4 common productivity tips that are actually the worst

You've heard the same "tried and true" advice from productivity experts for years. And I'll admit it — I've given and taken this advice myself. But the truth is: A lot of it is a lie. Most of the "best" productivity advice doesn't work. Here's why — and what to do instead.

1. "Don't check email first thing in the morning"

I understand why this sounds like a good tip: Reading and responding to email could derail your entire morning and set you back (you know, when your 15 minutes of reviewing emails turns into 45 — and suddenly, you're late for work). But, in so many industries, it can be difficult to ignore what has been going on overnight — even for a few hours. Translation: This tip just isn't realistic in your fast-paced life. In fact, it might actually cause additional anxiety before you even get into the office. Read more...

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