Procrastination is a common problem that can affect your productivity, performance, and well-being. It can make you feel guilty, stressed, and overwhelmed by the tasks you keep putting off. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help you overcome procrastination and stay focused on your tasks. Here are six of them.
One of the reasons why you might procrastinate is that your tasks seem too big, complex, or vague. To overcome this, you can break down your tasks into smaller, manageable, and specific steps. This can help you reduce your resistance, increase your clarity, and motivate you to start and finish your tasks. For example, if your task is to write a report, you can break it down into steps such as research, outline, draft, edit, and submit.
I have found that allocating time on my calendar for each of the steps needed to complete the tasks helps me to stay focused and achieve incremental progress which I can celebrate.
I do just one thing at a time, no matter how tempting doing several other things at once is. I write down what I need to do and allocate a specific time for it. Writing this by hand connects me more and keeps me present. After that thing is done, I make a circle of completion on that task, which keeps me fueled up to do more.
Another example of this is to further break tasks down into timed portions. In the report writing example above, "research" and "draft" could be further broken down into timed portions of each day which allows calendar time-blocking. Setting aside a specific duration of time can help to make a large task appear more specific and doable.
Stay away from my cellphone. Attack tasks in pieces, and move to another when stalled.. Unless it is in immediate need, prioritize the rest.
"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." This saying resonates with me as I've experienced firsthand how breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts can help overcome procrastination and boost productivity. Breaking down the main task into bite-sized subtasks is my key approach. It enables me to tackle each piece more efficiently. Also, along the way, celebrating small victories has been instrumental help me in building momentum. The momentum gained from these small victories fuels my motivation to continue to move forward. When I remember to embrace the power of small tasks and celebrate each milestone along the way, I am able to overcome procrastination and increase my productivity.
Another reason why you might procrastinate is that you have no sense of urgency or accountability for your tasks. To overcome this, you can set realistic deadlines for yourself and stick to them. Deadlines can help you prioritize your tasks, plan your time, and monitor your progress. They can also create a positive pressure that can boost your focus and efficiency. However, make sure that your deadlines are realistic and not too tight or too loose. Otherwise, you might feel overwhelmed or complacent.
Full stop here. You don't need a deadline - you need a starting line! (agile concept!) Most people who set a deadline wait until they are close to the deadline and freak out. -> Human behavior is pretty predictable this way! What if you had a starting line instead - and did a little bit of work on the task each day?! I tell you, that deadline isn't looming anymore. Instead, you might actually finish early! ?? #gamechanger
One of the Prime reasons for Procrastination is -?? Poor Time Management and Planning Sometimes, procrastination stems from a lack of effective time management and planning skills. When tasks are not broken down into manageable steps or when deadlines are not clearly defined, it can be overwhelming to tackle them all at once. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed, causing you to put off starting the task until the last minute.
Lack of confidence was one of the reasons I procrastinated. Here is a strategy to help. -Learn a new skill (to improve) -Practice consistently (you are not perfect and allowed to make mistakes) -Set realistic deadlines (most importantly start the task) -Imagining what success is like when done The feeling of "not being good enough" at certain tasks made me shy away from them, hence, I procrastinated. However, learning new skills and practising helped improve my skills. Yes, they started as mediocre but got better, building my confidence over time. Plus, I didn't pressure myself with unrealistic deadlines and deliverables, which helped me to complete tasks easily. Finally, imagining what success feels like when done motivated me to finish
Set a planning time to create the steps and deadlines for each. Assign time blocks to the steps and allocate sufficient time in each block.
Think of it this way, if as a runner you just signed up for your first marathon, the date is set and you need to train effectively to run the race. Having a deadline helps to re-enforce the need to do what needs to be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
A third reason why you might procrastinate is that you are easily distracted by external or internal factors. To overcome this, you can eliminate or minimize the distractions that interfere with your concentration and attention. For example, you can turn off your phone, close your email, and block social media sites when you are working on your tasks. You can also create a quiet, comfortable, and organized workspace that supports your work. Additionally, you can avoid multitasking and focus on one task at a time.
Checking your phone 100+ times per day is NOT only destroying your happiness but your ability to get work done. The best productivity app on your phone is called airplane mode (use it).
When I REALLY want to get things done, I tell my network and family about it so they don't distract me. I turn off my notifications for everything, especially email and my smartphone. Finally, I make sure I am well fed and hydrated so that I can get right into the work.
Top tip: Schedule time on your calendar for your own tasks. I don't take meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays so that I can create content for clients, and work on my business.
Creating time specifically for the task means turning off all other distractions. In college I learned the power of focus ensured I got my work done by sometimes finding a corner in the library where no one could find me.
Distractions or noise can be external or internal. Some practical tips : 1) I find a space or room where I will not be disturbed to complete my tasks 2) Keep my phone away for this period 3) Close my mailbox, the tendency to reply to the latest incoming is high 4) In my mind I try to treat this like an exam - you don't day dream or plan a vacation when the timer is ticking - so I create this exam zone that has a time-limit to accomplish the tasks
A fourth reason why you might procrastinate is that you lack the motivation or enjoyment for your tasks. To overcome this, you can reward yourself for completing your tasks or reaching your milestones. Rewards can help you reinforce your positive behavior, increase your satisfaction, and maintain your momentum. They can also make your tasks more fun and appealing. For example, you can reward yourself with a break, a snack, a hobby, or a compliment after finishing a task or a step.
I like to play games on my phone after I finish ad call or a task. it helps me reset my mind - and refocus on something new. I also take breaks walking my dogs. (I work from home) Last tip: I have a standing desk - so just adjusting from sitting to standing or standing to sitting helps me refocus!
I often find myself procrastinating when I lack motivation or enjoyment for the tasks I need to complete. To overcome this hurdle, I have discovered rewarding myself helps. By establishing rewards for completing tasks or reaching milestones, it boosts my motivation and make the process more enjoyable. The key is to make the rewards meaningful---something you really want.
Celebration is the key to staying positive and motivated. Don't celebrate just a goal being met, celebrate each of the individual steps. Thank yourself for following through and working towards the goal.
Turn your tasks into a game by assigning points to each one. Accumulate points to unlock rewards. It's like leveling up in a video game but with real-life perks. Create a visual tracker that showcases your task progress. Each milestone achieved gets you closer to your ultimate reward.
During the day, I walk downstairs and brew a fresh cup of coffee. I continue to drink it back upstairs in my office, as I focus on whatever project I am currently working on. Later after the day is over, I check my messages (Mom is 2+ hours away), and then I play Monopoly Go, I love that game. It relaxes me, and any stress I had, just starts to pour out. I also enjoy making Chain Maille jewelry (think about the amour from King Arthur's day, but as bracelets, earrings, etc..). And I enjoy my diamond paintings too. Currently I have a large on (30" x 40", which is just an abstract, almost looks like stained glass). But after work I take some "me" time, and then have dinner and watch TV with my husband. We are both HUGE Doctor Who fans!
A fifth reason why you might procrastinate is that you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure about your tasks. To overcome this, you can get support from others who can help you with your tasks or encourage you to stay on track. Support can help you overcome your challenges, gain new perspectives, and improve your skills. It can also make you feel more accountable, connected, and confident. For example, you can get support from a colleague, a friend, a mentor, or a coach who can offer you feedback, advice, or assistance.
Courageous conversations with my trusted advisors always inspire me to take action. Usually I document three of my favorite takeaways, and infuse them into my calendar for the week. They are also powerful conversation starters on my social media platforms that helps me co create in public! The power of community is an invaluable asset that is rarely leveraged! #LeadLoudly #leadership #mindset #productivity #success
There has been no greater success for my personal development - weight loss, fitness, business growth, sales, parenting - than having a support, strong community. My mastermind groups and paid communities have given me incredible ideas, mindset and motivation. Asking for help is a strength so make sure you know who is in your support community. If not, then find one. (e.g. The Thought Leadership Branding Club on LinkedIn)
Getting an accountability partner helps me at the end of the day, he/she ensures that you are completing your task on time and you are in the right direction towards reaching your goal/s Having your best pal/ spouse/ sibling / children / parent could be the best fit to be your accountability partner... somebody who is genuinely interested in your well being and who is your real well wisher.
A team makes moving forward easier. With the support of each other, starting and completing a task is shared with those working together.
Working as a team has its pro's and con's. If the team is engerized to get the task completed, then a team approach is great. But it only takes one person to not carry their load to upset the team dynamic.
A sixth reason why you might procrastinate is that you have negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself, your tasks, or your outcomes. To overcome this, you can change your mindset and adopt a more positive and constructive attitude. Mindset can affect your emotions, actions, and results. It can also influence your self-esteem, resilience, and growth. For example, you can change your mindset by challenging your fears, reframing your failures, affirming your strengths, and celebrating your achievements.
Get tested for neurodivergence (ADD, ADHD, Twice Exceptional, etc…) because the strategies are completely different. Makes an enormous difference.
need a mindset adjustment? Join a mastermind with like-minded professionals. Especially if you won your own business, this can be a game-changer. The more you talk with others who might be experiencing the same things, the more likely you are to move past them. Shared misery and shared accomplishments make the load for you, lighter!
Sometimes, a critical inner voice causes us to procrastinate. By being aware of our inner critic, we’re able to counter false reasoning with the truth about our capabilities or past successes. Recognizing these cases of imposter syndrome allow us to embrace a positive, productive mindset to tackle what’s in front of us.
Mindset is key, learn to appreciate the journey, what you are learning along the way and each step. Learn to rephrase how you look at doing a task. Instead of, "I have to work on this today", say "I get to work on this with the best team in the class."
Understanding the underlying feelings and behaviors that are driving your procrastination is important to rewiring your habit of procrastinating and shifting your mindset. -What is the root cause of your procrastination? -What do you have control over? -What don’t you have control over? -What are you avoiding by procrastinating? -What is one obstacle in the way of you procrastinating? -How can you start making that obstacle smaller?
I must admit that I'm currently procrastinating and I should close Linkedin and review some chapters ??♀? A little procrastination is normal and doesn't mean you won't ever get it done. Don't identify yourself as a procrastinator. And when it happens, don't beat yourself up over it. Be kind to yourself ?? I'd much rather do something for someone who's nice to me (in this case myself) than for someone who's being a bully.
Take a 'Little drops of water' approach. Sometimes, we may be overwhelmed by the task ahead of us after we set our goal. What I usually do instead of abandoning it is remind myself that I can break it into smaller fragments like little drops of water, and then I calm my heart to accept it. For example, I am currently learning the French language passively. I ensure that I take at least a one-minute lesson each day instead of doing an hour lesson which may not be practical to maintain since it is not my priority now. So I go by the little drops of water, and as long as I don't give up, I will become proficient in French someday!
While an advanced ability because it requires recovering self-awareness that can be lost when there's a skid off the runway, this is also basic stuff – having the awareness to recognize that you are procrastinating! Once realized, insightful tips mentioned in the article comments can help move through it.
Two best things that worked for me are: 1. Turning off all the notifications on my phone and 2. Keeping my workspace green with real plants, this one particularly not only helped me in dealing with procrastination but also has increased my productivity by reducing my stress level.
Self-knowledge is crucial to deal with procrastination. Understand how your mind is wired will help to find what works for you. It will allow you to understand what I call the time/energy spectrum for you. Therefore, understanding which of the suggestions above is relevant for you depending on the tasks you are procrastinating about. Always lead with self-knowledge.