10 Tested, Proven Ways to Become Less Productive

Marci • August 16, 2016

Let’s face it : while there is an abundance of articles on how to become more productive, there aren’t a lot on becoming less productive.

With that in mind, I decided to put this article together. While it’s helpful to focus on how to get more done every day, it can also be helpful to consider what may be holding you back.

Here are 10 surefire ways to become less productive every day.

 

Spend more time planning than doing

Some planning is essential. It’s pretty difficult to become more productive when you don’t step back to consider what you need to become more productive at doing. But past a certain point, the return on planning what you’re going to do with your time diminishes, and your productivity begins to suffer. Every minute you spend planning what to work on is one minute you don’t actually do work.

Multitask

It’s difficult to overstate this point: Multitasking is one of the absolute worst things you can do for your productivity. The fewer things you give your attention to in the moment, the more productive you become. If you want to become less productive, multitasking is a no-brainer.

Work on autopilot

 When you try to do too much at once, or you don’t plan your time well, you work on autopilot. This prevents you from working intentionally on what’s important. If you want to become less productive, don’t do any planning when you notice that you’re working on autopilot. Instead…

Work faster

 Working slower is for suckers. It gives you more space to think about your work, and to work smarter. If you want to become less productive, work as fast as possible—while multitasking, if you have the flexibility!

Take fewer breaks

Breaks—whether throughout the day, or a longer vacation—let you recharge. They allow your mind to wander so you can come up with better ideas and approach your work with more creativity. When you don’t step back from your work, your mind will take breaks for you. Needless to say, if you want to accomplish less each day, take as few of them as possible.

Pack your schedule

To the gills, if you can. If you want to become less productive, it’s crucial that you leave as little breathing room as possible for emergencies that may come up throughout the day. You don’t want any time to dive into the bigger projects you’re working on either. Make sure you agree to as many meetings as possible, and start a few of your own to “touch base” on all of the projects you’re working on!

Forget working out

Physical activity helps us destress, which is especially important today, when we face more stressors in our daily lives than ever before. When we don’t get enough physical activity, we are more likely to feel fatigued and burnt out. To become less productive, get as little physical activity as possible. And the instant you feel fatigued, don’t forget to load up on caffeine!

Get fewer than 8 hours of sleep

Sleep affects our mental performance in pretty much every measurable way. When we get less than 7.5 hours of it, our energy, focus, and productivity suffer. Sleep is one of the best ways to exchange your time for energy, which is precisely why you should get less than 8 hours of it if you want to become less productive.

Forget about nutrition

 Energy is the fuel that we burn over the course of the day to get stuff done. Not putting proper fuel into our body can shatter our energy and productivity. Processed foods that are ultra-high in sugar, salt, and fat can cause our energy and productivity to rollercoaster over the course of the day. But they’re also delicious, so don’t be afraid to crush a big bag of syrup-smothered waffles before work in the morning.

Cut yourself off from as many people as possible

Social interaction is also for suckers. Sure, it has been shown to make you happier, and more motivated and engaged than pretty much anything else. But you feel less productive while you’re doing it!

If you want to become less productive every day, make sure you give these things a try.

There’s a right and a wrong way to become less productive.
even if that means setting an intention to do absolutely nothing
This post was written by Chris Bailey, from A Life of Productivity. It was originally published here.

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Is Refinancing Your Mortgage a Good Way to Consolidate Debt?

By Marci Deane • December 3, 2025
If you're a homeowner juggling multiple debts, you're not alone. Credit cards, car loans, lines of credit—it can feel like you’re paying out in every direction with no end in sight. But what if there was a smarter way to handle it? Good news: there is. And it starts with your home. Use the Equity You’ve Built to Lighten the Load Every mortgage payment you make, every bit your home appreciates—you're building equity. And that equity can be a powerful financial tool. Instead of letting high-interest debts drain your income, you can leverage your home’s equity to combine and simplify what you owe into one manageable, lower-interest payment. What Does That Look Like? This strategy is called debt consolidation , and there are a few ways to do it: Refinance your existing mortgage Access a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Take out a second mortgage Each option has its own pros and cons, and the right one depends on your situation. That’s where I come in—we’ll look at the numbers together and choose the best path forward. What Can You Consolidate? You can roll most types of consumer debt into your mortgage, including: Credit cards Personal loans Payday loans Car loans Unsecured lines of credit Student loans These types of debts often come with sky-high interest rates. When you consolidate them into a mortgage—secured by your home—you can typically access much lower rates, freeing up cash flow and reducing financial stress. Why This Works Debt consolidation through your mortgage offers: Lower interest rates (often significantly lower than credit cards or payday loans) One simple monthly payment Potential for faster repayment Improved cash flow And if your mortgage allows prepayment privileges—like lump-sum payments or increased monthly payments—those features can help you pay everything off even faster. Smart Strategy, Not Just a Quick Fix This isn’t just about lowering your monthly bills (although that’s a major perk). It’s about restructuring your finances in a way that’s sustainable, efficient, and empowering. Instead of feeling like you're constantly catching up, you can create a plan to move forward with confidence—and even start saving again. Here’s What the Process Looks Like: Review your current debts and cash flow Assess how much equity you’ve built in your home Explore consolidation options that fit your goals Create a personalized plan to streamline your payments and reduce overall costs Ready to Regain Control? If your debts are holding you back and you're ready to use the equity you've worked hard to build, let's talk. There’s no pressure—just a practical conversation about your options and how to move toward a more flexible, debt-free future. Reach out today. I’m here to help you make the most of what you already have.

Breaking Down the Real Costs of Homeownership

By Marci Deane • November 26, 2025
Don’t Forget About Closing Costs When planning to buy a home, most people focus on saving for the down payment. But the truth is, that’s only part of the equation. To actually finalize the purchase, you’ll also need to budget for closing costs —the out-of-pocket expenses that come up before you get the keys. Closing costs can add up quickly, which is why they should be part of your pre-approval conversation right from the start. Lenders will even require proof that you’ve got enough funds set aside. For example, if you’re getting an insured (high-ratio) mortgage, you’ll need at least 1.5% of the purchase price available in addition to your down payment. That means a 10% down payment actually requires 11.5% of the purchase price in cash to make everything work. Let’s break down some of the most common expenses you should prepare for: 1. Home Inspection & Appraisal Inspection : Paid by you, this gives peace of mind that the property is in good shape and doesn’t have hidden problems. Appraisal : Required by the lender to confirm value. Sometimes this is covered by mortgage insurance, sometimes by you. 2. Legal Fees A lawyer or notary is required to handle the title transfer and make sure the mortgage is properly registered. Legal fees are often one of the larger closing costs—unless you’re also responsible for property transfer tax. 3. Taxes Many provinces charge a property or land transfer tax based on the home’s purchase price. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, so you’ll want to factor them in early. 4. Insurance Property insurance is mandatory—lenders won’t release funds without proof that the home is insured on closing day. Optional coverage like mortgage life, disability, or critical illness insurance may also be worth considering depending on your financial plan. 5. Moving Costs Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring movers, or bribing friends with pizza and gas money, moving comes with expenses. Cross-country moves especially can be surprisingly pricey. 6. Utilities & Deposits Setting up new services (electricity, water, internet) can involve connection fees or deposits, particularly if you don’t already have a payment history with the utility provider. Plan Ahead, Stress Less This list covers the big-ticket items, but every purchase is unique. That’s why it pays to have an accurate estimate of your personal closing costs before you make an offer. If you’d like help planning ahead—or want a breakdown tailored to your situation—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through the numbers and make sure you’re fully prepared.

Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart

By Marci Deane • November 19, 2025
Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart There’s no denying it—buying a home is an emotional journey. In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to stretch beyond your comfort zone or bid above asking just to have a chance. That pressure can make it hard to separate what you want from what you can realistically afford. One of the biggest pitfalls buyers face is falling in love with a home that’s outside their price range. Once that happens, every other property seems like a compromise—even the ones that might have been a perfect fit otherwise. The best way to avoid this heartache? Get pre-approved before you start shopping. What a Pre-Approval Does for You A mortgage pre-approval gives you more than just a number—it provides clarity, confidence, and protection: Know your buying power : Shop within your true price range and avoid disappointment. Spot potential roadblocks : Uncover issues like credit bureau errors before you make an offer. Get organized : Learn exactly what documentation you’ll need so there are no surprises. Lock in a rate : Many lenders hold your rate for 30–120 days, giving you peace of mind if rates rise. Save yourself heartache : Protect yourself from falling for a home you can’t afford. Head vs. Heart Buying a home is about balance. Your head tells you what’s financially sound, your heart tells you what feels right—and both matter. A pre-approval helps bring those two sides together, so you can make confident choices without emotional stress clouding your judgment. The Bottom Line Looking at properties for fun is one thing—but if you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval is the smartest first step you can take. It sets realistic expectations, saves time, and protects your emotions along the way. If you’d like to explore your options and get pre-approved, I’d be happy to walk through the process with you. Let’s make sure you’re ready to shop with confidence.