
The internet is brimming with advice on how to master time management. From “wake up at 5am” to “never skip a to-do list,” it sounds like we should all be productivity machines by now. But here’s the truth: not all advice is helpful. In fact, some of the most common productivity tips can actually set you back. Let’s take a closer look at ten unhelpful time management myths we’ve all heard (and maybe even followed), and what you can do instead.
1. “Just wake up earlier to be productive.”
Ever heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm”? While it sounds motivating, it’s not a universal truth. Productivity isn’t tied to the clock – it’s linked to your energy levels.
Here’s the thing: if you’re not a morning person, forcing yourself to wake up at 5am could backfire. A lack of sleep reduces focus, creativity, and even your immune system. Sleep deprivation is the last thing you need when you’re trying to get stuff done.
What to do instead: Pay attention to your body’s natural rhythm. Are you sharper in the morning, or does your energy peak in the afternoon or evening? Work with your biology, not against it, by scheduling your most demanding tasks during those times.
2. “Multitask to get more done.”
How many tabs are open on your browser right now? Be honest! We’ve been conditioned to believe multitasking is a superpower – but science says otherwise. Jumping between tasks actually slows you down, increases errors, and makes you forgetful.
What to do instead: Stick to one task at a time. The Pomodoro technique – where you focus for 25 minutes, then take a short break – can work wonders. Or, try time-blocking: dedicate chunks of your day to specific tasks, free from distractions. Trust me, you’ll feel less frazzled and achieve more.
3. “Work harder to catch up.”
Raise your hand if you’ve worked late into the night to clear your to-do list, only to feel drained the next day. The myth that working harder equals progress is a recipe for burnout.
Overworking isn’t sustainable. In fact, after a certain point, your productivity actually drops. You’re not a robot – you need rest to function well.
What to do instead: Start by prioritising. Not everything on your list is equally important. Identify tasks that truly matter and let go of non-essentials. Delegate when possible and, most importantly, schedule breaks to recharge. A refreshed mind works faster and smarter.
4. “Say yes to every opportunity.”
FOMO (fear of missing out) is real. But saying yes to everything – extra projects, last-minute favours, “quick” meetings – can spread you so thin that nothing gets done well.
What to do instead: Learn the art of saying no. Before committing, ask yourself: Does this align with my goals? Do I have the time and energy for this? Frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix can help you weigh opportunities by urgency and importance, so you can focus on what truly matters.
5. “Be available 24/7.”
Here’s a myth that needs to go. Constantly being reachable – answering emails at 10 pm, jumping on every ping from your phone – might feel productive, but it’s exhausting. It also kills your ability to focus on meaningful work.
What to do instead: Set boundaries. Use “Do Not Disturb” modes, create specific times for responding to messages, and communicate these boundaries with colleagues or clients. Protecting your time isn’t selfish – it’s essential.
6. “Stick rigidly to your to-do list.”
There’s something satisfying about ticking things off a list, isn’t there? But life doesn’t always go to plan. Clinging to a rigid list can leave you feeling defeated when unexpected priorities pop up.
What to do instead: Treat your to-do list as a flexible guide, not a strict schedule. Prioritise a few key tasks each day, but allow room for adjustments. Life happens – your list should be able to adapt.
7. “Always respond to messages immediately.”
Imagine this: you’re deep in thought, making real progress, when ping – a message pops up. You check it, reply, and then… what were you working on again? Constant interruptions ruin your flow.
What to do instead: Group your communication tasks. For example, check emails and messages once in the morning, after lunch, and before finishing work. This helps you focus on important tasks without constantly breaking your momentum.
8. “Plan every minute of your day.”
We all love the idea of perfectly planned days where everything runs like clockwork. But let’s be real – life isn’t that predictable. Over-scheduling can make you feel stuck and leave no room for creativity or rest.
What to do instead: Strike a balance. Block out time for essential tasks, but leave buffer periods for unexpected delays or spontaneous ideas. Flexibility isn’t a weakness – it’s how you stay sane.
9. “Prioritise based on deadlines alone.”
We’ve all been guilty of letting deadlines dictate our priorities. But just because something is urgent doesn’t mean it’s important. This “firefighting” approach can leave you stuck in reactive mode, while long-term goals take a backseat.
What to do instead: Combine urgency with importance when prioritising. Ask yourself: Does this task bring me closer to my goals? Use tools like priority matrices to ensure you’re balancing short-term demands with long-term progress.
10. “Always aim for perfection.”
Perfectionism sounds admirable, but it’s often just procrastination in disguise. Spending hours tweaking something that’s already good enough? That’s time you’ll never get back.
What to do instead: Focus on progress over perfection. For most tasks, “good enough” is all you need. Save your perfectionist tendencies for projects where precision truly matters – the rest? Let it go.
The Bottom Line: Productivity Isn’t About Doing More
The problem with these myths is they treat productivity like a race – the more you do, the better. But true time management is about working smarter, not harder. It’s about respecting your time, energy, and priorities.
So, forget the myths. Start focusing on what works for you. Find your flow, embrace flexibility, and remember: productivity isn’t about squeezing every second out of your day. It’s about creating space for what matters most.
Are you ready to reclaim your time?