12 Habits That Are Making You Less Productive

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Do you think that you have habits that are making you less productive?

Productivity is something we all strive for.

When you are more focused on the tasks at hand, then you have more time for family, friends, rest, and relaxation.

Did you know that you probably have negative habits that limit your ability to focus each day?

The good news is that once you are aware of these habits and the damage they can cause to your productivity, then you know what you need to stop doing.

Here are 12 habits that are making you less productive.

1. You leave your workspace dirty and cluttered

Your environment can either positively or negatively impact your mindset and productivity.

A cluttered workspace can increase stress and distractions, whereas an organized workspace can inspire you and help you put your head down and focus.

Clean up your workspace, organize any papers or notes you have out, and start each day clear and fresh.

Fill your space with things that inspire you and make you happy. 

2. You have a million tabs open on your computer

It’s difficult to focus on the task (or tab) at hand when you have a bunch of other, more desirable tabs.

Have you ever tried to write a paper with a tempting online shopping tab lurking next to your Google Docs tab?

When you are trying to be productive, only keep relevant tabs open.

Leave the rest for another time. 

3. You work from your bed

Your bed is for rest, not work.

Yes it is comfy and yes it is difficult to leave your bed, but your bed has never been a place for productivity.

If you do not have a home office, work from a kitchen table or a desk—even if that desk is in your bedroom.

Not only will working from your bed limit productivity, but it would also limit your ability to sleep there.

4. You do not have clear goals and intentions set for each day

How can you be productive without a clear focus?

You should start each day with specific goals and intentions in mind.

Start with three attainable goals each day, and you can work up from there.

If you do not have these goals for the day, you will probably end up bouncing around from task to task without actually accomplishing anything noteworthy. 

Related Reads:

• How to Organize Your To-Do List
• Batching Ideas for Productivity and Getting More Done Efficiently
• How to Create a Workspace that Fuels Productivity
• 8 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable

5. You are not drinking enough water

Hydration is super important for your health, but also for your productivity.

When you are not drinking enough water, you can feel dizzy, have a headache, and feel fatigued.

How are you going to perform your best if you feel this way?

These symptoms can prevent you from being productive, but staying hydrated can leave you feeling energized and prepared to tackle your tasks. 

6. You work without taking frequent breaks

A 12-hour power working session is never encouraged.

Your body and mind need to take breaks frequently—every hour, if possible.

The break can be short, like grabbing a cup of tea or stretching for a few minutes, but it is important to take some time to reset before continuing working.

Save things like scrolling on social media or grabbing a snack for your break, and they will add as an extra incentive to stay focused during your work time blocks.

7. You check your email too much

Your inbox is one of those things that disguises itself as a vessel of productivity when in reality, it is a total time-suck.

Checking your email is often a way to distract yourself from more important tasks, while still feeling like you are being productive.

Chances are, checking your email is not actually moving the needle in your business or to-do list.

Set limits on how often and when you will dedicate your time to your inbox, and close out of that tab any other time.

8. You do not fill your own cup first 

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

It is impossible to put all your energy into your work if you are not first taking care of yourself.

Dedicate your morning routine to filling your cup before you start your workday.

Get adequate rest, eat a healthy breakfast, exercise, journal, meditate—do whatever will serve you best.

Filling your own cup first will leave you feeling motivated and inspired and thus, productive!

9. You have the television or distracting music on in the background

Sometimes working in silence can be a challenge, but is binging your favorite show while working really helping your productivity?

When you are glancing up at a show every few seconds or dancing to your favorite tunes, you are constantly being pulled away from your work.

If you cannot focus well in silence, try listening to classical or instrumental music of some sort.

Listen to music or sounds that boost your productivity instead of ones that challenge it. 

10. Your phone is within reach

Let’s talk about the distraction of all distractions—cell phones.

It is way too easy to grab your phone every few minutes, scroll on social media, then try to resume the task at hand.

Try to have your phone out of your eyesight with notifications turned off to eliminate the biggest source of distractions.

Save checking your phone for your breaks.

11. You are not fueling your body with healthy food

It can be difficult to be productive if you feel sick or sluggish from the junk food you are eating.

One way to boost productivity is doing things that are going to help you feel and show up as your best self.

Fuel your body with healthy food that will make you feel energized and satisfied, which will also limit the number of trips you will take to the kitchen for a snack!

12. You are focused on the future and not the present 

Being present and productive go hand-in-hand, and that is why every habit on this list encourages you to be more present.

Own every day by taking it one task at a time, and do not worry about what the future holds.

If you focus on the present task at hand consistently, then it does not really matter what you have to do down the line! 

Final Thoughts

Did you figure out which habits you need to work on for your own productivity?

Productivity is easier to achieve if you make conscious choices that limit distractions and boost your ability to be productive.

Changing some of these habits will help shift your working state from being less productive to very productive, allowing you to get more work done in less time.

Try to work on a few of these negative habits, and you will notice the difference.

Not to mention, your shrinking to-do list will thank you!