The Productivity Blockers You Didn't See Coming (and how to Break Free)

Being productive isn't a one-step process. There are lots of factors that need to be addressed, obstacles to be conquered, eggs to be scrambled, and stuff like that. An unemployed friend once told me, and I quote, "Something that can be done tomorrow should be done tomorrow", Classic procrastinator move, right? But hey, we've all been there. People like these can be considered a Productivity Blocker, which is our topic for today.

What Are Productivity Blockers?

Productivity blockers hinder a person's ability to complete tasks and/or achieve goals. These can include distractions, lack of organization, unclear priorities, procrastination, etc. Identifying these types of blockers is crucial for enhancing productivity and overall performance.

Despite our efforts and intentions, we often find ourselves facing these types of obstacles that hinder our ability to get things done. In this blog post, we'll try to determine and categorize some of the more common productivity blockers as well as the strategies to overcome them.

Identifying Productivity Blocker Categories

Prioritization

At the heart of effective time management lies prioritization. It's about understanding what tasks are truly important versus what feels urgent at the time. Everyone has experienced accepting more tasks than they can manage. They pile up on top of each other getting you all mixed up. Start by creating a list of all your tasks, then categorize them based on their significance and deadline. This helps you with clarity and allows you to focus your energy on the tasks that demand more urgency and importance. Remember, it's okay to say no to non-essential tasks and delegate when possible. Prioritization is about making intentional choices that align with your goals and values

There are some techniques that can help you with prioritizing your tasks - this time we will tackle the Eisenhower Matrix. This was developed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the 34th President of the United States.

Knowing the Eisenhower Matrix and Putting it to Practice

The Eisenhower Matrix proposes that you categorize tasks into four(4) types. Ones that are Important and Urgent, categorized under Do, are tasks that you need to do and should take priority. Next tasks that are Important but are not Urgent, are under Schedule, and these types of tasks also need to be done however they do not have the same sense of urgency as the ones under Do. Things that are Urgent but are not that Important are under the Delegate category, these include things that are considered on a short deadline but hold no importance. Last are things that are neither Important nor Urgent, these are put under the Delete category, which are tasks to be disregarded.

But like every other technique, we should put them into practice or at the very least provide an example where we can highlight how it works - which is what we'll cover in the next section. Let's say the scenario is that you are tasked with making a blog, arguably one like the one you are reading right now. This task let's say is long past due, and you are already tasked with another task like making a report on the past month's sales. And then out of nowhere, a Steam Sale happened, a whopping 98% sale on the game you wanted for months. And I don't know, let's add the Kendrick Lamar and Drake drama into the mix.

Working on the blog should take more importance because it is due and demands more urgency than the other tasks. The sales report, though important, is not as urgent as the pending blog. The game, however, its importance is debatable. The opportunity may not come again, who knows when the next sale will come. However, you can always let someone else buy the game for you, you'll get the game regardless. The Kendrick and Drake drama is just out of the question here, it's neither important nor relevant to you in any way so we will just put it under the not important and not urgent category.

Time Management

Once you've identified your priorities, it's time to manage your time effectively. Having more tasks to handle means you need more time to do them. Remember when you thought you could work better at the last minute? This works rarely, all the time. We all have tried. It's better to allot time to do tasks and not cram all of them. Tasks are given to you to be finished within the week for a reason.

Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and allocate specific times to work on them. Utilize techniques that help you manage your tasks and time more efficiently. This not only helps maintain focus but also prevents burnout by incorporating regular breaks into your workflow. Additionally, leverage technology to streamline your tasks, whether it's through calendar apps, task management tools, or productivity apps designed to minimize distractions.

An example technique that is highly effective in time management is the Pomodoro Technique. Essentially, this is a technique where you allot 25 minutes for the task and after that certain time period, you take a 5-minute rest.

Communication

Do you also suffer from anxiety when you have to talk to someone and plan ways to talk? From taking deep breaths to writing a script to prepare yourself. Communication can come in different forms, may it be receiving emails and attending Zoom meetings.

Effective communication is essential in preventing burnout and navigating it when it occurs. You can be transparent with your colleagues and team about your workload and boundaries. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for support, remember that no person is an island. Clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and unnecessary stress. Moreover, don't forget to communicate with yourself. Check-in regularly to assess your stress levels and adjust your workload or self-care practices accordingly.

Focus

In a world filled with distractions, maintaining focus is easier said than done. On one hand, you have a job to do that requires your full attention, and on the other, you have the attention span of a goldfish. Imagine this, most people tend to work and relax well when playing music, however, for the next 10 minutes you find yourself dancing and enjoying the music more than focusing on the task.

Adopting strategies to minimize distractions can significantly enhance your productivity and prevent burnout. Designate a dedicated workspace free from distractions, whether it's a quiet corner of your home or a cozy café.

Practice managing tasks individually instead of multitasking, as research shows that dividing your attention across multiple tasks decreases efficiency. Finally, don't underestimate the power of breaks. Stepping away from your work periodically allows your mind to recharge, leading to improved focus and creativity for when you return.

Feeling burned out

Doing a lot of tasks takes a toll on your mental health. The stress, the responsibilities, the deadlines, and all of it are just too much to take in and it piles up. Having to do what you need to is not enough, you need to take care of yourself in the process.

Feeling burned out stems from a lot of things like chronic workplace stress, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. This can show symptoms like fatigue, decreased motivation, and withdrawal. You can address this through prioritizing self-care, seeking support from loved ones or professionals, taking necessary breaks, and practicing stress-management techniques.

An effective stress-management technique you can do is meditation, where you train your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It helps you increase your awareness, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. You can practice meditation in quiet places, then choose a comfortable stance, and then focus on a particular object or thought. During meditation, you can also do other techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and visualization to cultivate inner peace.

Conclusion

Identifying productivity blockers can help you gain insight into your work habits and areas of improvement. This helps develop strategies to overcome these blockers and make you more productive than ever. Self-awareness cultivates a more resilient and adaptive approach to productivity allowing you to navigate challenges with confidence and achieve goals more effectively. Prioritize your tasks, manage your time wisely, communicate openly, and maintain focus on what truly matters. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's essential for long-term productivity and well-being. Now that you've identified the blockers and implemented these strategies, you can navigate burnout with resilience and emerge stronger on the other side.