Productivity Illusion: The Deceptive Allure of ‘Doing Something Else’
My clients often tell me, ‘I didn’t do the thing on my to-do list today, but I did this other thing instead.’
The other things are important too, so we feel good about our progress. Deep down, we do feel a little guilty about not doing the thing though.”
Sound familiar? I’ve been there, and I’m guessing you have too. We tell ourselves that it isn’t a big deal; after all, we did something else instead — we didn’t just watch Netflix. But that gnawing feeling in your gut, the one that tells you it isn’t great, is right.
What we’re dealing with here is procrastination, and it’s a particularly tricky form of it. We often don’t recognize it as procrastination because we are productive in our business, and that’s precisely why it’s so dangerous.
Defining Procrastination: Procrastination comes in many forms, but at its core, it’s the act of delaying important tasks in favor of less crucial ones. It often disguises itself as productivity because we’re still doing something, just not the right something.
The Hidden Danger: We often choose to work on tasks not on our to-do list is because we’re avoiding the challenging, boring, or overwhelming tasks that truly matter. These are the “needle movers” — the tasks that can significantly impact our business growth. Instead, we opt for less important tasks, thinking we’re making progress.
The Procrastination Mirage: In reality, we’re merely postponing critical tasks in favor of small, seemingly productive actions. It’s like moving two inches forward when we should be taking leaps of ten feet. The illusion of productivity can be seductive but ultimately robs us of meaningful progress.
Taking Action: So, how do you break free from the procrastination trap? Start by making a pact with yourself. Commit to tackling the important task tomorrow, and when tomorrow arrives, face it head-on. We know it’s hard, and it might feel overwhelming, but remember, you can eat away at the task one bite at a time.
Procrastination is a silent productivity killer that often disguises itself as busyness. It’s time to unmask it, recognize the valuable needle-moving tasks, and commit to doing them. Take those small, consistent steps toward your goals, and you’ll find that true progress and success await.
Call to Action: Reflect on your own procrastination habits and commit to making positive changes. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below. Let’s support each other in overcoming procrastination and achieving our goals.
Originally published at https://mariaskaarup.com on September 11, 2023.
