To increase work productivity, we can start from fixing the mindset that has actually been a barrier to productivity so far.
As we know, a good mindset will produce good behavior too.
Both are closely related to each other. Therefore, if you have tried many practical tips regarding productivity but have never succeeded, maybe the problem lies in the mindset.
So, let’s pay attention to the important discussion that Glints has summarized below!
1. Planning fallacy
This mindset is quite a hindrance to productivity because it makes you procrastinate.
According to the American Psychology Association reported by Psychology Today, planning fallacy is a tendency to underestimate the time needed to complete a task.
Usually, this is because we are too optimistic about our ability to complete the task.
In fact, there are some things beyond your control that could hinder your work later.
This planning fallacy can also cause new problems, one of which is the urge to take on more projects. In fact, actually you will not be able to complete it according to the deadline.
2. Underestimating simple tips
The next mindset that hinders productivity is feeling that the simple productivity tips that people often give are definitely not going to be effective.
Moreover, if you feel that these tips are old methods. Finally, you don’t want to try to apply it and look for new, more complex and innovative methods.
In fact, you have not tried and proved its effectiveness.
Reporting from the Harvard Business Review, in looking for productivity tips, you need to find the simplest, easiest, but proven method for you.
If it is too complex and even proves to be ineffective, it is feared that you will easily give up trying to improve productivity.
3. All or nothing mentality
In some cases, this all or nothing mentality (giving 100% effort or not trying at all) really needs to be done. Nevertheless, this mindset still runs the risk of becoming a productivity barrier.
When trying to be more productive, all it takes are small, consistent steps rather than 100% effort but only lasting a short time.
For example, when you try to improve sleep quality. There are many habits that you may need to change, such as:
- Stop playing on your cell phone before going to sleep
- didn’t do the work until I stayed up late
- turn off the lights or replace them with dimmer lights
- Don’t consume caffeine close to bedtime
If done simultaneously, of course all of the above will feel heavy. There is nothing easy in forming new habits.
So, it’s okay to do it little by little and appreciate yourself for the small changes that have been achieved.
If you have succeeded in making small changes, the desire to make other bigger changes will come by itself.
4. Feeling embarrassed because it is not productive
This mindset might not sound like a productivity bottleneck.
However, feeling embarrassed because you failed to be productive can make you look for other distractions to make you feel better.
Humans are not machines or robots. We can also let our guard down at any time, for example when we fail to exercise in the morning because we wake up late.
Instead of focusing too much on shame which ultimately ends in blaming yourself, it’s better to be directly responsible not to repeat the same mistake.
5. Underestimating distraction during liminal moments
What are liminal moments?
According to Psychology Today, liminal moments are the time transitions from one thing to another that we are working on.
What do you do when your laptop stops responding or takes too long to load when opening a website?
Some people might wait, but not a few also decide to play on their cell phones or do other activities while waiting for those liminal moments.
Without realizing it, you actually scroll social media for hours. This habit is often underestimated which ends up being repeated and hindering your productivity.
Source : https://glints.com/