We’ve all been sold a lie about productivity—the idea that working harder, longer, and faster is the key to success.
But here’s the truth: Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. If you’re constantly busy but not making real progress, you might be trapped in the productivity myth.
My Personal Journey: From Busyness to Effectiveness
I used to measure my success by how much I checked off my to-do list. The more I accomplished, the more productive I felt. But I wasn’t actually getting closer to my real goals—I was just staying busy.
The moment I stopped equating productivity with sheer output and started focusing on impact, everything changed.
For years, I believed that being busy meant being productive. If I was working nonstop, I must be making progress, right?
Wrong.
I was drowning in emails, constantly context-switching, and ending each day exhausted—but without truly moving forward.
And here’s the thing: I love working. I love solving problems, partnering with a team, creating simple solutions to complex challenges, writing content that teaches, building sustainable systems, coaching others to better outcomes, and strategizing for growth.
But when my calendar is filled with meetings, my time is dictated by others’ priorities, and I’m constantly firefighting without a strategic plan—I’m not at my best.
That’s when I made a shift that changed everything:
I stopped measuring my success by how much I did—and started measuring it by what I accomplished.
The Science Behind True Productivity
- Harvard Business Review reports that focusing on fewer, high-impact tasks leads to better results than multitasking.
- Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, emphasizes that: “Busyness is not a proxy for productivity. Focused work produces meaningful progress.”
- Studies show that people who prioritize their most important tasks first experience higher satisfaction and achievement.
Breaking Free from the Productivity Myth
- Prioritize Outcomes Over Outputs – Focus on what moves the needle, not just what fills your schedule.
- Eliminate Low-Value Tasks – Just because something is urgent doesn’t mean it’s important.
- Work in Deep Focus Blocks – Set aside uninterrupted time for your most impactful work.
- Measure Success Differently – Instead of tracking hours worked, track progress made on key goals.
- Protect Your Energy – Productivity isn’t about working longer; it’s about working smarter.
Further Resources
- Watch this TED Talk on redefining productivity: Dan Shipper: The unexpected key to boosting your productivityted.com
- Read more about how deep work leads to success: Deep Work: The Book, the Meaning & the AuthorPositive Psychology
Busy isn’t the same as productive. What’s one thing you’ve stopped doing to focus on what really matters?
🚀 Drop your best productivity tip in the comments!
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📌 Enjoyed this? Check out my other posts on leadership, execution, and mindset shifts here: Development Geek or for some of my most popular Linkedin articles :
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or this fun post – Be Radical – Make a 1% Improvement Everyday
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