7 Habits of Unproductive People

For your best results, avoid these habits of unsuccessful people:

1. Not creating a plan for the day. Unproductive people often don’t know what to do. They don’t have a clear vision or plan. Have a plan for the day, the week, or even just the next few hours. Make a plan and follow it until you’re done!
2. Procrastination. You can’t get anything accomplished if you never even get started. Procrastination is a productivity killer.
   • If you must procrastinate, at least use the time to do something else that’s productive. Going for a run is a better way of procrastinating than eating a hot fudge sundae.
3. Majoring in minor things. Many unproductive people look busy to others. But, being busy and being productive aren’t the same thing.
   • Focus on the most effective course of action.
   • Avoid any activities that don’t provide significant results for the amount of time required.
4. Failing to learn. People fail to become more productive if they fail to learn and develop. Try to be the best at what you do by learning daily.
   • Read a book, research articles on the internet, or watch a video on productivity tips. You’ll likely learn something that will help you to be more productive.
   • Productive people are always learning things that will allow them to be more productive.
5. A lack of emphasis on taking action. Unproductive people often like to plan and learn. Some people love the strategic side of things. However, these same people have a lot less interest in taking action. Planning has its place. Learning is great. Eventually, though, things have to get done if productivity is to take place.
6. Giving in to distractions. We have more distractions than ever before. There are a lot of distractions that are far more interesting than anything you need to do.
   • Focus on what you’re supposed to be doing.
   • Remove as many distractions from the area as possible.
   • Plan time to engage in your distractions. It’s easier to avoid distractions if you know that you can engage in them at a later time.
7. Giving up. You can’t be productive if you give up too soon. Productivity is about what you do, how well you do it, how fast you do it, and how much time you spend doing it. You can’t get a lot done if you don’t put in the time.
   
   

We all have the same amount of time each day. The most productive people are also the most successful. If you have big goals, and you are productive in working toward those goals, you’re going to be a highly successful person.

Eliminate the habits that are reducing your productivity, and you’ll be in the best position to start getting more things done. You’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish!