In the pursuit of improving productivity, it's crucial to distinguish between mitigating unproductivity and maximizing productivity. Many people mistake basic, obvious advice for great advice, not realizing that the former is aimed at those struggling to start improving. Mitigation focuses on preventing unproductivity from falling below a certain level, while maximizing productivity involves building upon the basic fundamentals. For instance, for someone battling depression, ensuring adequate sleep, regular exercise, social contact, and a balanced diet solves 80% of the problem. Attempting to implement advanced productivity strategies without first mastering these basics is futile.