Hi everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the Internet Wellbeing Podcast. In this episode, we are going to talk about the myths about productivity online. So let's go. So 

why this episode matters? In a world full of tools, hacks, and strategies, it is easy to fall into traps that make us feel productive, even when we are not. Today we are going to break down four of the most common productivity myths, explore why they don't always work, and discuss what you can do instead to really move the needle. 

That's why I divided this episode into four parts. First, we'll tackle the idea that you need to always be busy to be productive. Then, we'll talk about why tools aren't a magic fix.  Next, we'll bust the myth that waking up at 5am is the key to success, and finally, we'll address the belief that more screen time equals more productivity.

So let's go to the first segment.  Let's kick things off with one of the biggest myths today. The idea that being busy means being productive. This belief is so integrated in our culture, especially with hustle culture being everywhere. You know what I mean, those Instagram posts saying rise and grind, or the contest pressure to be doing something every second of the day.

But here's the thing, being busy doesn't mean you're getting closer to your goals. It just means you're doing a lot. And there's a difference between doing a lot and doing what matters. Studies show that multitasking, for example, can reduce our productivity up to 50%. 40%. Why?  Because our brains aren't designed to focus on multiple complex tasks at the same time.

True productivity is about working smarter, not harder. It's about focusing on the task that will have the biggest impact, not trying to do it all.  For example, think about someone like Cole Newport, who wrote the book Deep Work. He talks about how the most successful people aren't the ones who work the longest hours, but they're the ones who have the most focused time to work on high value tasks.

So how can you apply this? Start by identifying  your  MITs, your most important tasks, for the day or for the month. https:  If you could only accomplish one or two things, what would actually make a difference? Block time for those tasks and don't ever let busy work take over your day.  Now let's talk about tools. 

It is easy to think that downloading the latest app or using the fanciest software will make you more productive, but here's the harsh truth. Tools are just tools. They can help you, but they won't fix deeper issues like lack of focus or poor time management.  This is what we call shiny object syndrome. 

You get excited about a new app, and for a few days it feels like everything is under control. But then reality hits. It's not the tool, it's how you use it. Research has shown that habits and routines are far more impactful than any other tools. For instance,  did you know that Elon Musk, one of the busiest people in the world, keeps things simple?

He uses time blocking, literally, scheduling every minute of his day to stay on track. No fancy app, just a solid system. So my advice, start with just one or two tools and focus on mastering them.  If you are trying out a new productivity app, ask yourself, does that align with my goals? If not, just ditch it. 

So in summary, there are three things to keep in mind when using tools. Keep it simple. Don't overcomplicate your setup. A notebook and a pen can be as just effective as an app if it works for you. Master just one tool. Choose one app or platform and stick with it for at least 30 days before trying something new. 

Focus on a system, not tools. This is the third one. Ask yourself, what process do I need to improve? Then find the tool that supports that process, not the other way around. So, while tools can help you stay organized, they are not a substitute for good habits. Speaking of habits, let's move on to the next often praised as the ultimate tool.

Productivity booster. Waking up at 5 p. m.  Now let's talk about the 5 a. m. clap.  It's this idea that successful people all wake up super early to get a head start on their day. While there's definitely some truth to their benefits of early mornings, it's not one size fits for all solution. Our bodies have something called a psychardian rhythm.

A natural internal clock that determines when we feel awake and when we feel tired. For some people, their peak focus hours might be early in the morning, but for others it could be late at night. Forcing yourself into a routine that doesn't align with your rhythm can actually harm your productivity. 

Take someone like Winston Churchill. He was known for one working late in the night and sleeping it.  Compare that to someone like Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, who wakes up at 4 30 a. m. Every day. Both are incredibly successful. The key isn't when you work. It is how you use your time and find your ideal schedule.

First, you have to track your energy levels. Spend a week noting when you feel most focused and creative.  10. Design your day around your peak hours. Plan your most demanding tasks during your high energy periods.  3. Respect your sleep. Sleep deprivation can tank your productivity faster than any late start to your day, so it's Whenever you are an early bird or night owl, the goal is to work with your body, not against it.

Let's wrap it up with our final myth, more screen time equals more productivity. With so much of our work happening online, it is easy to assume that spending more hours in front of screen means we are getting more done. But in reality, there's a point of diminishing returns. Research shows that after about 50 hours of work per week, productivity starts to decline sharply.

And if you are spending all that time in front of the screen, you are not just risking burnout, you are also likely losing focus and creativity.  This is where the Pomodoro Technique can be a game changer. By working in focused intervals, usually 25 minutes on 5 minutes off, you can maintain high energy and avoid burnout. 

Some of the most productive people swear by this method  because it forces them to take regular breaks. Even tech giants like Google and Facebook encourage employees to take breaks or work on personal projects. They've realized that stepping away from the screen can actually lead to more innovative ideas.

And here's what you can try.  First, you can schedule screen free time. Step 5 minutes every hour. Second, change your environment. If you're stuck on a task, try brainstorming away from your computer. And third, set boundaries. Turn off notifications during your focused work time to reduce distractions.  In this short episode, we busted some of the most common productivity myths.

Business isn't always productivity. Tools are helpful, but they are not a cure all. Waking up at 5am doesn't guarantee success and more screen time doesn't mean more result.  So if you've enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who could use it as a productivity booster and let me know. What's a productivity myth you've fallen for?

Reach out on social media or leave a review, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Guys, so I've created a discord channel, so feel free to join, and the details are in the description below.  And thanks for tuning in to the Internet Wellbeing Podcast.  My name is Darius and remember, ProductTV is personal. It's about finding what works for you and letting go of what doesn't.

Until next time, take care and be kind to yourself. Bye.