I'm A Productivity Pro But Cant Get Anything Done.

Productivity Theatre

Author

Alan Barnes
March 22, 2025

If only I had the latest version of ChatGPT, or that new feature from Claude...

I've tried them all—and the next version of them all.

Yes, I'm painfully aware of the irony of being fascinated by productivity tools while not getting anything done.

This is the modern-day equivalent of obsessively buying highlighters and 100 different templated notebooks.

It's easy to get caught up in the allure of new tools. You start with one, hear about another, and suddenly you're hopping from tool to tool, hoping each new one will magically solve your productivity woes.

But here's the truth: no tool can do the work for you. The real work still needs to get done, no matter what tool you're using.

You're engaging in PRODUCTIVITY THEATRE if you're:

  • Spending hours color-coding tasks without actually starting them.

  • Researching and comparing note-taking apps without writing a single note.

  • Attending productivity webinars but neglecting your deadlines.

Why Do We Do This?

Though this behavior doesn't get actual work done, it does give us something else—an addictive dopamine loop known as productive procrastination. Your brain associates these activities with positive feelings, creating a false sense of accomplishment and keeping you stuck in the loop.

The Path to Productivity (Or Actually Getting Shit Done)

First, what exactly is productivity?

It's simply a series of steps leading to your desired outcome. There's no secret or magic formula. Despite today's amazing tech, the most effective approach hasn't really changed:

Systemize tasks into simple steps.

Think of productivity systems like dieting. There are countless diets out there—and guess what? They all can work. But if they're not sustainable, you'll inevitably fall off the wagon.

The same goes for productivity tools. If your system is overly complicated, you might see some initial success, but soon you'll find yourself buried under pointless tasks, overwhelmed, and hunting again for the next miracle tool or hack.

Keep It Simple, Stupid

Real productivity isn't about the tools—it’s consistently following simple steps toward your goals. Small, consistent actions always beat flashy, complicated systems.

My Current (Trying Not to Change Every 30 Minutes) Toolbox:

  • Voicepal: Quickly capturing ideas through voice recordings.

  • Kortex: A "second brain" specifically built for writers—where I store ideas and write articles.

  • AI: ChatGPT and Claude—for research, proofing, and editing drafts (but never writing).

  • Beehiiv: Hosting my newsletter, Faarkihopeitsnottoolate.com.

  • Stanstore: Distribution platform for my digital products.

  • Typefully: Scheduling and distribution for social media content.

A Real Productivity Pro: Ali Abdaal

Ali Abdaal is a former UK doctor turned productivity expert and entrepreneur, known for insightful and practical advice. He’s built a huge following by teaching strategies that make life more fulfilling and productive.

Ali's excellent book, Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You, emphasizes that true productivity isn't about tools—it’s about mindset. He provides powerful frameworks to help you rethink productivity, making it easier and more enjoyable to consistently focus on what truly matters.

Check out Ali's work:

At Last, We're Getting Things Done

Thanks for reading.

Remember—it's never too late to break free from productivity theatre and start getting things done.

Embrace the journey.