How Your Mindset Influences Productivity

We've all had days where we feel unproductive, unmotivated, and stuck.

But have you ever stopped to think about the root cause of this feeling? Being unproductive isn’t always about being lazy or unmotivated. In fact, there are several factors that contribute to our productivity levels, many of which are related to our mindset.

Here we will look at 5 of the mindset obstacles behind why you are not productive, with some tips on how to overcome them.

1. Fear of Failure

One of the most common reasons people struggle to be productive is the fear of failure. 

When we're afraid of not meeting our own expectations, we can get paralysed by the possibility of falling short. This can lead to procrastination, perfectionism, and a lack of progress. 

To overcome this mindset, it's important to reframe failure as a learning opportunity.

Embrace the idea that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Set realistic goals and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

2. Lack of Focus

Another common issue is a lack of focus. With so many distractions around us, it's easy to get side tracked and lose sight of our goals. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, scattered, and unproductive. 

To overcome this mindset, try setting clear boundaries and eliminating distractions. This could mean turning your phone on “Do not Disturb”, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or even working in a different environment.

Use tools like the Pomodoro technique to break tasks into manageable chunks and take regular short breaks.

3. Perfectionism

Perfectionism is another mindset that can hold us back from being productive.

This is something I myself struggled with for a long time.

When we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves, it's easy to get stuck in the planning stages forever and never actually start working on the task at hand, or don’t move onto the next step.

Perfectionism can look feeling like your “Project” is never good enough for the world to see, or never complete, something always needs a finishing touch. 

To overcome this mindset, try embracing the idea of "good enough." Set realistic standards for yourself and focus on progress, not perfection. Remember that done is better than perfect.

4. Lack of Motivation

Finally, a lack of motivation can also be a significant barrier to productivity. When we're not feeling motivated, it's easy to procrastinate or avoid tasks altogether.

To overcome this mindset, try identifying the root cause of your lack of motivation. Is it a lack of interest in the task? Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you burnt out?

Once you've identified the issue, take steps to address it. This could mean breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, finding a way to make the task more interesting, or taking a break to recharge. 

Sometimes it may mean revisiting your WHY so you remember why you are doing what you are doing, or checking in case you have diverted off track and lost your way.

Feeling unproductive happens to the best of us. But understanding the mindset behind it can arm you with the tools to overcome these obstacles and become more productive. Embrace the learning process, accept that setbacks happen, and keep your focus on progress, not perfection. Remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress. With time and practice, you'll be on your way to achieving your goals.