The productivity space is filled with advice, but not all of it is helpful. In fact, some commonly accepted “wisdom” can actually hurt your performance. Let’s debunk the most persistent productivity myths and discover what really works.
Myth 1: “Multitasking Makes You More Productive”
The Truth: Multitasking is actually task-switching, and it kills productivity.
Research from Stanford University shows that people who multitask take 50% longer to complete tasks and make 50% more errors. Your brain can only truly focus on one complex task at a time.
What to do instead: Practice single-tasking. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or simply commit to working on one thing until it’s complete or you reach a natural stopping point.
Myth 2: “You Need to Be Busy to Be Productive”
The Truth: Busyness and productivity are not the same thing.
Being busy often means you’re reacting to whatever comes your way rather than working intentionally on what matters most. Productive people often appear to have more free time because they’re strategic about their focus.
What to do instead: Distinguish between being busy and being effective. Ask yourself: “Am I being productive, or just active?”
Myth 3: “Working Longer Hours Equals Better Results”
The Truth: There are diminishing returns to long work hours.
Studies show that productivity per hour declines significantly after 50 hours per week. The countries with the shortest average work weeks (like Denmark and the Netherlands) often have the highest productivity per hour.
What to do instead: Focus on output, not input. Set clear goals and work intensely during focused periods, then rest properly.
Myth 4: “You Should Check Email First Thing in the Morning”
The Truth: Starting with email puts you in reactive mode for the entire day.
Email is essentially a to-do list created by other people. When you start there, you’re letting others set your priorities rather than focusing on your most important work.
What to do instead: Do your most important work first, when your mental energy is highest. Check email at designated times during the day.
Myth 5: “If You’re Not Stressed, You’re Not Working Hard Enough”
The Truth: Chronic stress actually impairs cognitive function and creativity.
While some stress can be motivating, chronic stress leads to poor decision-making, reduced creativity, and eventually burnout. Peak performance comes from a state of calm focus, not anxious pressure.
What to do instead: Learn to work with intensity without anxiety. Use techniques like meditation, proper planning, and regular breaks to maintain calm focus.
Myth 6: “You Need to Respond to Messages Immediately”
The Truth: Immediate responses often lead to poor communication and constant interruption.
The expectation of immediate responses has created a culture of perpetual partial attention, where we’re always “on” but never fully focused.
What to do instead: Set expectations about response times and batch your communication. Most things that feel urgent aren’t actually urgent.
Myth 7: “Perfect is the Goal”
The Truth: Perfectionism is often procrastination in disguise.
Waiting for perfect conditions or perfect work often means never shipping anything. Done is better than perfect, and iteration beats perfection.
What to do instead: Aim for “good enough” and improve through iteration. Set deadlines and stick to them.
Myth 8: “You Should Fill Every Moment with Activity”
The Truth: Downtime is essential for creativity and well-being.
Your brain needs periods of rest to consolidate information, make connections, and recharge. The most creative insights often come during “non-productive” moments.
What to do instead: Schedule downtime like you would any important appointment. Allow for boredom and mental wandering.
Myth 9: “Willpower is All You Need”
The Truth: Willpower is a finite resource that gets depleted throughout the day.
Relying solely on willpower is like trying to run a marathon by sprinting the entire way. You need systems and environments that support your goals, not just motivation.
What to do instead: Design your environment to make good choices easier. Use systems, habits, and tools to reduce the need for constant willpower.
Myth 10: “There’s One Perfect Productivity System”
The Truth: The best system is the one you’ll actually use consistently.
Whether it’s GTD, Bullet Journaling, or simple to-do lists, the “perfect” system is highly personal. What works for your colleague might be disaster for you.
What to do instead: Experiment with different approaches and adapt them to your specific needs and preferences. Keep what works, discard what doesn’t.
The Real Principles of Productivity
After debunking these myths, what actually works?
- Focus on one thing at a time
- Protect your most productive hours
- Set clear priorities and boundaries
- Work in sustainable rhythms
- Design supportive environments
- Measure what matters
- Rest and recover properly
Implementing the Truth
Here’s how to start applying these insights:
This Week:
- Choose one myth you’ve been believing and consciously do the opposite
- Identify your most productive hours and protect them
- Practice single-tasking for at least one important project
This Month:
- Redesign your workspace to support focus
- Establish communication boundaries
- Experiment with different work rhythms
This Quarter:
- Build systems that reduce reliance on willpower
- Regularly review and adjust your approach
- Measure your progress on what actually matters
Your Productivity Reality Check
Take a moment to reflect:
- Which of these myths have you been unconsciously following?
- What would change if you truly believed that focus beats busyness?
- How would your work day look different if you optimized for effectiveness over activity?
The ThatOneThing Philosophy
Our app is built around the anti-myth: that focusing on one important thing at a time is more powerful than trying to do everything at once. We help you:
- Identify what truly matters
- Maintain visual focus on your priority
- Resist the temptation to multitask
- Build the habit of purposeful work
Moving Forward
Productivity isn’t about doing more things—it’s about doing the right things well. By letting go of these counterproductive myths, you can focus your energy on what actually moves the needle.
Remember: the goal isn’t to be busy, it’s to be effective. The goal isn’t to work all the time, it’s to work with purpose.
What myth will you leave behind today?