BIG, BAD Productivity Myths

BIG, BAD Productivity Myth #4: If I work hard enough, I can become good at it.

One popular strategy for self-improvement is to identify your strengths and weaknesses, then work very hard to improve on the weaknesses. The result always seems to be a person with a set of strengths, and a set of somewhat-improved weaknesses.

To be clear, I am a strong believer in determination and self-belief. But, if you are running in the wrong direction, running faster does not correct your course. We each have a finite amount of energy to put in our work -- why not target your efforts toward those things that you do best? If a certain approach does not come naturally to you (and there are other acceptable approaches that do), then change course!

You have probably heard the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder." Though it has become a bit cliche, the message is still a powerful one. Don't throw more effort and energy into something that isn't working...especially if your only goal is to "become good at it." Step back. Take a new approach; one that utilizes -- rather than drains -- your talents.