5 Bad Habits That Are Destroying Your Productivity

Stop sabotaging your productivity with these 5 bad habits

Aghara Kingsley
6 min readMay 3, 2023
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

As the famous motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “We all have two choices: We can make a living or we can design a life.”

If you’re here, it’s probably because you want to design a life that is more productive and fulfilling.

But have you ever stopped to think about the habits that are holding you back from achieving that life?

In this article, I’m going to talk about the bad habits that are destroying your productivity.

These habits might seem harmless at first, but over time, they can derail your progress and keep you from reaching your full potential.

The good news is that you have the power to break these habits and transform your life. But before we get into that, I want to ask you a question:

What would your life look like if you were able to eliminate the bad habits that are holding you back? Would you be more successful? More fulfilled? Happier?

It’s time to take a hard look at the habits that are preventing you from living the life you want.

And with my help, you’ll be able to identify and overcome those habits once and for all.

So, let’s get started on this journey together and discover how you can break free from the bad habits that are destroying your productivity.

1. Multitasking

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As someone who has tried to multitask in the past, I can attest that it can be tempting to try and tackle multiple tasks simultaneously.

However, I’ve learned through experience that multitasking can actually be counterproductive and hinder my overall productivity.

When I try to do too many things at once, I find that I am not able to give any one task the attention and focus it deserves, leading to a below par end result.

In fact, research shows that multitasking can decrease productivity by up to 40%.

This is because when we switch between tasks, our brains need to expend extra effort to refocus and get back on track, leading to mental fatigue and a decrease in overall efficiency.

Additionally, when we try to do too many things at once, we run the risk of making mistakes and missing important details, which can be detrimental to our work.

Overall, while it may seem like multitasking can help us get more done in less time, it can actually have the opposite effect and lead to decreased productivity.

2. Procrastination

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Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, usually to the point where it causes unnecessary stress or results in missed deadlines.

As someone who has struggles with procrastination, I know firsthand how it can kill productivity.

Putting off tasks can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed, and the longer we put something off, the more daunting it can seem.

This can lead to a vicious cycle where we put things off, feel overwhelmed, and then put things off even more.

In addition to the stress and missed deadlines, procrastination can also negatively impact the quality of our work.

When we rush to complete something at the last minute, we often don’t have enough time to give it our best effort.

This can result in sub standard work that doesn’t meet our own standards or the expectations of others.

Ultimately, procrastination can take a toll on our mental health, our relationships, and our professional success.

3. Constantly Checking My Phone or Email

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As someone who has struggled with productivity, I have come to realize that constantly checking my phone or email is a major distraction that affects my ability to get things done.

Every time I pick up my phone or check my email, I lose focus and have to reorient myself to the task at hand.

This constant disruption can quickly add up and eat away at my productivity, causing me to fall behind on deadlines or miss important details.

In addition to the immediate impact on my productivity, this habit can also have a long-term impact on my mental health.

Studies have shown that excessive smartphone use leads to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

By constantly checking my phone and email, I am not only sabotaging my productivity but also putting my mental health at risk.

In order to break this habit and improve my productivity, I have started setting designated times throughout the day to check my phone and email, and making a conscious effort to stay off my phone during work hours.

This has helped me stay focused and be more productive while also improving my overall wellbeing.

4. Lack of Organization

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As someone who has experienced the negative effects of a lack of organization on productivity, I can attest to the importance of being organized.

When I wasn’t organized, I would often waste valuable time trying to find things or remember what tasks needed to be completed.

This led to feelings of overwhelm and stress, and a decrease in my overall productivity.

Being organized involves having a system in place for managing tasks and prioritizing them, as well as having a clean and tidy workspace.

When everything has a designated place and is easily accessible, it saves time and mental energy. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of deadlines and due dates, so that tasks can be completed in a timely manner.

By prioritizing tasks and tackling them one at a time, it’s easier to avoid becoming overwhelmed and increase productivity.

5. Not taking breaks

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As a student, I have learned the hard way that not taking breaks can seriously harm productivity.

Many people assume that working for hours on end without a break is the most efficient way to get things done.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Our brains and bodies need rest in order to function at their best.

When we work without taking breaks, we become fatigued and less focused, leading to a decline in productivity.

Personally, I have found that taking short breaks throughout the day helps me maintain my energy and focus.

Even just a few minutes away from my work can make a big difference. During my breaks, I like to stretch, take a walk, or simply sit and clear my mind.

This helps me return to my work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. I also find it helpful to take longer breaks, such as a lunch break, to fully disconnect from work and recharge.

By prioritizing breaks in my day, I have been able to improve my productivity and overall well-being.

If you found this information helpful and insightful, I encourage you to join me on this journey of personal growth and self-improvement.

Follow me for more educative content and practical tips on goal setting, productivity, and unlocking your full potential.

Together, we can strive for greatness and create a life filled with purpose and success. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and be part of a community that is committed to personal and professional development.

Join me and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.

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Aghara Kingsley

Hello! "Unlock your full potential with Aghara Kingsley, your go-to-source for productivity and personal finance related contents. Join me in this journey!"