Why Productivity Hacks Are The Worst For Your Productivity

I’ve noticed a pattern over the last couple of years of coaching CEOs: the most all-over-the-place, always busy and the least effective people are the ones geeking out on the latest productivity tool / method / gadget. 

Productivity p*rn will get you nowhere. 

It’s simulating the real thing, making you believe you are becoming more productive. 

You are always hunting for the latest trick, the newest hack that will sort out your life for good, the quick fix that is one subscription or purchase away. 

Only to leave you disappointed at best, totally unproductive at worst. 

Now, I am not saying that none of that stuff works. They are just not the point. 

Becoming brutally intentional about your time and honest about what truly matters is one of the most underrated productivity “hacks”.

Discussing pointless issues that someone should be able to solve - No. 

Giving the same feedback for the 5th time that falls on deaf ears - Nope. 

Working on the symptom of a problem instead of pausing and asking hard questions. - That’s another No.

Filling my calendar with ‘alignment’ and ‘sync’ conversations that could be a write-up - Absolutely. No. Way.  

Catching up with people that drain my energy - Forget it. 

One of the best thing you can do for your productivity is this: 

Set aside 30mins every weekend / Mon morning and ask yourself these questions: 

What can I accomplish this week that would make the biggest impact on my life / work? 

Is it in alignment with what I am working towards this month/quarter/year? 

When I look at my calendar, do I have enough time set aside to work on it? 

Tell me how it goes :)