In productivity writing, “limiting beliefs” are often perceived as something negative to be overcome. For example, one writer, Ben Brearley, indicates that in time management, limiting beliefs “really damage productivity.”
While it’s true that we can hold ourselves back with limiting beliefs based on negative self-talk and fear of failure, I believe there’s a flip side to this coin. We must acknowledge and respect that we often do have limits, and understanding those limits can make us more productive, not less.
Limiting Factors in Productivity
1. Time Constraints
One of our most significant limitations is time. We only have so many hours in a day, and trying to cram too much into our schedules can lead to overwhelm and stress.
To be productive, we must acknowledge our limited time, learn to say no to non-essential tasks, and prioritize what’s truly important to us. Recognizing our time constraints allows us to focus on what matters and avoid burnout.
In his Productivity Field Guide, David Sparks advises, “Put simply, you have to do less. There is no quick and easy hack that will let you escape this.”
2. Energy Limitations
Just as we have limited time, we also have limited energy. Even if we have the time to work on multiple projects in a day or week, we may not have the energy to do them all. When we can’t do what we schedule for ourselves, we feel like failures and that we’re inadequate.
Most creative professionals don’t have the energy to work creatively for a full eight hours a day. It’s more realistic to expect four to five hours of high-intensity work, with the remaining time for breaks and less taxing administrative tasks.
Also, energy isn’t consistent throughout the day. Some people have higher energy in the morning and lower energy in the afternoons and evenings, while others experience the opposite.
I’m a morning person. If I schedule high-energy work in the afternoons, it’s likely not going to get done, or if I do work on it, the quality will not be high. See my post, All Time is Not Created Equal: How to Schedule Your Work Based on Mental States and Biological Prime Time..
As an introvert, I have limited energy reserves for social interactions, which burn up large amounts of energy. I need time to recharge after high-stress social situations, and ignoring this limit can leave me exhausted and cranky.
When planning our work, we must understand and plan around our personal energy limitations and fluctuations. Not taking energy limitations into account can make us less productive.
3. Resource Limitations
We also have limited resources, whether financial, personnel, or otherwise.
We must be realistic about what we can accomplish with our available resources. Trying to do too much with too little can lead to frustration and disappointment.
4. Motivation and Interest Limitations
Finally, our motivation and interest in a project can be a significant limiting factor.
If we’re not genuinely invested in a task, we’re less likely to put in the effort required to see it through. We must consider our motivation and interest when selecting projects and setting goals.
Embracing Our Limits
Recognizing and respecting our limits is not always negative. By acknowledging our limitations, we can prioritize our time and energy, focus on what’s truly important, and achieve more with less stress and frustration.
“Limiting beliefs” aren’t always bad—sometimes, it’s a necessary and healthy part of being productive and achieving our goals.