In today’s hustle culture, being busy has almost become a badge of honour. Students juggle classes, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social lives, all while trying to maintain a sense of sanity. But, at what cost? The pressure to always be “doing more” can and will backfire, leading to burnout, stress, and, ironically, lower productivity.
The Illusion of Productivity
Many students equate busy-ness with productivity. Filling every spare moment with something to be done. Whether it be studying late into the night, taking on extra projects, or joining multiple clubs – we feel like we’re making progress – like it’s a good thing for us. But constantly working doesn’t necessarily equate to achieving more. Often, it leads to diminishing returns, where the more exhausted you are, the less effective your efforts become.
Research shows that working beyond a certain point actually reduces efficiency. A study by John Pencavel of Stanford University found that output per hour drops significantly after prolonged hours of work (50 hours a week). Simply, the brain’s ability to focus slows down. This means that those extra hours spent “grinding” may in fact be counterproductive.
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of piling on more tasks, the key to real productivity is doing fewer things but doing them well. Prioritisation is crucial. You have to think, what’s actually important, and what’s just filler? Instead of just mindlessly adding to your to-do list, ask yourself the following:
- Is this necessary?
- Will this bring me closer to my goals?
- Is there a more efficient way to accomplish this?
By focusing on the things that really matter, you’ll accomplish more in less time and avoid the exhaustion that comes with overcommitment.
The Power of Rest
Surprisingly, one of the most productive things you can do is take breaks. Rest isn’t a waste of time – it’s a reset button for your brain. Studies have shown that short breaks improve concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Sleep, in particular, is essential for memory retention and cognitive function. Yet, many students sacrifice sleep in the name of productivity, only to perform worse in school as a result.
Breaking Free from the Trap
So, how do you escape the productivity trap?
- Work smarter, not harder – Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (work for 25 minutes, break for 5 minutes, repeat) to remain efficient.
- Learn to say no – It’s okay to say no, as overloading yourself with commitments can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Choose quality over quantity.
- Prioritise self-care – Exercise, sleep, and downtime are just as important as studying. A well-rested mind is far more effective than an overworked one.
Ultimately, productivity isn’t about how much you do – it’s about how well you do it. Instead of chasing endless tasks, focus on what truly matters. Because sometimes, doing less is the key to achieving more.
“Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.” – Steve Jobs.
Published Thursday 24th April,2025
Written by Chiron Yung, edited by Aaron Huang and Emma Li.
Photo from taskworld.com
