The 7 Bad Habits of Insanely Productive People

The blog post I’ve read this time is from one of the Copybloggers, Sonia Simone. She’s written a list called The 7 Bad Habits of Insanely Productive People. Because according to Sonia, many people are too hard on themselves for having qualities that society has deemed ‘bad’. But these are qualities that actually tend to be common among highly successful creative types. She does mention that having all seven traits may not be the ideal (Oops! I do!), but you should be reassured that if you have a few, you’re in good company. So embrace them and learn to use them to your advantage!

Let me break them down for you, with the hope that you’ll find a bit of reassurance in the list yourself.

Bad Habit #1: Being Thin Skinned

As a very sensitive, emotional person, I’ve had a hard time taking criticism at work. Only because it’s a job I truly care about – I pour my heart and soul into my writing. But hearing criticism is part of the game, so I’ve been telling myself a thick skin is going to be necessary to get ahead in the business of fundraising. That’s why Sonia’s words were so comforting to read as she explained that so many creative people are also very sensitive and perceptive. It’s not something you should try to change. The trick to making this trait work for you is not to let yourself be held back by the fear of criticism.

Bad Habit #2: Flakiness

Now this trait may not be an ideal one but it’s definitely common. Sonia puts it well: ‘If you’re building something epic, you’re going to be juggling a lot of pieces.’ So if you’re like me and sometimes, despite your best intentions, it takes you a week to email a friend back, or you never quite seem to find time to keep in touch with loved ones (or go to the gym!) – cut yourself some slack. People who are highly productive tend to also be extremely busy. It always tends to feel like you’re running to keep up. But as Sonia writes, this trait tends only to come out when things get really interesting. So don’t beat yourself up over a little flakiness. Do your best, say you’re sorry when you screw up, but don’t stop pushing just because things get messy. If you’re stretching yourself, you’ll drop the ball sometimes. Just make sure your priorities are strong enough that you’re never letting yourself drop the ball on the really big things.

Bad Habit #3: Selfishness

Lucky for me, one of the benefits of living with only-child syndrome, is that I’ve never had a problem with the infamous work-life balance. But I know many people who struggle to put themselves first. Insanely productive people are selfish enough to realize that their happiness is an important part of the equation. And that’s part of the reason they end up being so productive in the long run. They’re ready to bring the most to their work – they aren’t burning out because they take the time to relax and do the things they love. So take the holidays you’re entitled to and enjoy them. Stay home when you’re feeling under the weather. Don’t feel you have to sit in office for 10 hours a day to get ahead. Treating yourself well translates into better, more productive work in the long run.

Bad Habit #4: Greed

This one speaks directly to fundraisers – fall in love with money! Sonia writes: ‘Money can tell when you’re allergic to it, and it avoids you.’ This sentiment reminds me of that book The Secret, which talks about how thinking positively about something will attract it into your life. So think only about the wonderful things money can bring – feeding hungry mouths, vaccinating the sick, bringing the world joy through the arts…the possibilities are endless. And remember, to give it away you have to earn it first. Money won’t come to you by magic – you’ve got to work hard to get it. But truly value it.

Bad Habit #5: Distractibility

Some people can work with extreme focus and discipline. I’ve never been one of those people. I’ve also felt like I was doomed because of that fact. Those people just look like they’re going to be a success, whereas I look like a complete flake half the time (see bad habit #2). But Sonia references studies done with college students to test their creative ability. Those with ADHD or less ability to focus perform much higher. I don’t have ADHD but it’s nice to hear that being easily distracted can be just as sure a sign of success. And it picks up on something my bosses have recently told me – you’re far better able to come up with creative ideas if you know a little about a lot. Have numerous interests outside of fundraising. Learn as much about as much as you can. It comes in handy and expands your idea bank. ‘The more widely you read, look, watch, listen, and think, the more genuinely remarkable your ideas will be.’

Bad Habit #6: Self-Doubt

‘Self-doubt’ was actually the subject of my TEDx talk last year. Most people I know have an element of this and, it’s true, we’ve been taught to believe the people at the top are completely sure of themselves. But doing that talk taught me different. So many people came up afterwards and confessed that they still suffer from so-called ‘Imposter Syndrome’ – professors, managers, heads of companies…all people that seemed perfectly confident from the outside. But a little self-doubt can actually be a good thing. Not only does it keep you humble, it also keeps you questioning yourself and your ideas. And the more questions you ask, the more you learn. Again, just don’t let it hold you back.

Bad Habit #7: Arrogance

And along with your internal self-doubt, bring a bit of external arrogance. Because if you don’t sell yourself and your brilliant ideas, no one will. If you produce good work, talk about it. As long as you can keep the asshole out of arrogance, the world will start to believe the hype. Sonia puts it wonderfully: ‘The line between savvy and jackwad is indeed a fine one.’ Just don’t talk yourself up if you’ve got nothing to brag about. You must first produce good work.

So there you have it. Did anything strike a nerve with you? Feel better about any of your so-called bad habits? I certainly do. I’d like to think these seven qualities have the ability to serve us well if we learn to how to use them to our advantage – they truly have the potential to help or hurt your success in the long run. It’s wonderful to think we don’t have to change our fundamental qualities – simply practice better self-management.