The True "Lies" of Productivity

Morning, Leaders of tomorrow!

This week, let’s tackle the “TRUE LIES” of Productivity.

The Productivity Paradox.

We push ourselves to work harder, cram more into our schedules, and yet, somehow, we still feel unproductive.

Every time you check one thing off your list, another pops up. Little did we know: The more you try to do, the less you achieve.

That’s the problem. That’s the Paradox. A never ending battle.

Let’s debunk the true lies of Productivity:

First of all, let’s identify the ‘Villains’ to your productivity:

The Overwhelm Monster: It loves to pile on tasks until our to-do lists are out of control.

The Distraction Dragon: This one's a real fire-breather, always blowing notifications and interruptions our way.

The Prioritization Puzzle: Without a roadmap, we're like lost travelers’s in a maze of tasks.

To slay these monsters, I have 3 mighty weapons:

“Prioritize Ruthlessly”

Prioritize like your life depends on it—because it kind of does. Not all tasks are created equal. Some will move the needle significantly, while others are just noise.

Here’s a simple exercise:

Forget the 20-item to-do list; it’s overwhelming and unrealistic.

Instead, focus on these three key tasks. Knock them out first thing, and watch how your productivity (and mood) improves.

“Realize the Power of NO”

This two-letter word can make or break your productivity.

Often, we feel compelled to take on more than we can handle, whether it’s to help a colleague, take on an extra project, or attend another meeti

Start practicing the ‘Art of the Polite Decline’. When a request comes in, evaluate it against your top 3 priorities.

If it doesn’t align, give yourself permission to say no. In the words of Derek Sivers “If it's not a hell yeah, It's a no”

“The Two-Minute Rule”

Finally, let’s talk about the Two-Minute Rule. Trust me, I practice this in Hermessi, this is a lifesaver for handling those small tasks that tend to clutter our day.

Here’s how it works:  

Got an email that needs a quick response? Do it now. Need to file a document? Do it now.

These small actions prevent the build-up of minor tasks that can become overwhelming if left unchecked. By dealing with these quick tasks immediately, you free up mental space and maintain momentum throughout your day.

That’s how you Break Free!

These techniques won’t actually increase the hours in your day but will at least free up a significant amount of your time to do the things that give you peace.

After all, productivity isn't about doing more things—it's about doing the right things. Start with these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a more efficient and fulfilling work life.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the clutter that accumulates in various aspects of our lives. 

Say goodbye to these True lies of productivity and embrace to a world where time is on your side.

Spark the efficiency, lit the curiosity, and Surge your productivity.

Catch you all in the next one…

Hoyin Cheung,
Hermessi.com

P.S. Share this newsletter with your friends—it’s a quick task that only takes a moment but makes a big difference. 😉

P.P.S. I'm always here for a chat, a debate, or a brainstorming session on how to make this the most valuable piece of mail in your inbox. Hit reply or DM me on LinkedIn or X and let me know what you think, what you're struggling with, or what success looks like for you. Let's surge the productivity you seek!