If you want to get more done in less time, I’d wager that you’ve tried some “productivity hacks.” But wait: all hacks aren’t created equal. In fact, some of the most popular advice can end up slowing you down, distracting you, or causing burnout.
Let’s cut to the chase. Here are five popular productivity hacks that waste your time—and what to do instead.
1. Waking Up at 5 A.M. (Even If You’re Not a Morning Person)
It’s all about waking up early. “Early risers are successful people.” Familiar, right?
But if you’re a night owl, waking up early will make you tired and less productive.
Why it’s a waste of time:
You spend your early morning hours struggling with sleep instead of actually getting something done. And in the afternoons? You’re burnt out.
What to do instead:
Find your personal best productivity hour. Some people are most effective at 9 a.m., some at 2 p.m. Work with, not against, your body.
2. Multitasking Everything
It feels efficient—hitting reply-all in the middle of a meeting, typing a report while a podcast plays. But the brain doesn’t actually multitask. It toggles between ideas.
Why it wastes time:
Each switch drains mental energy and reduces quality. You’ll likely spend more time fixing mistakes than if you’d done one thing at a time.
What to do instead:
Try single-tasking. Block time for a single task, quiet distractions, and get it done before switching gears.
3. Overreliance on To-Do Lists with 20+ Tasks
To-do lists are wonderful. until they’re so lengthy they feel insurmountable.
Why it wastes time:
You take more time to make the list than to get things done. And, seeing 20+ things can stress and fatigue your decisions.
What to do instead:
Write down your top 3 for the day. Get those done first. Then, if there is time, proceed to the rest. Straight and simple is the best approach.
4. Scheduling Every Minute of Your Day
Planning your day can work—but over-scheduling every hour can blow up in your face in a flash.
Why it wastes time:
Life is unpredictable. Meetings run long, tasks take longer, and surprise issues crop up. If your calendar is full, one hiccup derails the whole day.
What to do instead:
Use time blocks with buffers. Give yourself some room to breathe. Insert 10–15 minutes of buffer between tasks to recharge or handle surprises.
5. Putting Pomodoro Timers on All Tasks
The Pomodoro system—25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break—can be good. But applying it to all tasks isn’t always effective.
Why it’s a time waste:
Breaking deep concentration every 25 minutes can disrupt your flow, especially for creative or heavy work.
What to do instead:
Pomodoro is good for admin or light work. For heavy-work tasks, establish breaks longer than 25 minutes (such as 60–90 minutes) and break then.
Last Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Trendier
Not all hacks are for you. And because it’s working for someone on YouTube does not necessarily mean that it is the optimum for your energy, brain, or schedule.
Here’s the smarter way:
- Notice what drains and energizes you
- Make small adjustments, not monumental changes
- Release what doesn’t work—no guilt necessary
True productivity results from learning how you work best, not copying a rigid routine off the web.
If you want to avoid more time-wasting habits and focus on what actually works, check out our guide on Time Wasting Habits to Ditch for a More Productive Workday .
Curious how to make better use of your time and earn extra income? Read our post on AI Tools to Save Time and Boost Your Productivity
