Newsletter issue: #141​
​Read time: under 3 minutes

Being busy isn't necessarily a good thing

Being busy feels good as it feels productive.

A packed calendar, endless Slack notifications, and late-night Figma sessions seem like proof of dedication.

But are they really?

For many designers, busyness becomes a default mode—a way to feel accomplished while avoiding deeper questions about impact. The constant hustle leaves no time for reflection, creativity, or big-picture thinking.

Instead of thriving, we end up stuck in reaction mode, chasing urgency instead of progress. This is where most designers struggle.

It’s easy to confuse movement with momentum.

But there’s a better way.

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5 habits to help you be productive

(without the burnout)

1. Prioritize what actually matters

Not all tasks are created equal. Learn to separate the critical from the “nice-to-haves.”

• Ask yourself: If I only finish one thing today, what will make the biggest impact?
• Use frameworks like Eisenhower’s Matrix to focus on the important, not just the urgent.

2. Time block like a pro

Schedule dedicated time for deep work, and don’t let distractions creep in.

• Mute notifications, close tabs, and make it sacred time.
• Pro tip: Block 90-minute chunks. It’s long enough to make progress but short enough to stay sharp.

3. Say no (I’m serious)

Every “yes” is a “no” to something else—like your focus, creativity, or sanity.

• Practice saying no to unnecessary meetings or projects that don’t align with your goals.
• Boundaries protect your energy and time.

4. Take guilt-free breaks

Your brain isn’t a machine. Downtime fuels creativity and problem-solving.

• Try the 25-5 Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes to recharge).
• Step outside, stretch, or grab a snack—anything that gets you out of “go mode.”

5. Reflect and adjust

At the end of the day (or week), review what worked and what didn’t.

• Were you busy, or were you productive?
• Use these insights to tweak your approach for next week.

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5 signs that you’re on the right track

But how do you know if you’re on the right track? Here are a few signs you’re building habits that lead to success:

✅ Your work feels purposeful. You’re not just crossing tasks off; you’re seeing real impact.

✅ You have space for creativity. Time to think, ideate, and solve problems without feeling rushed.

✅ You’re less stressed. Instead of juggling 20 things, you’re focused on a few that truly matter.

✅ People notice your clarity. Teammates and stakeholders trust your ability to deliver, not just stay busy.

✅ You’re making progress toward your goals.Your days are building momentum, not just motion.

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Productivity is a marathon, not a sprint.

Being busy is easy. Anyone can fill their calendar. But true success comes from focus, intention, and a clear sense of purpose.

Take a moment to audit your own habits. Are they pushing you forward or keeping you stuck?

Here’s the challenge: Start with one habit from this list. Commit to it for a week. See what happens.

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do what matters.

Research shows that multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40%, and high achievers often focus on fewer, strategic tasks. So, instead of drowning in your to-do list, focus on what truly moves you forward.

The key isn’t busyness—it’s effectiveness.

Streamline your efforts, stay intentional, and watch your progress grow.

Success isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.

Sent from a very cold Japan 🇯🇵

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