Who doesn’t want to be productive, right? Well, what happens when we try to be efficient and accomplish so many things is we learn habits that seem like they’ll boost how much we get done. But spoiler alert: some of these habits might actually be working against us, leaving us feeling drained and less productive in the long run. Let’s look into these seemingly productive habits that might be secretly sapping your energy and effectiveness.
1. Multitasking
Ah, multitasking has long been considered the holy grail of productivity. Well, that’s actually wrong. While it might feel like you’re getting more done, you’re actually just switching rapidly between tasks, which, according to Forbes, can reduce your efficiency by up to 40%. Think about it: your brain needs time to refocus each time you switch, and that creates a ton of mental fatigue and a bigger chance of errors. Instead, try focusing on one task at a time—you’ll be surprised by how much more you get done.
2. Working through lunch
Skipping lunch to power through your work might seem like a great way to get ahead, right? Wrong—it’s actually super counterproductive. Your brain needs regular breaks and proper fuel to function at its best, and working through lunch? That leads to afternoon crashes, less creativity, and decreased overall productivity. Go enjoy your sandwich in peace—your afternoon self will thank you.
3. Saying “yes” to everything
Being a “yes” person might make you feel productive and helpful, but do you know what overcommitment leads to? Burnout. Learning to say “no” to tasks that don’t align with your priorities or that you simply don’t have time for is everything. When you can do that, you keep your energy and focus on what truly matters.
4. Checking emails constantly
Staying on top of your inbox can make you feel accomplished and on top of the world. But constantly interrupting your work to check emails does one thing… disrupt your focus and workflow. Each time you check your email, it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back into the flow of your previous task, according to a UC Irvine Study. That’s a lot of time! You’d be better off setting a specific time when you check and respond to emails.
5. Pulling all-nighters
Remember the days in college when you pulled an all-nighter to finish a paper? Well, that was then and this is now. While staying up to the wee hours might help you meet a deadline, it’s terrible for your long-term productivity. Lack of sleep impairs cognitive function, creativity, and decision-making abilities. Try to create a consistent sleep schedule and then tackle work during your peak hours—see how much better it feels.
6. Over-planning
Look, we all know that planning is important. But spending too much time planning every detail can often become a form of procrastination. It’s easy to get caught up in creating the perfect plan and never actually start the work. But here’s the thing: a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.
7. Over-caffeinating
A cup of joe really boosts alertness. But overdoing it can lead to not-so-great things, like jitters, anxiety, and crashes. While you may be used to slamming back three to four cups per day, it’s not the way to stay productive. Stic, to one or two cups and maybe alternate with water or herbal tea!
8. Constantly seeking new productivity tools
Productivity apps and tools can definitely be helpful in keeping you organized and on track. But constantly trying out new ones (especially when you already have some that do the job) can waste time and create unnecessary complexity. Find a few tools that work well for you and stick with them, rather than always chasing the next productivity hack.
9. Networking with no purpose
Networking is a great way to get your foot in the door in a new-to-you industry or help you climb the ladder in the one you’re in. However, if you’re attending every industry event or trying to connect with everyone and their mother, that can drain you. Be selective about your networking activities, focusing on quality connections rather than quantity.
10. Responding to messages immediately
We love a responsive person. But if you’re replying to every ping and notification you get during your work hours, that’s certainly going to interrupt your workflow. Try batching your responses and replying at set times of the day. For example, maybe you work two uninterrupted hours in the morning and then take 15 minutes to reply to messages.
11. Aiming for perfection
Here’s the deal: no one is perfect—yes, even that coworker who seems to have it all together. Striving for perfection in every single task you do can be really draining and, to be honest, kind of unnecessary. At some point, the extra effort you’re putting in is going to yield minimal improvements. So learn to recognize when something is good enough and move on.
12. Working longer hours
It’s tempting to think that working longer hours means getting more done. However, productivity tends to decline sharply after a certain point. Remember what we said before? You need sleep! Working excessively long hours can lead to burnout and actually decrease your overall productivity. Focus on working smarter, not longer.
13. Keeping your phone nearby
Having your phone within reach is probably second nature to you. But, even if you’re amazing at not checking your notifications immediately, just knowing that you have unread messages or unseen Instagram tags can occupy mental space. Try keeping your phone in another room or on “Do Not Disturb” mode while working.
14. Attending every meeting
Being present at every meeting might make you feel like a team player, but it can seriously eat into your productive time. If you actually want to get stuff done, then you need to be more selective about which meetings you attend. If your presence isn’t crucial, consider asking for meeting notes instead. A good rule of thumb: if it could be an email, don’t go.
15. Keeping an overflowing to-do list
A never-ending to-do list might make you feel organized. Besides, who doesn’t love the feeling of accomplishment as you check off something on your list? However, having a to-do list as long as a CVS receipt can also be overwhelming and demotivating. Instead, try focusing on 3-5 key tasks per day, your brain will thank you.
