At the start of the day, there’s often a strong urge to tick off everything on the to-do list and get more done in less time. But as the hours roll by, that initial drive begins to fade. By the end of the day, you may find yourself wondering what got done and why your productivity didn’t match your intentions.
The truth is that certain habits might be quietly creeping in, leaving you overwhelmed, distracted, and ultimately unproductive. Being productive isn’t just about having a packed schedule; it is about working smarter and actually following through.
Here are some everyday habits that might be holding you back without you even realising it.
- Not prioritising the task
Starting your day without a clear plan or set priorities can lead to confusion and wasted time. You may find yourself unsure of what to tackle first, getting stuck on the not-so-important while the important ones pile up.
Having a simple, flexible plan or to-do list helps you stay focused and intentional. It ensures that your energy goes into what truly matters, rather than getting lost in the noise of the day.
- Multitasking
Multitasking is often seen as a productivity hack. However, in reality, it can do more harm than good, especially if it’s not your strength.
Juggling multiple tasks might feel like you’re getting more done, but studies have shown that multitasking can actually reduce your productivity by up to 40%.
Your brain is constantly switching between tasks, which increases the chances of errors and makes each task take longer to complete.
Instead of splitting your focus, why not give one task your full attention, finish it, and then move on to the next? By that, you’ll get better results with less mental fatigue.
- Being a perfectionist
This might sound surprising, but perfectionism can be a major productivity killer. While aiming for high quality is good, obsessing over every tiny detail can stall your progress.
Wanting to make every task, everything perfect and flawless can eventually lead to procrastination and fear of failure. It’s more productive to get the task done to the best of your ability than to never finish because it’s not “perfect” yet.
- Procrastinating
This might sound like a broken record, but it’s worth repeating: procrastination kills productivity.
Delaying tasks or overthinking where to start often leads to a last-minute scramble that piles on stress and affects the quality of your work. The more you delay, the more your to-do list builds up, making everything feel overwhelming.
So instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, just take that first step now.
- Constantly checking your phone
Your phone might be one of the biggest silent killers of your productivity.
From social media notifications to random messages, it is easy to get pulled in. What starts as a quick check can turn into minutes of mindless scrolling before you even realise it.
Each time you pick up your phone, it breaks your focus, and it can take several minutes to regain that concentration.
Over time, those tiny distractions add up, chipping away at your efficiency and slowing down your progress.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your productivity is to put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ and keep it out of reach.
- Skipping breaks
Yes, you want to get everything done and that is understandable. But skipping breaks might actually be doing more harm than good.
Working for long hours without resting can drain your energy and dull your focus. It might feel productive in the moment, but over time, it reduces creativity and makes it harder to concentrate.
Your brain needs short pauses to reset. Intentional breaks, even if it is just five or ten minutes, can help you come back to your tasks feeling recharged and more alert. However, be mindful of how you spend your break and make sure to return to work with a clear head.
Breaking these habits won’t happen overnight, but with small, consistent, and intentional changes, your productivity can improve over time.
For practical steps to help you work smarter, here are simple tips to boost productivity.
Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle