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Why I HATE All Productivity Advice

And here’s why you need to know about it

Zohvib
Thought Thinkers
Published in
5 min readAug 4, 2023

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Can I tell you something personal? I detest productivity advice.

There, I said it. And you must be thinking, “Really, is it that bad?

The answer, my friend, is yes. Yes, it is that bad.

At this point, you might wonder why.

First of all, let’s be clear. I am not against productivity. Far from it.

What I’m against is the barrage of productivity advice that’s flooding our lives. The endless flow of tips, tricks, and life hacks that promise to make us superhumanly efficient.

Do this, do that. Wake up at 5 am. Keep a journal. Follow that routine.” It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

The reason why I hate all productivity advice is threefold: It fosters unrealistic expectations, it diminishes individuality, and it overlooks the human factor.

These may sound like bold claims, but I promise, if you stay with me, it will all make sense.

The Delusion of Unrealistic Expectations

Have you ever noticed how productivity advice tends to make grandiose promises?

  • Follow these steps, and you will maximize your efficiency.
  • Incorporate these habits, and you’ll become a productivity machine.
  • etc. etc. etc

These are seductive messages.

Who doesn’t want to be hyper-efficient, right? But let’s take a step back.

Is this really achievable?

The problem lies in the nature of these promises. They are unrealistic and unsustainable.

They fail to take into account that we are not machines, but complex beings with fluctuating energy levels, varying moods, and diverse responsibilities.

Sure, you can wake up at 5 am, do a power workout, meditate, and then start your workday.

But —

  • Can you sustain it?
  • Is it realistic to maintain this regime day in, day out, without fail?

It’s not just about the physical strain. It’s also about psychological pressure.

Every time you fail to meet these high standards, you feel inadequate.

You’re left with a sense of guilt. “If others can do it, why can’t I?” This is where productivity advice does more harm than good.

It sets us up for failure rather than success.

The Erosion of Individuality

Do you remember the last time you read a productivity article or listened to a productivity guru? How did you feel afterward? Inspired or robotic?

The fundamental flaw with most productivity advice is that it adopts a one-size-fits-all approach.

It dictates a set of habits, routines, or practices that allegedly work for everyone. But the truth is, they don’t.

We are all unique individuals with different strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another.

When we follow productivity advice blindly, we start eroding our individuality.

We start molding ourselves into an image of productivity that might not even suit us. We replace our natural rhythms with forced routines.

Our focus shifts from being our authentic selves to becoming productivity clones.

Is that what we really want?

The Neglect of The Human Factor

And finally, let’s discuss the most significant oversight of productivity advice — the human factor.

We all have personal lives, don’t we? Families, friends, hobbies, dreams. Things that bring us joy, that make us feel alive.

Life isn’t just about being productive, it’s about experiencing the world around us.

But does productivity advice acknowledge this?

Rarely.

Too often, productivity advice puts the quest for efficiency above everything else.

It overlooks the fact that we are not productivity machines but human beings who need balance in life. Time for leisure, rest, and meaningful relationships. Time for ourselves.

Productivity advice often fails to factor in these aspects. It forgets to tell you that it’s okay to take a break, to rest, to spend time with loved ones.

It forgets to remind you that you’re human, not a productivity robot.

Closeup — The Authentic Path to Productivity

So, after all this critique, do you still think that productivity advice is harmless?

Or do you see why I, and perhaps now you, find it irksome?

We’ve uncovered how productivity advice fosters unrealistic expectations, wears down our individuality, and overlooks the vital human factor.

It’s high time we liberate ourselves from its oppressive clutches.

Let’s advocate for personal growth, self-awareness, and authentic living.

Let’s reclaim our lives from the unrealistic standards of productivity that are continuously being imposed upon us.

However, this doesn’t mean we completely abandon the quest for productivity. Far from it.

It’s about finding the right system that respects our individuality and humanity.

A system that enables us to manage our personal and professional lives without losing sight of what truly matters.

And that’s where Sunsama comes into play.

Sunsama, a system I’ve been using for quite a while, is not your typical productivity tool. It doesn’t preach a one-size-fits-all doctrine.

Instead, it allows you to manage your tasks, your time, and your life, in your unique way.

As a full-time agency owner, Sunsama has become my go-to tool, seamlessly bridging my personal and professional worlds.

It empowers me to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance without enforcing unnecessary productivity dogmas.

What’s even better is that Sunsama is not about turning you into a productivity machine. It respects the human side of you.

It acknowledges the fact that you need time for rest, for leisure, for the people and activities you love.

In essence, Sunsama becomes your partner, helping you navigate the complexities of life without compromising your individuality or humanity.

Now, how about giving Sunsama a shot? And before you worry about your wallet, let me assure you, it’s free.

Yes, absolutely free for the first 30 days with my link.

It’s time we say no to conventional productivity advice and yes to tools that actually understand and respect us.

Give Sunsama a try, and experience the difference.

After all, aren’t we here not just to be productive but to live our lives fully and authentically?

Don’t you agree?

Try Sunsama free, absolutely free

Author Disclosure: Please note that I’m affiliated with Sunsama. I only recommend products and services I’ve personally used and stand behind. Thanks for your support :))*

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Zohvib
Thought Thinkers

1.5M+ reads online • Personal coaching & more stuff → bento.me/zohvib