My Biggest Productivity Mistakes and How I Fixed Them

Written by Michelle Ong | February 13, 2025 | Productivity, Growth

Ever wondered if you might be sabotaging your productivity? I’ve rounded up my top 5 productivity-killing habits and the simple solutions I’ve crafted and integrated into my daily routine.

If you’re like me, you probably feel reasonably productive but sometimes hit those frustrating lapses that spark self-doubt. You start wondering what went wrong and whether you need to tweak your approach. In this post, I’ll share five common productivity mistakes I’ve made—and, more importantly, how to fix them so you can stay on track without losing your sanity.

1. Aiming To Get More Done

“The productivity trap: The more you do, the more you feel you have to do. Focus on what matters.”

There was a time I crammed my to-do list with endless tasks, thinking being busy meant being productive—spoiler alert: it doesn’t. I’d jump from task to task, leaving nothing meaningful finished and feeling drained. After some trial and error (and facepalms), I learned that focusing on fewer high-impact tasks got me further.

The 80/20 rule—where 20% of actions create 80% of results—became a game-changer. It’s about working smarter, not longer. By selecting essential tasks, managing attention wisely, and avoiding overload, I finally broke the cycle of burnout and low productivity.

💡If you’re feeling unmotivated and drained, this post on the signs of burnout might be just what you need.

2. Winging It

Back in the day, my “planning system” was non-existent. I’d wake up, juggle as many tasks as possible, and hope nothing important slipped through the cracks. Spoiler: it did. I didn’t use planner apps or even a calendar—just a chaotic to-do list in my head, great for forgetting birthdays but not for staying productive.

Eventually, I realized that winging it wasn’t cutting it. That’s when I came across Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte, which introduced me to the CODE method for organizing tasks and ideas:

Capture: Your brain’s for ideas, not storage—write stuff down to avoid mental chaos.
Organize: Sort tasks into categories so you can find them without needing a treasure map.
Distill: Get specific—”Email Jane” is better than “work stuff.”
Execute: Simple—do the thing.

Tiago also emphasizes regular reviews to keep your system sharp because, let’s be real, life is messy. Adopting this method beats hoping you’ll remember everything before your next coffee break.

💡Check out this post for a systematic blueprint to help you plan your life.

3. Avoiding Failure

Get your mind ready to fail a little—because apparently, to succeed, you need to fail 16% of the time (thanks to The Coder’s Method). Don’t chase perfection like it’s a finish line—failure is just a pit stop on the way to improvement. Resize tasks when motivation dips, and simplify choices to dodge overwhelm. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about learning and getting better with each step.

4. Expecting Quick Results

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

I used to think pushing myself to go for a few runs would magically make me fit—like I’d wake up the next day with a toned body. You might have guessed it—yes, it didn’t. Expecting instant results after minimal effort is a one-way ticket to frustration. Real progress takes time and patience, just like a good lasagna.

Enter the Marginal Gains Theory, popularized by Sir Dave Brailsford, who led the British Cycling team to remarkable success by focusing on 1% improvements in everything they did. The idea? Aim for small, consistent wins—they add up big over time. Stick to your routine, even when it feels like nothing’s happening. Success loves patience and consistency—just like plants love water and not being yelled at.

5. Neglecting Breaks

One of my worst productivity mistakes? Neglecting rest. When I’m in the zone, I tend to push through long hours without breaks because I’m impatient and just want to get things done. But here’s the truth: that stiff neck, eye strain, and achy back aren’t badges of honor—they’re productivity killers. I’ve learned that short breaks aren’t a luxury; they’re essential.

Enter the Pomodoro timer apps, which now politely nag me to take 2-5 minute breaks. Turns out, moving my body and giving my eyes a breather helps me go the distance. The ideal work-rest cycle is personal, so experiment and find what keeps you sharp. Trust me—your neck will thank you.

💡Check out this post for some tips to help you unwind and relax after a busy day.

Final Thoughts

Becoming more aware of these bad habits is the first step to breaking them—and boosting my productivity. It’s like knowing your flaws but still managing to do something about them. So, what are your top productivity mistakes? Hope you found some helpful takeaways here to improve your own game. Let’s all aim to work smarter, not harder (and maybe take a few more breaks while we’re at it).

💡Looking for more productivity hacks? Check out this post for a complete habit overhaul.

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