be productive and successful despite your best efforts? Productivity is a critical aspect of our lives, be it personal or professional. It helps us to achieve our goals and live a fulfilling life. With so many distractions vying for our attention, it is sometimes hard to stay focused and on task. We all want to manage our time effectively, but sometimes it can be hard to know what strategies will make a difference. This article examines some common productivity myths and provides three proven productivity boosting strategies to help you win at work and at home.

Common Productivity Myths

it’s easy to get bogged down by conflicting advice and fall prey to productivity myths. Here is a very quick exploration of three common productivity myths that have been widely accepted as true.

Myth #1: Being Busy is the same as being productive.

In our ever-faster moving world, it can be easy to equate busyness with productivity. However, being busy and being productive are two different things—and recognizing the difference between them is key to efficiently using our time and energy.

Being busy is often a response to a sense of having too much to do. It’s characterized by a frenetic schedule of tasks that don’t necessarily lead toward any end goal or outcome. We become so focused on the immediate demands in front of us that we forget about the larger picture and lose sight of what’s most important for achieving our desired results. Productivity, on the other hand, involves focusing on tasks that add value toward completing your long-term objectives or goals, whether personal or professional.

Myth #2: Working Longer Hours Guarantees Higher Productivity

Another myth is that working longer hours always leads to higher productivity. While it’s true that putting in the time is important, research has shown that working too many hours can have a negative impact on productivity. When we work for extended periods, our brain becomes exhausted and our ability to focus decreases. This can lead to decreased motivation and decreased productivity. To maximize your productivity, it’s essential to find a balance between work and rest and to make the most of the time you do spend working.

If you find yourself continuously grinding longer and longer days 365 days a year, then you will eventually burnout. Working smarter, not harder, can help you get more done without sacrificing your personal well-being. Learning to prioritize projects and tasks according to its importance in helping you reach your goals becomes key. 

Myth #3: Multitasking is the most effective method for Getting things done!

Multitasking is the act or skill of managing more than one task at once. Regardless of your role most people will need to handle multiple projects at the same time. This is true for both in your professional and personal life.  We all are juggling multiple things at the same time. Or at least that is what we think.

Multitasking has long been hailed as a mark of efficiency and productivity in the modern workforce, but is multitasking really as effective as we think? Multitasking can be incredibly detrimental to our productivity. When we try to do multiple things at once, our brain is forced to constantly switch between tasks, leading to decreased focus and a decrease in the quality of our work. Instead, it’s much more effective to focus on one task at a time and to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. This way, you’ll be able to complete tasks more efficiently and with higher quality results.

3 Proven Strategies to Boost Your Productivity

Focus on One Task at a Time

There is power in focusing attention and being present with the current task. What is the right number for you? Some people suggest no more than 2 tasks at a time.  That still may be a stretch depending on the tasks.  My suggestion is that you focus on one task at time.  There are some techniques that can help you focus such as time blocking to block off important tasks in your schedule. 

Time blocking is a technique that involves scheduling time for specific activities or tasks in your day. This helps to prevent overscheduling, procrastination, and burnout. When you have a clear idea of what you need to accomplish, you are more likely to stay focused and on task.

Prioritize Tasks/Goals

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, wrote an article about Warren Buffett’s “2 List” strategy for maximizing focus and mastering priorities. In the article, Mr. Buffet suggests writing down the top 25 goals and then narrowing the list down to the top 5 most important ones. The focus should be solely on these top 5 goals, with no action taken on the remaining 20 until they are completed. This strategy may be difficult, as it requires avoiding tasks that may feel good or have an emotional connection but are not truly important in reaching your goals. According to Clear, these tasks have the highest likelihood of hindering progress. Everything not circled becomes the “Avoid-At-All-Cost” list, and should receive no attention until the top 5 goals are achieved.

Gary Keller, author of “The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results”, suggests another approach to focusing your time. He poses the question, “What is the ONE thing you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” Answering this question helps to focus on the desired outcome and prioritize the most impactful task. By focusing on this one thing, everything else becomes easier or even unnecessary. This approach provides clarity on the most important thing to work on, leading to more efficient and effective use of time.

Take Time to Recharge

Moreover, recharging your batteries should not be considered as a luxury, but rather as a crucial aspect of your productivity routine. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to handle the demands of daily life, making it easier to focus and think critically. Regular self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and taking breaks can improve physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and increasing energy levels.

It’s important to note that taking time to recharge should not be viewed as a waste of time. On the contrary, taking the time to care for yourself can actually increase productivity in the long run. By taking care of your mental and physical health, you set yourself up for success, allowing you to tackle your tasks with more focus and efficiency.

Resources – Links to Personal Productivity Related Podcast Episodes for the Engineer Your Success Podcast

Ep. 80 – Productivity Techniques to Help You Conquer Overwhelm and Stay on Track

Three Strategies to Boost Your Personal Productivity