The 30-Day Productivity Boost (Vol. 1): 30 Bad Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Time Management (And How To Fix Them!)

by Damon Zahariades

use a browser-based app like StayFocusd to block your access to the service.

developing good habits is always preferable to using apps. It takes more effort, but empowers you with increased self-discipline.)

Action Steps 1. Shift your focus from perfecting your work to finishing it. Granted, it will take time to develop and grow accustomed to this new perspective. Start slowly. Apply this shift in focus to a single task. With time and continued application, it will become second-nature. But expect an uphill battle getting to that point.

Remember, you’re redoing mental programming that took years to gain a foothold in your mind. Be patient with yourself. 2. Ask yourself whether the time and effort you plan to invest will help you to achieve a specific goal. For example, will spending hours perfecting that cost-analysis report for your boss result in a raise? Will studying for hours to get an A+ on next week’s chemistry exam result in a solid job offer? Make this the litmus test. 3. Create obstacles that “short-circuit” your habit for perfectionism. For example, stand up from your desk and walk away the moment you notice yourself trying to perfect something you’re working on. Alter your behavioral pattern. Take a moment to recalibrate your focus toward completing the task at hand rather than perfecting it. Then, return to your desk and resume your work. 4. Embrace your mistakes. Instead of criticizing yourself, use mistakes as learning opportunities. Use them to expand your knowledge, improve your work habits and become a better employee (or student, professor, musician or spouse). Practice developing and reinforcing this perspective each time you discover you’ve made a mistake. 5. Identify the worst possible outcome that can occur if you make a mistake. For example, if the report you’re preparing for your boss contains a misspelled word, will you lose your job? If you receive a B+ on your chemistry exam, will you be placed on academic probation? Chances are, you’ll survive.

Ignore email, social media, texts and phone calls. Ignoring distractions is always important when you’re trying to work productively, but doubly so when you’re working under challenging time limits. You don’t have the luxury of surrendering to them. If you’re using the Pomodoro Technique, wait until your 5-minute breaks to address them. 5. Commit to ending your workday at 5:00 p.m. Doing so will give you the impetus to meet your task-specific time limits. I mentioned earlier that getting less done during the day often translates into longer work hours. Don’t give yourself that option. Decide in advance to walk away at 5:00 p.m. 6. Track your progress.