Here's how you can beat procrastination and maintain focus on your teaching duties.

As a matter of principle, I always start by setting clear objectives and defining them in a precise and achievable way for my tasks. Instead of “preparing the course”, I try to “create the slides for each of my teaching modules”. But also, I break down large projects into smaller, manageable sub-tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Identifying what triggers my procrastination has been key to developing effective strategies to overcome it. Breaking tasks into smaller parts, seeking clarity, setting specific deadlines, creating a distraction-free work environment, and rewarding progress, I’ve been able to manage my procrastination better and maintain a more productive workflow. These approaches not only improve my efficiency but also reduce the stress associated with procrastination, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling teaching experience.

It is important to recognise that procrastination often occurs because of the time gap between the thought of doing something and actually taking action. This is because within that time span, the brain comes up with all possible excuses for why a particular task cannot be/should not be done at the moment and very few people have the mindfulness needed to snap out of that moment and realise that our mind is playing games. In order to stop procrastination follow this simple mantra that I have devised If you don't like something yet you know it is important or beneficial, don't let your mind enter the discussion at all. Just do it like an automation. The moment you start reasoning with yourself is when you start to lose the battle

Personally, I’ve found that keeping a Procrastination Journal where I note down distractions and reasons helps me develop targeted strategies to address them.

Setting priorities is a cornerstone of defeating procrastination in teaching. By identifying crucial tasks and ranking them based on urgency and importance, educators can navigate their responsibilities effectively. This strategic approach ensures that valuable time and energy are directed towards tasks that truly drive progress, preventing distractions and fostering a productive teaching environment for both educators and students.

Setting priorities is crucial for focus. I use the 'Ivy Lee Method' to list and tackle the most important tasks each day, which helps me stay on track.

To beat procrastination and maintain focus on your teaching duties, here are some strategies you can try: 1. Create a Schedule 2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps 3. Set Goals 4. Eliminate Distractions 5. Use Time Management Techniques 6. Reward Yourself 7. Stay Accountable 8. Practice Self-Care 9. Reflect and Learn By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can overcome procrastination and maintain focus on your teaching duties effectively.