There’s a distinct difference between being busy and being productive.

Highly intelligent people know this distinction all too well. They understand that time is a precious commodity, and so, they make conscious decisions on what to spend their time on.

And more importantly, what not to waste their time on.

Everyday, there are certain activities that these smart individuals avoid like the plague. These are things that don’t add value to their lives or help them achieve their goals.

So what are these activities? Let me take you through the 8 everyday things that highly intelligent people never waste time on. This list might just be the productivity boost you need!

1) Mindless scrolling

We’ve all been there. Stuck in the endless loop of scrolling through social media, news feeds, or random websites. It’s easy to get lost in this digital maze.

However, highly intelligent people recognize this trap and consciously avoid it.

They understand that mindless scrolling doesn’t contribute to their personal or professional growth.

That’s not to say they completely shun these platforms. Instead, they make a deliberate choice about when and how much time they spend on them.

By avoiding mindless scrolling, they free up time for activities that are more beneficial and aligned with their goals.

This approach ensures that they are not just busy, but also productive. And it’s a trait we could all learn from.

2) Procrastination

This is a personal struggle I’ve had to overcome.

There was a time when I would constantly put off tasks for later, especially the ones I considered challenging or tedious. Until one day, I realized that this behavior was getting me nowhere.

Highly intelligent people don’t procrastinate. They know that postponing tasks only leads to stress and underperformance.

Instead of delaying, they tackle tasks head-on, prioritizing them based on importance and deadlines. They understand that the sooner they complete their tasks, the sooner they can move on to other meaningful activities.

In my experience, overcoming procrastination wasn’t easy, but once I did, I found myself with more time and less stress. This change allowed me to focus on activities that truly mattered to me, leading to a substantial increase in my productivity and overall happiness.

3) Multitasking

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking doesn’t make us more efficient. In fact, research from Stanford University shows that multitasking can make us less productive, and can even damage our brains.

Highly intelligent people understand this. They avoid dividing their attention between multiple tasks at once. Instead, they focus on one task at a time, giving it their full attention until it’s complete.

By doing so, they not only enhance their productivity but also the quality of their work. It’s a simple but powerful strategy that we can all incorporate into our daily routines to become more efficient and effective.

4) Unnecessary meetings

We all know the frustration of sitting through a meeting that could have been an email. These interactions can often feel like a waste of time, especially when they don’t result in any significant action or decision.

Highly intelligent people value their time too much to waste it on unnecessary meetings. They prefer to communicate in more efficient ways, like emails or direct conversations.

When a meeting is unavoidable, they ensure it’s productive by keeping it focused, concise, and outcome-oriented.

By avoiding unnecessary meetings, they save valuable time that can be invested in tasks that truly matter and contribute to their success.

5) Negative energy

Life is too short to be surrounded by negativity.

Highly intelligent people understand that negative energy, whether it’s from people, situations or thoughts, can drain their mental and emotional resources.

They consciously choose to distance themselves from anything that brings them down or hampers their progress. They surround themselves with positivity, by engaging with optimistic individuals, nurturing healthy relationships, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Choosing to steer clear of negativity not only enhances their emotional well-being but also helps them remain focused and motivated towards achieving their goals. It’s a reminder for all of us to guard our peace and choose positivity over negativity.

6) Perfectionism

I’ve always been someone who strives for perfection. Whether it was in school, work, or even personal projects, I wanted everything to be faultless. But over time, I realized this need for perfection was holding me back.

Highly intelligent people are aware of the pitfalls of perfectionism. They understand that while striving for excellence is commendable, obsessing over every detail can be counterproductive.

It can lead to unnecessary stress, delay tasks, and even prevent you from starting new ones.

Instead, they focus on doing their best and accept that mistakes and flaws are part of the learning process. They embrace these as opportunities to grow and improve.

Letting go of my own perfectionist tendencies has opened up a world of possibilities for me. It’s allowed me to take risks, learn from my mistakes, and ultimately become more efficient and successful in my endeavors.

7) Dwelling on the past

The past is gone and cannot be changed. Highly intelligent people get this. They don’t waste time dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or missed opportunities.

Instead, they learn from these experiences and move forward.

They focus their energy on the present moment and the future, where they can still make a difference. This approach helps them stay motivated and open to new opportunities that come their way.

By not dwelling on the past, they free up mental space for creativity, problem-solving, and planning, elements vital for their success. It’s a lesson for all of us to not let our past define our present or future.

8) Comparing themselves to others

In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lives with others. But highly intelligent people don’t waste their time on this.

They understand that each person’s journey is unique, with different starting points, challenges, and accomplishments. They focus on their own progress and goals, rather than getting caught up in what others are doing.

This mindset not only saves them time but also eliminates unnecessary stress and competition. It allows them to celebrate their own successes and continue working towards their goals at their own pace.

Remember, life is not a race. It’s about being the best version of yourself. Don’t waste time comparing your journey with others. Focus on your own path and success will follow.

Final thought: It’s all about choice

The way highly intelligent people choose to spend their time isn’t a result of some extraordinary ability or secret formula. It’s about choices and priorities.

They choose to focus on tasks that add value to their lives, and consciously avoid those that don’t. They prioritize their time, understanding it’s their most valuable resource.

They understand that every minute spent on an unproductive task is a minute lost from working towards their goals.

Whether it’s avoiding mindless scrolling, stepping away from negative energy, or not dwelling on the past, each choice is a step towards better productivity and a more fulfilling life.

Remember, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s how we choose to spend them that makes the difference. Reflect on these everyday things that highly intelligent people never waste time on, and consider how you can make better choices with your own time.

After all, time is the one commodity we can’t get back. How will you choose to spend yours?