Member-only story
Here’s Why Productivity Advice Never Works
Confessions of a former productivity advice poster boy.
The urge to fulfill my potential is physical for me. It’s a fire in my belly.
And productivity is the key to realize our potential.
If we rely only on our instincts, we end up neglecting the meaningful things. They are always too challenging. We default to what’s easy. That’s why it’s so hard to get fit, learn new skills or improve our relationships.
So, I’ve always been a sucker for the advice of productivity experts and their success stories. I bet you too have read a million tips like: wake up at 5 AM, meditate, journal, eat healthy, exercise, use time-blocking, go to bed early, etc.
Until a few years ago, I religiously trusted productivity advice. If it didn’t work, it was my fault. But my son revolutionized my perspective.
Take morning routines, for example
Before Leonardo, I had the perfect, long, tested morning routine. Now, the only thing I can guarantee every morning is 15 minutes of yoga.
If you have a child or know someone who does, you know the fierce disregard they have for your routines and habits. But Leonardo’s effect was particularly disruptive: