Why You're Not as Productive as You Want Yourself to Be
And How to Smash Through Your Own Barriers
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Let's cut to the chase.
You've read the articles, downloaded the apps, and yet, as you sit there, scrolling through endless productivity hacks at the end of yet another day, you're forced to confront a harsh truth:
”You're not as productive as you'd like to be.”
That nagging sensation of running a marathon on a treadmill.
It's as if there's an invisible force field around your to-do list, making it impossible to break through to true productivity.
You feel it, don't you?
Welcome to the club of high aspirations and equally high frustrations.
Here’s the hard truth.
It's not for a lack of trying.
After years of battling my own demons, I've identified not just the external distractions that disrupt our flow, but the internal blockades that keep us from tapping into our full potential.
The root causes are deeper, often hidden beneath layers of habit, emotion, and environment.
Here's a breakdown of the real reasons you're stuck in a rut, and spoiler alert: it's not because you need another app or a productivity system.
Reason#1: The paradox of productivity
Let's face it:
We live in a world that romanticizes the grind, worships the hustle, and deifies those who seem to have it all figured out.
But here's the dirty little secret they don't tell you on the glossy covers of success magazines:
Attachment to outcomes is a creativity killer.
The more you're attached to outcomes, the less productive you become.
It's a joy thief.
It saps the very lifeblood of innovation and leaves you running on a treadmill of dissatisfaction.
Why?
Because when you're hyper-focused on the destination, you miss out on the journey.
You overlook the lessons learned from failures, the unexpected detours that lead to personal growth, and the simple joy of creating for the sake of creating.
Consider the legends:
Steve Jobs didn't obsess over the immediate success of each product.
He was more in love with the act of creation itself.
J.K. Rowling didn’t write with the guaranteed belief that Harry Potter would be a global phenomenon.
She persevered through rejection, fueled by her passion for storytelling.
The world, however, doesn’t care for your timelines or your desperate need for validation.
The universe operates on its own schedule.
Take a moment to reflect on your own life:
How many times have you found yourself paralyzed by the fear of not achieving your desired outcome?
How often has this fear stopped you from taking risks, trying new things, or simply enjoying the moment?
This isn’t a call to abandon goals or to stop striving for success.
It's about setting intentions, yes, but also about being open to the journey, embracing the unexpected, and finding fulfillment in the act of doing, not just in the achievement of the outcome.
Success, after all, isn’t just about the accolades or achievements.
It’s also about becoming the version that would be in a relaxed state of mind no matter what.
Agree?
Reason#2: Dualistic Thinking
Right or wrong.
White or black.
Success or failure.
Dualistic thinking, the habit of seeing the world in black and white, can be a major roadblock to achieving the productivity and success you yearn for.
Steve Jobs once said, "Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do."
This is the essence of moving beyond dualistic thinking.
Consider the wisdom of Bruce Lee, who famously said, "Be water, my friend."
Water does not conform to the rigid structure of dualistic thinking.
It flows around obstacles, adapts to its container, and finds its way through the smallest of cracks.
It is both soft and powerful.
Lee understood that the essence of productivity lies not in rigid categorization but in adaptability and fluidity.
So, it's about recognizing that life is filled with shades of gray, and that productivity flourishes in the flexibility to adapt, to choose from a spectrum of options rather than being confined to the extremes.
Perceive productivity like a master chess player who sees the board in terms of strategic opportunities rather than just individual pieces.
It’s okay of you didn’t do anything today.
It’s okay if you didn’t check your to-dos.
Because….
You’re in a charging mode.
Reason#3: The Illusion of Control
We pride ourselves on our ability to juggle tasks—answering emails, while on a conference call, and updating a project spreadsheet.
It feels efficient, but it's a mirage.
Science tells us that our brains aren't wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with high efficiency.
Instead, we are simply switching tasks quickly, which can reduce productivity by as much as 40%.
The cost?
Increased stress, diminished quality, and a longer completion time for tasks.
It's a fast track to mediocrity.
The antidote is singular focus—deep diving into one task with the intensity of a laser beam cuts through the illusion and delivers real results.
Reason#4: Everything Is Urgent
Our days are besieged by the urgent, constantly pulling us away from the important.
Emails, phone calls, last-minute requests—all demanding immediate attention, but rarely aligned with our long-term goals.
This tyranny of the urgent creates a mirage of productivity, keeping us busy but far from productive.
True productivity blooms when you know what’s important. That’s when deep work and meaningful progress thrive.
Cultivate it by setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks that align with your highest objectives.
My secret?
The Eisenhower matrix:
Reason#5: The Digital Dopamine Dilemma
Notifications..ughh…
They're like dopamine slot machines in our pockets and on our desks.
Every ping could be a jackpot of likes, shares, or emails.
But each one also hijacks our attention and scatters our focus.
The fix?
Go on a notification diet.
how?
Steal my process:
Step 1: Take Inventory
Begin by scrutinizing each app on your device.
Ask yourself, "Does this bring joy, or just jitters?" Channel your inner digital Marie Kondo.
If an app's notifications don't serve a direct, positive purpose in your life, it's time for it to go silent.
Step 2: Customize Ruthlessly
For the apps that remain, dive into their settings like a surgeon with a scalpel.
Cut down the fat. You don't need to know every time someone likes your photo or retweets you.
Keep only the notifications that inform, not those that simply distract.
Step 3: Embrace 'Do Not Disturb'
This feature is your best friend.
It's the bouncer at the club of your focus, keeping the riff-raff out.
Schedule it during your most productive hours or family time.
If it's truly important, they'll call. Twice.
Step 4: The Physical World Beckons
Remember life before smartphones?
No?
Well, it's time to reacquaint yourself.
Allocate phone-free zones and times.
Dinner tables, bedrooms, or any place/time you want to protect for deep work or deep connections—make these sacred, screen-free spaces.
Step 5: Detox and Reflect
Periodically, take a step back.
Go a day or even just an afternoon without any non-essential digital interaction.
Notice the difference in how you feel and think.
This reflection period can realign your perspective on what truly deserves your attention.
Step 6: Celebrate the Silence
As you adjust to this new way of living, you'll start noticing the gaps of silence in your day.
These aren't empty spaces; they're filled with life.
The laugh of a loved one, the rustle of leaves, the depth of your own thoughts—these are the sounds of a life unencumbered by the constant demand for attention.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding these productivity killers is the first step.
The next step is action.
True productivity isn’t about filling every moment with work.
It’s about making the most of your focused efforts and then truly enjoying the rest of your time, guilt-free.
Now, go forth and conquer your day with the stealth and precision of a productivity ninja.
👉 If this post resonates with you, forward it on to your buddies!
And please, don't forget to hit that ❤️ button.
If you’re NOT using the app, respond with the word “Awesome.”
It helps others find it on Substack.
Thanks for the support! 🙌