Productivity is the holy grail of achievement. Social media abounds with so-called productivity experts waxing poetic about everything you must do to maximize productivity. You must take them with a grain of salt. Some productivity hacks do more harm than good, and others may work for some, but don’t work for everyone.
Why Productivity Hacks aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Everyone is different. There is no single productivity hack that acts like a magic wand enhancing everyone’s life.
The self-proclaimed productivity experts on social media won’t tell you that though. They find a method that works for them and try to sell everyone on it, even if it’s not a one-size-fits-all hack. Most don’t even tell you they’re making money by selling their “one true way,” and they definitely won’t tell you that they aren’t actually experts in anything related to productivity.
Productivity Hacks that Do More Harm than Good
Many productivity hacks do more harm than good because the experts sell them as a one-size-fits-all hack, but they aren’t. They don’t consider an individual’s needs (or desires).
Others are harmful because they lack nuance, dismiss self-care, reject privilege, or are blatant lies. Discover the 10 worst productivity hacks that do more harm than good.
Wake Up at 5 AM
Waking up at 5 Am is a productivity boon – for morning people. The truth is only some people do their best work early in the morning.
Some of us are night owls who work best after midnight, while others get fantastic bursts of creativity mid-afternoon.
Instead of listening to productivity experts, listen to yourself. Discover when your body is most energized, most creative, and needs rest. Develop your morning routine based on that, not on what others say you should be doing.
Take a Cold Shower
Studies have shown links between cold showers and wellness. Proponents of cold showering say it improves focus and determination, which can help productivity.
However, this productivity hack does more harm than good because it takes away one of the simplest joys we have in life, pretending that your daily shower will make or break you.
Here’s a news flash: opting for a warm shower is not the one thing holding you back in life. It’s okay to enjoy simple pleasures, like hot running water, and there are other methods of improving focus.
Cold showers help some, but they aren’t required for a productive life.
Constant Hustle
Productivity experts seem to think everyone should be working 15 hours daily, and if you aren’t, you’re doing it wrong.
Life is for living. We want to be productive to relax, and enjoy our free time, not to add even more work to our days. Our work culture that demands constant productivity and availability is toxic and not the key to a fulfilling life.
Hustle culture adds to the already insane work culture, promoting the idea that if you’re not constantly hustling, you’re doing something wrong.
It’s not true. Life shouldn’t be all about work.
If I Did it – So Can You
Nothing is more annoying than an upper-middle-class kid telling those in poverty they could do everything he did if they only tried harder.
Not everyone has trust funds, parental assistance, or the ability to focus solely on schoolwork. Some people must work through high school, take care of younger siblings, or navigate abusive households. Some people lack the cognitive ability to achieve society’s idea of success.
Experts point to exceptional stories of people who overcome insurmountable odds to achieve success, saying that “you can too.” Yes, some people can, but most can’t. These stories are inspirational because they are exceptional.
There’s a Shortcut
Most people offering you a shortcut are trying to sneak their hands into your pockets. No magic pill will automatically improve your productivity or make your life better.
However, there are tools you can use to make things easier. Try using a bullet journal spread to map out your week, put your schedule in a daily planner so you don’t forget essential tasks, and use brain dumps to clear your head. Set calendar reminders of meetings and appointments, and build habits that become routine.
None of these tools are shortcuts. They all require work and commitment. Any “shortcut” productivity hack will do more harm than good in the long run.
My Course is Superior to a Degree
Some fake productivity experts on Twitter claim their course is better than college. I’d rank this as the top productivity hack that does more harm than good if it wasn’t so laughable.
You will not get a job that requires a degree if you take Joe Twitter’s $200 course instead of going to college. We get it, college is expensive, and $200 is much more affordable than $20,000. However, that doesn’t mean the course can compete with a degree.
Career Expert Amanda Kay offers sage words of wisdom, saying “A college degree may not be necessary to get a job, but I can guarantee you that if it comes down to two candidates, the one with the degree with get the job offer.”
You Don’t Need Sleep
I envy those who only need 4-6 hours of sleep per night, but I’m not one of them, and it’s okay if you aren’t, either.
While it’s true that some folks are perfectly fine with less than eight hours per night, it’s not true for everyone. Some people require even more sleep to be functional.
Don’t listen to productivity hacks about how much you should be sleeping. Listen to your body, and if you feel like there’s a problem, go to a doctor.
A good night’s sleep is vital to your health and well-being, don’t let any fake experts tell you otherwise.
Never Drink
Many productivity experts say quitting drinking helped them become more productive. Unfortunately, we don’t know the whole story behind these claims. Were they drinking heavily? Did they have a problem?
There are numerous health risks associated with drinking, and we recommend people limit their alcohol intake as much as possible. However, having a few beers on a Friday night or a glass of wine with dinner occasionally won’t destroy your productivity.
As with anything, moderation is essential.
Mindset is Everything
Some folks tell you that you can accomplish anything if you simply shift your mindset. While mindset is essential, it isn’t everything.
You must indeed believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities. It’s also true that positive thinking and a positive mindset can help you achieve your goals.
However, it’s not everything. You can’t overcome poverty or horrible circumstances with mindset alone. Sometimes you need a little luck, help, or opportunity.
It’s All About the Money
Money is great, and we need money to live in our current society. However, it’s not the end all be all of a great life. We need time to pursue our interests, care for our families, and nurture relationships with friends.
Life is about experiences, relationships, adventures, and living, not collecting as much money as possible. If you’re giving up precious time for money you don’t need, you’re doing it wrong.
Take Productivity Expert’s Advice with a Grain of Salt
Even true productivity gurus get things wrong sometimes. Others are just trying to get some of your hard owned money.
It’s essential to take their advice with a grain of salt. If something works for you, that’s great! But don’t feel ashamed if their advice doesn’t fit your life or circumstances. We’re all different, with different needs and desires. Use what works for you, and ignore the noise.
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