Whether we like to admit it or not, the measure of how successful we are is through our
productivity. However, many folks find themselves sabotaging their own efforts through self-inflicted barriers like procrastination, lack of organization, and poor time management. This can hinder progress and personal growth. But taking the time to understand the ways in which we sabotage our productivity, and learning how to stop doing it, can be crucial to reaching our goals and maximizing our staying power.
Procrastination: The Silent Productivity Killer
Want to know the most common way that people damage their own productivity? It’s called procrastination, and it’s quietly smothering your success. Repeatedly delaying tasks or putting ‘things on the backburner’ until you’re available (or ready) to do them can do you more harm than good. It can also cause your stress levels to rise and decrease your quality of work. Instead of continually postponing the things that you need to get done, try breaking those tasks into smaller manageable steps. Work in focused intervals with short breaks in between to help you stay motivated and less tempted to defer.
Lack of Organization: Chaos Breeds Disorder
Ever work with someone and look at their workspace and wonder how they can find anything in the chaos they call organized? They might assure you that their methods aren’t mad, but when you ask them to confirm a meeting or if they’ve seen that email you sent them two days ago, the cracks in their productivity begin to show. Your co-worker isn’t a problem, they’re just disorganized. Planners, to-do lists, and digital apps can help them keep track of their tasks and deadlines to create and maintain the order that they obviously need.
Poor Time Management: The Enemy
Let’s face it: we could all use more time in the day. Time to do a little bit more here, and less time over there. Whatever your individual case may be, the important thing is that you use your time wisely and effectively. Good time management is crucial for maintaining productivity, andwithout a clear plan, you’re more susceptible to being sidetracked by less important tasks or distractions. To be more effective with your time, try prioritizing your tasks in order of importance and their deadlines.
Overcommitment: It’s Not Cute
Saying ‘yes’ to picking up the food for the baby shower, helping at your auntie’s garage sale, running errands, and hosting your BFF’s birthday party all on the same day may be taking on too many responsibilities. It could also be the reason why you’re burned out and your productivity is waning. Devote your attention to fewer tasks so you can start improving your work ethic. Don’t forget to delegate when needed!
Perfectionism: You Ain’t Flawless and That’s OK
There’s nothing wrong with striving for excellence. In fact, it’s very admirable. But when that quality becomes crippling, it poses a real problem and is counterproductive. The desire to attain perfection can lead to excessive revisions and delays that can prevent you from completing things in a timely manner. (Do you have a friend who will NOT leave the house until they’re completely – and exhaustively – satisfied with how they look?) It’s time to embrace the concept of “good enough” and start becoming realistic about setting standards. Mistakes and slipups are part of the natural learning process. Remember: you didn’t wake up like that. No one did.
Sabotaging your own productivity is common, but it doesn’t have to be. By recognizing the ways that you may be getting in the way of your own progress and implementing a plan to combat those challenges, can significantly increase your productivity and achieve your desired goals. Focus on manageable steps and control intervals, stay organized, and practice good time management. With these tools, you can overcome self-sabotage and unlock your full potential.
CALL TO ACTION
Check out these common productivity tools that could help you solve your invisible problem.
Consider taking courses on the software or hardware commonly used at your workplace. For example: Microsoft tools or Google tools. Both of these companies have sites to help you get the best out of their products.
Maybe you would like a better project management tool: consider Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Todoist, etc.
Maybe you’d like better communication tools: Slack, Discord, etc.
Maybe you want better ideation support: ChatGPT, Miro Board, Notion, Evernote, or Padlet.
Maybe you’d like to automate some of your workflow: Zapier
SOCIAL LINKS
WEBSITE | Be sure to check out Hashtag Blacklinkedin for more articles like this.
JOIN | Membership Community
DONATE | Pay it forward by keeping our community up and running
TEAMMATE | Join our Team
Commenti