Five productivity myths you shouldn't fall for
Created: 09/01/2022, 14:41
By: Carina Blumenroth
A strict plan helps to be extra productive.
You can find out why this is a myth here.
© Frédéric Cirou/Imago
Being constantly productive, pursuing goals and getting the most out of time - that's what some people strive for.
An expert has debunked myths.
What does productivity actually mean?
A particularly large number of tasks that need to be completed in a specific time frame?
For productivity expert Alexis Haselberger, productivity means doing what you really want to do.
She collected myths about productivity
for the career
portal Businessinsider .
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Productivity: Well-intentioned advice is not universal
In her work with various large companies such as Google and in her coaching, Haselberger found that there are five common myths about productivity that don't work for many people, but are nonetheless widespread.
Myth 1: The early bird catches the worm
Not all people are the same - there are morning people who are top performers in the morning, others may be more productive in the afternoon or evening.
It is important to find out when you can work well yourself.
Your own tasks should then be prioritized and distributed throughout the day.
For example, if you always have a low around lunchtime, then you should not necessarily start with an important task.
Myth 2: The only right way
According to Haselberger, there is no universal formula for productivity.
There is only one way for each person.
The only right ways are quickly outlined in the literature – however, these are not the only right ways for everyone.
These books are good for orientation in order to work out a personal path to greater productivity.
Myth 3: With proper planning, anything can be accomplished
If you have a lot of willpower, motivation, and perseverance, you can accomplish anything and any task you've ever had can be accomplished.
According to Haselberger, this is a misconception that you cannot complete every task, that you will die at some point and then there would still be tasks left that you once made.
Instead, you should prioritize.
Myth 4: Everything has to be clocked through
You don't have to be productive every minute of your life and the number of things done is then an indicator of how well you've worked.
To be truly productive, you also need breaks and rest.
Anything else is toxic behavior.
Myth 5: A strict routine is key.
Strict routines can be daunting and make you put too much pressure on yourself.
It is better to make a rough plan and react spontaneously to possible external influences that force you to reschedule.
So find a suitable way for yourself to be particularly productive and restructure your day.
For example, if you tend to become weak around lunchtime, put important appointments in the morning.
This takes the pressure off yourself.
