11 Things Highly Productive Individuals Never Do

Adam Payne • May 01, 2023

11 Things Highly Productive People Don’t Do

Don't Make Excuses

You are responsible for your actions. You can't blame others for what you do or don't do, so don't make excuses. Don't let external factors dictate your success or failure--you are in control of your own destiny!

Don't Worry About Perfection

When you're working on a project, it's easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the big picture. But if your focus is always on perfection, then you'll never finish anything.


Instead of worrying about getting everything right from the start, focus on making progress and improving as you go along. Aim for excellence instead of perfection--and remember that there will always be room for improvement!


It's also important not to worry too much about how things end up coming out; instead, focus on the process by which they were created: what did I learn? How can I improve my next attempt at this task?

Don't Procrastinate

Procrastination is the enemy of productivity. It's easy to put off things that are important, but it also makes them harder and more stressful when you finally get around to doing them.


If you want your life and work to be productive, then procrastinating needs to go out the window! Here are some tips on how you can stop procrastinating:


  • Prioritise tasks: Make a to-do list and prioritise tasks based on their importance and deadlines. This will help you focus on what needs to be done first, reducing the urge to procrastinate.
  • Remove distractions: Identify and eliminate anything that distracts you from working, such as turning off notifications on your devices, decluttering your workspace, or using website blockers to restrict access to time-wasting sites.
  • Use time management techniques: Implement strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in short, focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break, to maintain productivity and avoid burnout.
  • Establish a routine: Develop a daily routine that incorporates work, breaks, and leisure activities. This will create a sense of structure and help you build productive habits.
  • Visualise success: Imagine the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you'll experience once your task is finished. This mental exercise can provide motivation and help you push through moments of procrastination.
  • Seek support: If you're struggling with procrastination, consider joining a support group, working with a coach, or using productivity apps to help you stay on track and develop better time management skills.


Check out our Productivity and Time Management training here for a more detailed view - Access Here! 

Don't Multitask

Multitasking is the enemy of productivity. When you are trying to do two things at once, you're actually doing neither well. Multitasking can lead to poor quality work and missed deadlines because it makes it harder for you to focus on one thing at a time.


When working on multiple projects or tasks, it's important not only that you focus on one project at a time until it’s complete, but also take breaks so that your brain has time to rest and recharge.

Don't Let Fear Hold You Back

The fifth thing highly productive people don't do is let fear hold them back. They face their fears head-on, take calculated risks, and embrace the possibility of failure. By refusing to be shackled by fear, they unlock their full potential and achieve what others only dream of.


Fear can be a powerful force, paralysing us and preventing us from pursuing our goals. But highly productive individuals recognise that fear is a natural part of life – and that it can be harnessed as a tool for growth. Instead of avoiding situations that evoke fear, they lean into the discomfort, using it as a catalyst for personal and professional development.

Don't Try to Do Everything Yourself

This is a tricky one, because it's easy to get caught up in the idea that you can do everything yourself. You might think: "I'm the only one who knows how this works." Or maybe you feel like if you don't do it, no one else will.


But there are two problems with this way of thinking: first, if everyone thinks this way, then no one can get anything done because we're all trying to do everything ourselves; second, trying too hard can lead us down an unhealthy path where we start ignoring our health and well-being in order to keep going at full speed (which isn't sustainable).


So what should you do instead? Delegate tasks where possible--and don't forget about outsourcing! You might also want to ask for help from friends or family members who have similar interests as yours; they may be able to assist with certain aspects of your project without even realising it!

Don't Neglect Your Health

You can't be productive if you're not healthy. If you don't get enough sleep, eat right and exercise regularly, it's going to be hard for you to focus on your work. That's why highly productive people make sure they take care of their health first before anything else.


Get enough sleep: A good night's rest is essential for maintaining mental clarity throughout the day. If you're not getting enough sleep at night because of work or other obligations, try waking up earlier than usual so that when evening rolls around, all that remains is winding down with a book or watching TV before bedtime arrives again (and hopefully sweet dreams).


Eat healthy: Eating well helps keep energy levels high throughout the day without having to rely on caffeine or sugar highs from soda pop drinks like cola or energy drinks (which aren't exactly good for your body).

Don't Be Afraid to Say No

When you're working on something, it can be tempting to take on more than you can handle. But this is a mistake: when we accept too many tasks or responsibilities, we end up feeling overwhelmed and unable to do our best work. Instead of saying yes to everything that comes your way, try saying no more often--and then focus on what's important to you instead of trying to please everyone else.


Say no when someone asks for help with something that isn't in line with your goals or priorities. If there are things in life that matter most to us--whether it's family time or exercise or reading books--then let those things take priority over other tasks!

Don't Lose Focus

Set goals and track your progress. If you don't know where you're going, how can anyone else? Setting goals is an important step in becoming more productive because it helps keep us on track and focused on what's important. It also helps us prioritise our time by deciding which tasks to do first based on their value and importance, rather than just doing whatever comes up next in our daily lives (which could lead to unnecessary stress).

Don't Be Afraid to Take Breaks

Take short breaks. It's important to give your mind a rest from time to time, especially if you've been working on something for a long period of time or if it's been particularly stressful. When we're focused on one task for too long, our brains can get tired and start making mistakes that we wouldn't normally make. Go for a walk, do a bit of exercise--it'll help refresh your mind so that when you come back to your work, everything will seem easier!

Don't Forget to Celebrate Your Successes

When you've accomplished something big, don't forget to celebrate! Take the time to reward yourself and reflect on your accomplishments. You deserve it!


If you want to be more productive in the future, celebrate with others who have helped make your success possible.


Conclusion


Highly productive people have certain habits and behaviours that set them apart from the rest. 


By adopting these habits and behaviours, you too can become a highly productive person. Remember, productivity isn't just about getting more done in less time; it's about achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. So, start implementing these habits and behaviours today and watch your productivity soar!

Woman with fist out-stretched punching the air

***DON'T LET FAILURE HOLD YOU BACK***


Don't let fear of failure hold you back from reaching your full potential. Mistakes are inevitable, but they don't have to define you. 


Our tailored small business mentoring sessions are designed to provide you with essential strategies to overcome challenges and achieve success. Embrace the inevitable and let us help you soar! - Click Here

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