Time management is an essential skill for productive success, so it’s no wonder we all want so badly to be good at it. However, in your quest for time management excellence, don’t let yourself fall victim to these 5 lies we believe about productivity.

1. Technology will save us.

There is an app or electronic device to manage pretty much every aspect of our lives if we so desire, and our time is no different. It’s easy to think, “If I just had the right program, or the right filters on my email, or the right calendar app, managing my time would be easy.” While technology certainly does help, it’s important to remember that it’s merely a tool, and without a plan, discipline, and patience, even the best tools can’t help us.

2. Everyone has more time on their hands than I do.

OK, so maybe not everyone, but when someone misses a deadline or forgets a responsibility, it’s tempting to think, “Really? Come on. I have way more on my plate than you do, and you don’t see me complaining.” Just remember that we all have our own unique time management struggles and your perception of what someone’s life is like may be far from the truth.

3.  I must multitask to get everything done.

While multitasking might initially seem like an efficient way to get multiple things done at once, in the long run your productivity takes a major hit. Plus, you’re stuck re-doing tasks that were done sloppily or without focus the first time around. Juggle multiple projects, but focus on one at a time.

4. There is a silver bullet piece of advice that will fix all of my time management problems, I just have to find it!

There is a lot of time management advice out there. Some of it’s good, some of it’s not, but ALL of it is just words on a page until you adapt it to your needs and put it into practice. I enjoy inspiring and motivating people to adapt time management solutions for their unique situations, and more importantly, ingrain the habits into their schedules. That’s what changes behaviors!

5. I can do it all.

You can do more than you think, but nobody can do it all and we harm ourselves by trying. Setting realistic expectations for what we can tackle and celebrating our small accomplishments along the way is what will keep us motivated to keep moving toward our goals.

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