These 5 habits look unproductive — but are common among high achievers

Ever have days where you suspect you’re actually not accomplishing much, only to discover later that you somehow knocked an entire project out of the park?

Sometimes the habits that seem least productive on the surface are the very ones fueling real progress.

Let’s explore five surprising behaviors that often come across as time-wasters—but happen to be staples for people who consistently reach impressive goals.

Sure, it might feel strange to adopt some of these practices, especially if you’re used to a hustle-every-minute mentality.

But hang with me, and you may find that the best way forward doesn’t always come from non-stop grinding.

1. Taking breaks

We often hear that “pushing through” is the secret to getting things done. 

But here’s what research shows: short, intentional breaks can spark fresh ideas and prevent burnout.

Tim Ferriss once wrote, “Focus on being productive instead of busy.” That line changed how I approached my daily schedule. 

I used to think powering through every hour was the ultimate measure of productivity. Then I realized that stepping away from my laptop actually helped me return with a clearer mind and better strategies.

High achievers understand that the human brain has limits.

Makes sense, right? You can’t run at full speed forever. Every so often, you’ve got to catch your breath.

Whether it’s a quick stretch, a mini-walk, or a few minutes of daydreaming, a well-timed break can mean the difference between slogging through tasks and attacking them with renewed energy.

2. Procrastinating (intentionally)

This one feels like a sin to even consider, but hear me out.

There’s a difference between mindless procrastination that stems from fear or laziness, and purposeful delay that allows ideas to simmer.

I’ve seen entrepreneurs swear by a technique where they actively postpone certain tasks—especially creative ones—so their subconscious has time to work out better solutions.

Want an example? 

Let’s say you’re writing a pitch deck for investors. You might do the research, outline the slides, and then let the project sit for a day or two.

When you come back, you’ll likely see holes in the pitch that you’d have missed if you tried to force all the work in one shot.

So, yes—some procrastination can backfire if it becomes a habit of avoidance. But a little strategic delay might be your best friend when you’re aiming for top-notch results.

3. Getting lost in “unrelated” tasks

Ever notice how some top performers—be they authors, coders, or executives—take time to dabble in random activities that seem to have nothing to do with their main career?

They might pick up woodworking, experiment with photography, or binge-read obscure historical biographies.

For example, Steve Jobs had a passion for calligraphy. From the outside, it looked like a distraction. But strangely, that passion came in handy for shaping the aesthetic sensibility of Apple’s typography later on. 

The weird truth is, branching out sparks creativity and fosters fresh connections in the brain. Unexpected mashups can lead to breakthroughs.

So the next time you find yourself curious about something that seems unrelated to your job, consider giving it a go.

That random interest might recharge your brain in the best way possible.

4. Saying “no” more than “yes”

In a world that glorifies busyness, turning down opportunities can feel almost irresponsible.

Yet, many driven, successful individuals have mastered the art of saying “no”—not because they lack ambition but because they understand focus.

Greg McKeown, author of Essentialism, stresses that “if you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” This rings true in entrepreneurship and beyond.

When every request or idea gets an automatic yes, your energy and attention get scattered.

I learned this the hard way when I was juggling multiple side projects, team calls, and volunteer gigs at once.

Sure, I felt valuable because I was “in demand.” But I also felt drained, and none of my projects received my best effort.

High achievers get strategic about where they invest their time. 

That means turning down certain invites, passing up on a few decent ideas, and even disappointing others in the short term.

Saying no ensures that the handful of things you do commit to receive your complete energy—and that tends to produce the standout results that matter more in the long run.

5. Going offline to think

Picture someone staring into space or casually browsing a magazine in a coffee shop with their phone off.

From the outside, it might seem lazy—like, shouldn’t they be checking emails or reading productivity blogs?

But here’s a subtle secret: digital detoxes or short offline periods can drastically improve mental clarity.

High achievers aren’t always locked into their devices. They allow downtime for deep thinking without constant alerts or notifications.

All too often, we forget that the mind needs room to wander. Unstructured time leads to greater creativity and strategic thinking.

If you’re constantly inputting data—scrolling through social media, reading endless news feeds, or responding to Slack messages—you never get the chance to connect the dots in your own head.

So, if someone calls you out for “doing nothing,” just smile. Sometimes “doing nothing” is exactly how you cultivate a breakthrough.

Wrapping up

These five habits might look unproductive on the surface, yet they can become game-changers if you know when and how to lean into them.

They offer a mental reset, spark your creativity, and keep you from burning out, which is something the typical hustle-24/7 approach tends to ignore.

Success doesn’t just come from brute force or loading up your schedule. It grows when you give yourself enough space to recharge, reflect, and find surprising angles on your goals.

Until next time, friends.