4 Common Productivity Lies That Are Sabotaging Your Success

Many professionals unknowingly follow productivity lies that make work harder than it needs to be. These beliefs, such as multitasking or working longer hours, can quietly sabotage your progress and drain your energy.

Productivity lies — often called productivity myths — are statements that feel true but are ultimately false when it comes to your ability to work efficiently and effectively.

In this article, you’ll learn four common productivity lies, why people believe them, and how to replace them with a healthier, more sustainable productivity mindset.

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

What are productivity lies?

Productivity lies are statements that feel true but are ultimately false when it comes to your ability to work efficiently and effectively.

They can sabotage your progress because they perpetuate an unhelpful mindset that work must be filled with struggle, overwhelm, and exhaustion in order to be productive.

Productivity lies may be statements that you’ve heard made by others when you’re out and about in public. You may have heard productivity myths through your experiences with friends, family, and colleagues.

Why do people believe productivity lies?

People may choose to believe productivity lies because it’s the path of least resistance. When you’re constantly relating and interacting with others, it’s all too easy to go along with what others think.

In my work as a productivity coach, I’ve seen these lies crop up in a variety of ways. And these reasons might surprise you!

For starters, you may believe productivity lies because you’re simply repeating what others have said. You may have consciously or unconsciously incorporated these statements into your core work ethic or beliefs.

Another reason you may believe productivity lies is that it may feel easier to accept poor habits. Why should you make an effort to change your poor habits when others aren’t doing the same? It’s much easier to be comfortable with the status quo.

You may also believe productivity lies because you think your worth as a person is tied to your work output. If you produce more work, then you may feel you’ve shown your worth or proven your value to others.

I once coached a small business owner who saw clients everyday from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. At the time, she believed she had to work long hours all the time in order to be successful.

But here’s the surprising part: she and her business were already in high demand. She had a waitlist of well over 40 clients! In this case, working longer hours to serve clients didn’t solve her productivity woes.

How do productivity lies affect your performance?

Productivity lies can dramatically affect your performance because they mask the hidden challenges you’re currently facing.

It’s kind of like placing a sheet of pretty wallpaper over a large hole in a wall. Sure, the hole is covered up, but it still needs to be repaired. The fundamental challenge still remains.

Besides creating a false sense of security, productivity lies can also be detrimental to your performance because they:

Drain your attention and energy

When you tell yourself productivity lies, you place a great strain on your attention and energy levels. You’re no longer working from a position of strength and balance. You inadvertently scatter your attention, are reactionary, and make excuses for not taking breaks. This can make you feel drained and overworked.

Create unnecessary emphasis on your output

Productivity lies create unnecessary emphasis on your work output, or what you can physically produce within a duration of time. Instead of focusing on quality, the experience, or improving your skills, you’re only focused on the result. While there’s something to be said about quality of work, how you produce quality work matters much more.

Place value on others’ perception of you and your work

Productivity lies skew your perception of your self-worth in a negative way. There’s no need to prove your worth as a human being; you’re a worthwhile person just because you’re you! Associating your identity with your work output puts the power into others’ hands, and not your own.

Remember that client I talked about earlier who worked from sunup to sundown? I strongly suspect she was concerned about what others would think if she were to cut her hours. She was trying to prove herself through her work. But that was completely unnecessary because people continued seeking her guidance.

Now that we’ve explored some productivity lie basics, let’s examine four productivity lies that may be shaping your work habits right now.

Common productivity lies at a glance

Many productivity myths sound logical but actually undermine your ability to work effectively. Common examples include:

• Setting boundaries is a sign of weakness
• Multitasking improves efficiency
• Reflection time is unproductive
• Hustling constantly is required for success

Understanding these myths is the first step toward developing a sustainable productivity mindset.

Productivity lie #1: Setting boundaries is a sign of weakness

Setting boundaries as a sign of weakness tends to be one of the top productivity lies. Why? For many people, setting boundaries brings to mind visions of restriction or lack.

Some people fearfully believe that if a boundary is set, they will disappoint others. They might think they’re severely restricting their business operations. And they might believe they won’t be able to support clients in their business to the fullest.

Another component at play here is that people want to appear capable. Saying “no” to a current client may be perceived as not delivering satisfactory customer service. But in reality, it’s just a “no.” That doesn’t mean you can’t deliver excellent customer service or that you can’t explore other avenues and opportunities to serve your clients.

And finally, there’s a bit of a cultural expectation around availability. In today’s 24/7 world, products, goods, and services can easily be purchased from almost any location around the world. This expectation of availability can certainly affect how we perceive boundaries.

What happens when you avoid boundaries at work?

Avoiding boundaries at work tends to have a negative effect on your day and regular routine. Sure, it might feel good in the moment to push through and overstep your self-imposed boundary. But in the end, you may be doing more bad than good.

Here’s a few key things that happen when you avoid boundaries at work:

• Decision fatigue. It becomes more difficult to make well-informed decisions when decision-making skills are lax.
• Reactive work. Instead of focusing on what will move your goals forward, you work on tasks that simply come your way.
• Resentment. You may feel anger or frustration when you’re not spending time with loved ones or focusing on work.
• Decreased quality of work. Shifting boundaries means you’re always “on” and don’t have sufficient time to rest.

Why are boundaries necessary for productivity?

Boundaries are essential for productivity because they protect your energy, create clarity, and reduce overwhelm.

They give you a specific window in which to work and rest. You have dedicated time to work with clients and customers. You have personal time for meals, sleeping, and relaxing with friends and family.

What’s more, boundaries help create structure in your day. It’s much easier to read a calendar when work, break, and vacation time are clearly accounted for. You can clearly and easily follow the boundary you’ve set for yourself.

What should you believe instead?

Here’s what you should believe instead if you think that setting boundaries is a sign of weakness:

“Setting boundaries helps me to clearly identify my professional and personal priorities.”

You can use this statement whenever you’re feeling the urge to overstep your boundaries. That might be squeezing in client work during the day or bringing work with you on your next vacation.

Remember, boundaries are a source of strength because they help protect your time and energy.

Here’s a few simple boundary-setting scripts you can use the next time your boundaries are being tested:

• “I don’t respond to emails after 5 P.M., but I do respond to all emails within 24-48 hours of receiving them.”
• “Unfortunately, I’m unavailable at that day and time. What’s your availability like for next week?”
• “Thanks for thinking of me, but my schedule currently doesn’t allow for additional volunteer time. Please feel free to keep me posted for future volunteer opportunities.”

Try making this boundary shift this week: set a specific end of work time in your business, and stick to it. If someone asks you if you’re available, you can decline using one of the above scripts or something similar.

Expert Insight from Rashelle Isip, Productivity Coach

Many productivity challenges aren’t caused by poor time management tools — they’re caused by unhelpful beliefs about how work “should” happen. When you change your productivity mindset, your systems and habits become much easier to manage.

Productivity lie #2: multitasking is absolutely necessary to keep up

Does multitasking actually improve productivity?

No, multitasking does not improve productivity. Multitasking increases cognitive switching costs and reduces efficiency.

Why does multitasking feel productive?

Multitasking feels productive because it creates the illusion of progress. However, constantly switching between tasks increases mental effort and can reduce efficiency and accuracy in your work.

Unfortunately, the above belief doesn’t necessarily translate you to working on the right things at the right time (more on that in just a bit). For instance, you could be working on non-urgent and non-important tasks that do not move urgent and important client projects forward.

And lastly, for better or worse, this multitasking productivity myth appears to be socially accepted. It’s perfectly acceptable for us to tell others about how much we accomplished in a certain duration of time, while juggling five other tasks.

What are the hidden costs of multitasking?

There are some hidden costs of multitasking that you may not have previously considered:

• Lack of prioritization. When you multitask, you may not properly prioritize tasks according to importance and urgency.
• Mental fatigue. Switching between various tasks can tire your mind and thinking and processing skills and ability.
• Increased mistakes. You may inadvertently make mistakes or errors in your work when you multitask.
• Communication challenges. There may be an increased risk for miscommunication or misunderstanding with others.

But the real overall cost is what multitasking does to your productivity mindset. It tricks you into thinking you’re making progress. When in reality, you may be working on tasks that aren’t helping you to reach your goals.

What should you believe instead?

Here’s what you should believe instead if you think that multitasking is absolutely necessary:

“Working on a single task allows me to focus on where it matters most.”

Try repeating that sentence aloud to yourself whenever you’re tempted to multitask. Use it the next time you feel the urge to simultaneously write a report, answer the telephone, and browse ten open tabs on your internet browser.

Here’s a few ways you can prevent yourself from multitasking during the day and week while working:

• Schedule specific dedicated time in your calendar to work on a single task, be it for an assignment or project.
• Put down your phone when working, if necessary, temporarily silence or switch your settings to airplane mode.
• Remove or disable unnecessary social media notifications and alerts on your smartphone and computer.

Try making this multitasking shift this week: pay attention to how you’re currently working. If you’re writing an email on your computer, but have several other apps or programs open, stop. Ask yourself whether these tools are helping you work or are simply providing you with the illusion of work progress.

Looking to boost your productivity without working more? My Productivity Mindset Planner™ is designed as a daily check-in to help you shift out of overwhelm and into intentional action.

Click the button below to download the planner:

Productivity lie #3: reflection time is a waste of time

Why do people tend to avoid reflection?

People tend to avoid reflection because it creates an outward appearance of “doing nothing.” Remember earlier when we talked about multitasking and the appearance of doing work? This is a subcomponent of that.

Reflection time unfortunately gets the short end of the stick because it’s viewed as unproductive. But that doesn’t mean things aren’t going on behind the scenes. Our minds are considering ideas, events, scenarios, and challenges when we rest or reflect.

How does reflection time improve productivity?

Reflection time improves productivity for several key reasons that have to do with our work:

• Process recent experiences. Your mind has time to process recent actions, thoughts, conversations, and challenges.
• Understand patterns. Viewing work objectively allows new and novel patterns, associations, and insights to come forth.
• Stimulates creativity. Having unstructured time opens up potential connections between similar and disparate ideas.
• Allows for rest. Scheduled or unscheduled reflection time can take place at lunch, on a coffee break, or on vacation.

What should you believe instead?

Here’s what you should believe instead if you think that reflection time is a waste of time:

“Reflection time allows me to improve my work flow in a more wholesome way.”

Reflection time allows you to synthesize and evaluate recent events. It also allows offers a chance for you to take key learnings and turn them into golden lessons for improvement.

Here’s a few ways you can shift your thoughts about reflection time:

• Add buffers of reflection time to your calendar for ongoing daily weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly work.
• Schedule reflection time at the of end projects and assignments to help you make improvements in future.
• Keep track of the valuable insights you’ve gained for ready reference in a notebook or journal at your desk.

Try making this reflection shift this week: take ten minutes at the end of the week to note your accomplishments over the past several days. These can large or small accomplishments, conversations you’ve had, or decisions you’ve made. The idea is to think about your work results and how it impacted the rest of your work.

Productivity lie #4: hustling and grinding is the only way to succeed

What is hustle culture?

Hustle culture is the belief that one must work long hours at all times in order to gain a desired end result. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, working non-stop without any rest, and bragging about your actions are common components of hustle culture.

Why is hustle culture so prevalent?

Hustle culture is prevalent for several key reasons, including work ethics, current technology, and social appeal.

First off, there’s a strong work ethic that’s prevalent in the United States. You work hard, put in the time and effort, and receive a just reward. That belief is literally baked into the fabric of this country.

Secondly, today’s technological advances makes work incredibly accessible. You can literally video chat with someone around the world at any time, receive news updates 24/7, and sell products and services to people on the other side of the world.

And thirdly, there’s a perceived glamour that comes with hustle culture myths, be it on social media, video, or chat rooms. It’s easier to disseminate information and present oneself to the world than it was in previous generations.

What happens if you only hustle and grind?

The long-term consequences of hustle and grind can be quite detrimental to your overall productivity. By putting in long hours and draining your energy, you may lose interest in your business or potentially create serious health consequences for yourself.

What’s more, hustling and grinding only leads to more hustling and grinding. Above all, it’s uncomfortable and unsustainable. And that’s not a healthy approach if you want you and your business having sustainable productivity levels for years to come.

What should you believe instead?

Here’s what you should believe instead if you think that hustling and grinding is the only way to succeed in your work.

“Working smoothly and steadily allows me to work at a more sustainable pace for the long-term.”

Working steadily allows you to produce quality work at a more relaxed pace. This method offers a way for you to not only produce work, but to ensure you will be able to continue to produce work for weeks and months to come.

Here’s a few ways you can make the shift from the hustle and grind approach in your work:

• Prioritize work tasks instead of simply being reactive to oncoming tasks. Define which tasks you wish to complete.
• Schedule regular bedtime, meal and break times for yourself to rest and recharge. Notice how you feel afterwards.
• Reflect on instances in which you were able to complete your work when you were relaxed and at ease. What the result?

Try making this shift from the hustle and grind mindset: flip around the narrative of “hustle and grind,” to that of “ease and flow.” Think of ways you can add ease and flow to your daily work.

How about taking your daily lunch instead of powering through your work? What about scheduling sufficient time between meetings instead of scheduling them back-to-back? Adding ease and flow to your daily routine is easier than you think.

How do you stop believing productivity lies?

If you want to stop believing productivity lies, then you can simply stop believing them! Honestly, that’s the fastest and simplest way to overcoming these lies.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple to switch off a belief that’s been entrenched in your productivity mindset for years or decades. Reprogramming your beliefs takes focus, time, and energy.

Fortunately, you can do some things right now to move the process along.

How to identify your hidden productivity beliefs

First, notice any uncomfortable feelings you’re experiencing when it comes to your work. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed when it comes to your workload?

Next, you’ll want to examine what unhelpful statements or beliefs you may be holding onto. What are you telling yourself when it comes to the amount, duration, or quality of your work? How about your work environment or conditions?

For instance, you might believe you have little time in your schedule for work on a daily basis. That’s just your belief.

You believe you’re strapped for time and end up creating a self-satisfying prophecy. You have no time to work because you think you have no time.

What you can do to replace an unhelpful productivity belief

To replace an unhelpful productivity belief, simply flip that existing belief around 180 degrees to its opposite. The idea here is to change your unhelpful productivity belief with a more helpful and supportive one.

From our example above, the existing unhelpful belief is that you have little time in your schedule for work. If we turn that belief around, the revamped belief is that you have sufficient time in your schedule for work.

This may seem all too simple. But changing how you think about productivity changes how you experience work.

What you can do to cultivate helpful productivity beliefs

Now that you’ve defined a more helpful productivity belief, you need to cultivate this belief on a regular basis.

One way is to practice mindfulness and remind yourself daily of this new belief. You may even want to create an affirmation for yourself such as, “I have sufficient time in my schedule for work.”

The next step is to follow that belief with supportive actions. Upon further inspection of your calendar, you find you have enough time to do your work. You just need to make a few targeted productivity adjustments.

Cultivating sustainable productivity beliefs and actions is an ongoing practice. You might delegate assignments to your assistant, remove unnecessary tasks from your to-do list, and block time in your schedule for focused work sessions. And of course, remind yourself that you have sufficient time to do your work.

Remember the client I talked about earlier? She first came to me with a similar belief of having to work incredibly long hours in her business. And she looked the part: she wasn’t sleeping well and had large dark circles and bags under her eyes.

But in reality that wasn’t the case at all. She didn’t have to work long hours. We corrected the lie she was telling herself from, “I have to work long hours to be successful,” to “I can work sustainable hours and be successful.”

After several months of working together, she was almost like a different person. She was confident, well-rested, and vibrant. She was a much different and cheerful version of herself. And all because she worked on changing her beliefs and actions!

The productivity lie reset framework

You can replace unhelpful productivity beliefs by following a simple four-step process:

1. Identify the productivity lie you’re repeating to yourself.
2. Question the belief and examine whether it actually supports your work.
3. Replace the belief with a healthier productivity mindset.
4. Reinforce the belief with action through intentional changes to your work habits.

FAQ: productivity lies

Conclusion

Productivity lies often feel true because they’re ever present in our modern world. We see our colleagues, coworkers, friends, and influencers either stating or believing productivity untruths. And just because others make statements, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily true.

The good news is that you don’t have to fall victim to the productivity lies that are out there. By educating yourself on common productivity lies and what to do about them, you can prevent yourself from unnecessary stress and overwork. What’s more, you’ll have a firm foundation that will help you be productive not only for the present, but the future.

If you’re ready to replace stressful productivity myths with a calmer, more sustainable approach to work, my Productivity Mindset Planner™ can help. It’s a simple daily tool designed to help you reflect, refocus, and take intentional action without overwhelm.

Click below to download your copy:

Rashelle Isip Productivity Coach and Founder of The Order Expert®

Rashelle Isip is a New York City-based productivity coach, consultant, and founder of The Order Expert®. With over 16 years of experience, she helps entrepreneurs and executives replace the "hustle and grind" mindset with one of "ease and flow." Rashelle is a former contributing columnist for Inc.com and Lifehack.org, and has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, NBC News, The Washington Post, and NPR. She is the author of four books, including The Order Expert’s Guide to Time Management. When not helping clients master their schedules, she enjoys scouting for practical, well-designed office supplies. Learn more at TheOrderExpert.com.

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