We all want to make the most of our days. But let’s be real: most people are sabotaging themselves without even realizing it.

Here are five common mistakes I see every day — and more importantly, how you can turn them around.

1. Waking Up With the Wrong Attitude

Your morning mindset sets the tone for your entire day.

Do you wake up excited, like a kid on Christmas morning? Or do you groan, smash the alarm, and wish for more sleep?

A great day starts with a great attitude. The choice you make in those first few minutes matters.

2. Doing Too Much — or Not Doing What Matters

Here’s the trap: some people overload their schedules with busywork. Others don’t tackle what actually moves the needle. Both are wrong.

The fix? Start your day by asking: What really matters today?

Then put only those things on your calendar. Do less, better.

3. Letting Distractions Run the Show

Distractions are everywhere — phones, notifications, people, deliveries, coworkers.

No, you can’t control them all. But many distractions are your fault: too many notifications left on, too little focus on protecting your environment.

Identify your biggest self-inflicted distractions, and eliminate them. You’ll instantly get back hours of your day.

4. Living Without a Plan

“Whatever happens, happens” is not a strategy.

Successful people don’t wing it. They plan. They decide what matters, put it on their calendar, and then protect it.

If you don’t tell your time where to go, you’ll spend every evening wondering where it went.

5. Skipping Rest

Rest isn’t lazy. It’s fuel.

That means consistent sleep (same time every night, seven days a week) and micro-breaks during your day.

Go for a quick walk. Step outside. Give your body — and your mind — a reset.

Your energy is your edge. Guard it.

Ready to Get Clear?

Fixing these five mistakes will transform your productivity. But clarity isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things, consistently.

👉 Curious how clear you really are?
Take the free Clarity Scorecard and get your personalized score in minutes.

Mark