It’s Not You, It’s Your Systems: Adjusting for Better Productivity

A secret recipe for tackling burnout.

Jan 05, 2025

Hey friends,

It’s 2025—can you believe it? It’s surreal—feels like just yesterday, we were those little kids running around with skinned knees and big dreams. Now, many of us find ourselves grappling with productivity, often feeling as if life has lost its vibrancy. How quickly the night falls! Are you really considering giving up?

Just last week, I attended an alumni homecoming and had a conversation with a junior who exemplifies proactivity yet struggles with the daunting specter of procrastination. He confessed to me, “What should I do? My exam is next week, and I still don’t feel prepared. I haven’t even made a study schedule.”

As we talked, it became clear that he was wrestling with time management and procrastination. I shared some insights on how he could adjust his habits to regain control over his time and combat procrastination. Here are some common pitfalls he was facing:

1. Overreliance on To-Do Lists

While to-do lists can be helpful, they often lead to feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. Instead of listing everything out, I recommended Time Blocking. This method involves allocating specific time slots for particular tasks, making your day more structured and manageable.

2. Ineffective Study Breaks

He used to hit the books hard until he couldn’t anymore, then crash. That’s a recipe for burnout. I told him about the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain fresh and less likely to burn out.

3. The Myth of Multitasking

He admitted to multitasking—studying while chatting with friends on social media. However, research shows that multitasking significantly reduces productivity. Furthermore, constantly checking your phone can become an addiction. I advised him to turn off his phone or switch it to grayscale mode to make it less appealing. Additionally, using app lockers or keeping his phone in another room can help minimize distractions.

Our discussion revealed several strategic issues, but together we devised practical solutions. He is now implementing these strategies and is already seeing improvements in his studies.

If you find yourself facing similar challenges, remember: it’s not you; it’s your systems that may need adjustment. Embrace change and take control of your productivity!

Have a great week!

Nikesh Lagun

✨ My Top Pick for This Week

🎬 Video: Dr. Izzy Sealey emphasizes the importance of having a systematic approach to goal setting, frequent reviews, and prioritizing relationships, self-care, and personal growth.

Essential Resources for Your Adventure 🔗

🎯 Ask Yourself: What Do I Need to Be Doing Right Now? | Access here
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Mastering Personal Productivity with Notion and Miro.
📆 Don’t Have Productive Days? Try Organizing Your Hours Like This | Access here
It’s not about having more time, but using what you have better.
🚀 5 Actionable Ways to Boost Productivity From Fatigue to Focus | Access here
It’s a blueprint for reclaiming your time and energy.
🛠️ 4 Strategies Individuals Can Use To Mend New Productive Habits | Access here
Modifying habits doesn’t require sharp changes; small tweaks gradually lead to significant transformation.
🌱 6 Lessons You Can Discover Only Leaving Your Comfort Zone | Access here
The surprising lessons wait outside your comfort zone.
📵 6 Proven Strategies to Overcome Digital Distractions | Access here
Effective methods to stay focused in the digital age.

P.S. If you want to read my blog articles on personal growth, time management, and productivity, you might want to check them out here: Medium Newsletter. Also, connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram.