Another name for false productivity is busywork. Busywork refers to tasks that might occupy your time and attention but do not contribute to meaningful outcomes or progress towards goals. While it may feel productive to be constantly engaged in various activities, if those activities do not align with your larger objectives, they can lead to a false sense of accomplishment.
For instance, spending hours organizing your email or rearranging your desk might not help you advance in your projects or achieve your targets. It’s essential to distinguish between genuine productivity—working on tasks that move you closer to your goals—and busywork, which can drain your energy and distract you from what truly matters.