I really hate to be the author of a negative type article, but after having read numerous books on the subject and reviewed lots of programs, the reality is that many of the programs out there are not only not effective, they are a negative on your productivity.  This means they actually make you less productive than doing nothing or what you were doing before.  Now, I am not going to name names and am not slamming anyone because there are systems that may fall into these categories for some, yet be the holy grail for others.  Let’s explore some of the common shortcomings of time management programs.

1. They are too theoretical – Many systems tell you to focus on your goals and priorities and then every thing else will fall into place.  These are all great concepts but does prioritizing a list of things you need to do get them done?  These are great concepts but not necessarily big productivity boosters. I like thinking about goals and priorities but in and of itself, this activity is not a pure productivity strategy in my book.
   
2. They are too specific – What, you just said too theoretical is not great.  Yes I did, but productivity systems are like porridge, you need it just right.  Some are too specific.   Put you stapler here, don’t look at email until 9:32 am, and use this exact model planner or software package.  The reality is we all have different habits, work environments and needs.  You need to find the right combination of tweaks to your life to improve productivity.
3. They cost too much – There is no need to spend lots of money on software, gadgets, notebooks or planners to improve you productivity.  Simple tools that are readily available and cheap are just as good.  Put money into your business or learning new skills, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars to be productive.
4. They are too complicated – If someone told you that to be productive you needed to learn a new language, sport or musical instrument you would say they were crazy, yet some productivity gurus systems are discussed in this manner.  After three months you will be starting to get it, after two years, you will be super good at it.  If you need help today, who has two years yet alone three months to learn something new to help them be productive.  In my view, if I can be more productive and free up time, I am going to learn a new musical instrument or do something that interests me.  So productivity does not need to be complicated.

Productivity systems should be almost immediately helpful, simple to implement and provide a benefit to you well in excess of the time spent “doing” the system.  While evaluating time management or productivity systems use this list as a guide to see if the system you are considering meets your own criteria and will perform for you.