5 Incredible Ways to Turn Procrastination Into Productivity

I see the word, “Procrastination” buzzing all around. Ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling on your feed? While you already promised to start your project in “five minutes”? Then you realize that hours have gone by? Then, no wonder, you are one of the Procrastinator’s clubs. Worry no further. I’m here to take up the job of prescribing solutions to cure your procrastination habit.

But first, let’s understand what Procrastination means.?

Procrastination means delaying the tasks that need to be completed. This delay can be because they seem boring or unpleasant.

People who engage in this act are often called procrastinators. Studies show that 25% of the global population is identified as chronic procrastinators. It is to be noted that this figure has quadrupled in the past 30 years. Ref

It doesn’t stop here. It greatly affects the productivity level and mental wellness of an individual. As a result, it leads to anxiety and depression. The stress level takes a toll. This leads to distraction, increased errors and lower self-esteem.

As someone once said, “Procrastination is the enemy of success”

Psychology behind Procrastination

Psychological researchers say that procrastination is caused mainly because of poor emotional management. This lays the foundation for procrastination. So, to overcome procrastination, one needs to manage emotions better. Especially instant gratification, fear of failure and perfectionism need to be managed better. Our Human brain plays a pivotal role here. The constant need to hit the dopamine is the main culprit. Having said that, do you know there are different types of procrastinators?

Types of Procrastinators

Procrastinators can be categorized based on different personalities. A few of such personalities are briefed out. Read ahead to know which personality you fall under.

Perfectionist

This type of procrastinator often focuses on even the minute details to be perfect. This mentality prevents them from completing the tasks even after starting. It is always a good idea to focus on the purpose of the task rather than focusing on every tiny detail of the task.

For instance, if you are about to write a medical report. It is better to focus on its purpose than anything else because perfection does not exist.

The Dreamer

The problem behind this type is that they focus on having bigger plans and work on none. They usually underestimate the time it takes to accomplish. These people are extremely creative but find a hard time doing it. The focus should be on forming a practical framework to finish the task involved. Instead of dreaming big, breaking the task into smaller chunks will work in this case.

The Avoider

This kind of procrastinator is constantly worried about others' judgments. They self-sabotage themselves thinking that they can’t manage the assigned task themselves. So, it is easier for them to put things off than to take charge.? Instead of pouring your energy into worrying, it is better to take charge of the task and excel at it.

Crisis-Maker

This kind of procrastinator often has a misconception. They think that they can work their best under pressure. So, they won't perform the task until the deadline. They get motivated to do it only at the last minute and end up messing it up at the last minute. The quality of the work is under question. In this case, Pomodoro comes as a savior.

Busy Bees?

This kind is the fuzziest one of all. They tend to do many tasks at a particular time which leads to an overwhelming situation. They face the trouble of prioritizing the tasks. They either have everything to be done or nothing at all. Instead of overdoing it, prioritizing the work based on its level of urgency will help in the long run.

Are you one of those procrastinators? You can identify with a few signs:

• Less priority to important tasks

• Distracting yourself with pleasure-filled activities
• Several excuses

• Easily distracted
• Feeling too stressed to start something or anything
• Not taking ownership/accountability of the task completion

?

Strategies to Overcome Procrastination

Here are some ways in which you can overcome the disease of procrastination.

Since we know that Procrastination is caused by postponing, it is wise to DRAW A DEADLINE for your tasks. Considering even a fictitious deadline date and time will push you to complete tasks.

What if the task you are performing is hard to digest? In this case, you can BREAK THE TASK INTO SMALLER CHUNKS will help you to complete it easily.

Prioritizing the tasks based on their urgency comes first. Here, the POMODORO TECHNIQUE comes in handy. As per this technique,

Step 1: Choose a task

Step 2: Set the timer to 25 minutes

Step 3: FOCUS

Step 4: Take a quick 5-minute break

Step 5: Repeat the process for 4 times

Step 6: Longer break

POMODORO is depicted in the picture below for easy understanding

If you find it harder to focus on a single task at a time, always FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS. Remind yourself of the previous achievements you made. It should keep you going.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE SOCIAL PRESSURE

This means keeping positive people around you. These people motivate you, appreciate you selflessly and constantly support you.

LIMIT YOUR DISTRACTIONS?

Switch your device to the DND mode. This will prevent you from spending mindlessly on unnecessary notifications.

5-Second Rule

Imagine, you are good at a few tasks and completed them successfully. But, to complete it, you need to start a task, right? You have a problem initiating the tasks. In such cases, the 5-second rule is something you should never miss out on. As per this rule, you are forced to start doing a task within the first 5 seconds. It helps to overcome the urge to put off things. Once started, you will find your momentum through the process. This technique is brought by our famous Mel Robins.

Mindset Shift?

Procrastinating a task, all starts from your mind first. Hence, working on your mindset is important. Switching your thoughts from “I have to do this” to “I want to do this” helps you to figure out the pain point. It includes finding a solution as well. The dread feeling is converted into a driving factor leading you to the finishing line.

Final Thoughts

So, procrastination is also termed as an effect of increased laziness. However, both of these statements are two separate things. When you are lazy, you are disinterested in doing a task. Procrastination, on the other hand, is because you have trouble doing a task. But, you can deal with it in the above-discussed ways.

As Napoleon famously said: “Don’t wait. “It is time, the time will never be right”, best to act. Pain comes only from procrastination. What are you waiting for? Now, resolve your pending work. Break a leg!