10 Reasons You Have Not Been Productive at Work

Being able to perform vital tasks at work is key to success but sometimes it can very difficult. In the worst case, you could feel like your literally getting nothing done at work.

Working harder might seem like an obvious solution but often, there is a greater issue at play. You need to dig deep, exploring the patterns that hold you off, to find out what is actually going on. When you are aware of what you are dealing with, you will concentrate on improving the habits that hinder you from reaching your goals.

Here are possible reasons why you can’t get anything done at work

1. You multitask

Multitasking seems like a fantastic idea, especially when you’re very busy. Everybody seems to be trying to do more with fewer resources and with less time.

The issue is that multitasking doesn’t really work. Focusing on only one thing at a time allows for the sort of deep focus that gets the best out of you.

Around the same time trying to juggle too many items stretches you too thin and makes it difficult to deliver quality work. So calm down, and let yourself concentrate.

Don’t underestimate the value of having lots of rest. Sleep deprivation has a profound effect on both the body and mind. Even a low level of sleep affects the way you act and think. Lack of rest impairs focus, alertness, concentration, problem-solving, and more.

If you’re used to not having enough sleep, the full effect of your habit might not be noticed, but it’s there. Seek to make sleep a higher priority for a couple of weeks, and see if it has no major positive impact on your life and work.

3. You are setting impossible goals

It’s likely that your productivity measurement isn’t fully correct. You could just set the bar way too high when it comes to setting the day’s goals.

Are you trying to do too much? Will you have twenty items that you try to do every day or half a dozen? Expecting yourself to do more than a handful of tasks in a given day is unrealistic.

And, to realize a positive feeling of achievement, it’s important to be rational. Try to set your top three goals for the workday. So, when you cross them off, you let yourself feel accomplished.

4. You’re spending too much time on social media

In addition, many people would not be able to leave entirely. If you are collaborating with or using social media to create your brand, you may understandably feel you can’t give it up. Then it might be worth paying attention to how much you’re on these platforms and cutting back if necessary.

5. You are not organised

It’s not easy to balance everything you have to get done during the workday. To keep it all straight you need to find a method that works for you. It usually means that devices such as schedules, to-do lists and productivity applications are used to keep things straight.

You can be as high-tech as you want and turn to apps like Trello, Slack, and Asana or keep it low-tech with paper and pen. Note, it’s not just a matter of adding items to your lists and calendars, you do have to review them accurately and regularly.

Keep in mind also that a disorganised workspace will potentially hold you off. When you waste a couple of minutes looking for materials before you start a job or attend a meeting, it will cost you in the long run. Invest a bit of time now in creating good organisational systems to save time and energy later on.

6. You’re stuck in Unneccesary Meetings

Research has long supported the idea that workers really loathe unproductive, time-wasting meetings. In fact, 17% say they’d rather watch paint dry than attend one.

Meetings can be valuable, but generally only if they’re focused on solving problems and innovating new ideas. Regular status meetings tend to be a mostly a drain. Instead, checking in by email or on a one-to-one basis, as needed, could save workers and their companies a tremendous amount of time and energy. Is there any room for change in your current situation?

The belief that workers truly loathe unproductive, time-wasting meetings has long been backed by research. In reality, 17% claim they ‘d rather watch paint dry than attend one. Meetings may be useful, but usually only if they’re based on problem-solving and new ideas.

Daily status meetings tend primarily to be a drain. Instead, checking in by email or on a one-to-one basis, as required, could save an enormous amount of time and energy for employees and their businesses.

7. You have chatty colleagues

There’s a lot to be said about having friends at work. This can make the workday much more fun, and it’s also good for your job. If you really want more work done, you need to be a little restrict yourself though. Setting limits could help you concentrate on your own to-dos. Don’t be afraid to tell friends at work when you need to concentrate.

You should also let them know when you’ll be available to talk or answer their questions again. Then, if possible, find a private place where you will not be interrupted. An hour or two of uninterrupted, good work will go a long way.

8. You don’t take vacations

At first, it may seem pointless to even consider taking time off when you are getting so much work to do. But, it can be quite helpful in many cases. Research has shown taking vacations increases productivity. Detaching yourself from work gives you the much-needed downtime you need when you return to the office. You’ll be more successful, more creative and more involved after a break.

9. Lack of direction

Productivity stalls for some people, due to lack of direction. A person may know what their ultimate goal is, but they have no idea how to get there. This often happens when you think a task is challenging or when you have never done it before.

It can also happen when you have a lot of other activities overwhelming you. When your brain is full of too many other thoughts, focusing on the task at hand and doing what you need to accomplish can be a struggle.

10. Your smartphone is stalling your creativity

Smartphones and other mobile devices can be great tools for productivity, helping you remain focused and allowing you to do more in less time. But they can also be time-sucking, distracting you while you have to concentrate on the work you have at hand.

Have you ever gone online to research something for a project you’re working on and became distracted? Of course, you have. Twenty minutes later you realize that you’re still scrolling and you can’t even remember what you got online for in the first place.

Have you ever been online researching for a project that you are working on and got distracted? you most likely have.

Endeavour to be more conscious of how much you check your phone, if you really want to get something done at work, and cut down as much as you can. It takes some time and effort to change a habit, but if you can get better at reducing distractions, you’ll almost definitely be more successful at work.