6 Effective Strategies To Beat Procrastination and Maximize Productivity

As a busy leader, you might not consider yourself a procrastinator...

But procrastination doesn't mean you're idle. In fact, you're likely exhausted from putting out fires from 6am to 11pm.?

The issue is that too many leaders spend their time on reactive, low-impact tasks instead of focusing on strategic initiatives that truly move the needle forward.

It's incredibly frustrating to end the day drained, feeling like you haven't actually achieved anything. While you're busy procrastinating on reactive tasks, you know you should be:

• Strategizing the trajectory of your company
• Building a talent pool and nurturing relationships with industry-leading professionals
• Restructuring your organization for future growth challenges
• Cultivating a company culture aligned with your founding values
• Investing in relationships needed to generate breakthrough opportunities

That's why we've listed six helpful strategies to help beat procrastination, reduce your daily stress, and focus on the strategic initiatives that allow you to scale yourself and your business.?

Plus, at the end of this article, you'll also get free access to our Whitespace Time Guide, which will help you successfully reclaim your time and focus on becoming the proactive leader your business needs.?

Reactive Busyness vs Proactive Flow

When we are in a state of reactivity, we respond to whatever feels most urgent – often at the expense of what's truly important.?

This leaves many entrepreneurs stuck in a cycle of reactive busyness, unable to break into a proactive flow.?

The key to success lies in the Superpower of Intent – investing your time in activities that truly move the needle and help you achieve your North Star goal.??

Mastering Intent will not only help you reclaim massive amounts of time but, more importantly, help you break free from reactivity, reclaim your focus, and become the proactive leader your business needs.??

Try These Six Strategies To Beat Procrastination and Maximize Productivity

If you're stuck in the chaotic, reactive nature of running a company, here are six strategies to help you overcome procrastination and maximize your productivity:

1. "Chunk" Overwhelming Projects Into Smaller Tasks

Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks is the key to beating procrastination.?

You'll find yourself to be far more focused and productive than if you were to overwhelm yourself with daunting workloads that never get started because you simply "don't have the time."?

2. Create Your Own Momentum

As author and speaker Tony Robbins says, "The most important thing you can do to achieve your goals is to make sure that as soon as you set them, you immediately begin to create momentum."

So, once you set a goal, take that first step immediately. Once you start moving, it's easier to pick up speed and keep going. Pairing this with chunking makes it even more effective.

3. Switch Up Your Environment

A cluttered environment leads to a cluttered mind that is unfocused and easily distracted.?

Therefore, whenever you're about to start on a new project, take a few moments to de-clutter your workspace. Clear unnecessary papers, close down browser tabs, and silence your phone.?

Aim to make your workplace a quiet, organized, and serene space that your mind and productivity will thank you for!?

If you can't create a distraction-free environment at home or the office, find a place where you can focus – like a coffee shop, library, or hotel lobby.

4. Set (and Record) Multiple Deadlines

Instead of setting one distant deadline, break your project into chunks and set a deadline for each.?

It's important that your key priorities are considered both urgent and important. Therefore, create a specialized "Today" section for all tasks that need to be completed within 24 hours, in order of importance.?

Keep in mind: Your daily to-do should be no longer than seven tasks long in order to keep you focused and productive.?

For all other tasks, create an "Upcoming" section and bump them up to "Today" as you complete your daily priorities.?

In our experience, a seven-item to-do list is almost always more productive than a 50-item list!?

5. Increase Your Accountability

When you're the only one aware of your goals, it's easy to make excuses. Instead, share your goals and deadlines with others to create accountability.?

Having your Executive Assistant (EA) or Rockstar Engagement Manager (EM) track your progress and set up weekly check-ins ensures your priorities stay at the top of your list!??

Of course, the most effective form of accountability is to invest in a coach. At Mindmaven, we combine weekly executive coaching sessions for you with unlimited hours of training for your EA.?

This individualized support system, using our game-changing playbooks, will help you free up 12+ hours every week, ensure you maximize your productivity, and keep you focused on high-impact tasks to reach your fullest potential.

If you want to explore our playbooks step-by-step, check out our new book, Radical Delegation. It offers pragmatic advice for delegating tasks efficiently and freeing up your time for your most strategic initiatives.

Click here to get your copy of Radical Delegation on Amazon!

6. If Necessary, Redefine Your Goals & Priorities

If you've tried everything and still struggle with procrastination toward your most strategic initiatives, then it might be time to reassess your goals.?

Ensure your goals align with your vision for your company and your sense of fulfillment.?

After all, misalignment can cause procrastination, which no productivity hack can fix!?

Once you find alignment between where you are and where you want to be, you will likely find yourself much more effective at beating procrastination and maximizing your productivity.?

Become a Master of Intent With Your Free Whitespace Time Guide?

Our lives are increasingly reaction-driven, but you can take control with proactive strategies that help you achieve more in less time. Mastering these skills will set you well on your way to true greatness.?

In our guide, Whitespace Time Management: The Proactive Entrepreneur's Guide to Owning Your Time and Mastering Your Priorities, you will learn how to:

• Value your time and use it proactively
• Become increasingly proactive and focused on growth
• Master your priorities and the things in life that matter most

Whitespace Time empowers you to become a master of Intent, equipping you with the skills you need for continuous growth toward achieving your goals and reaching your fullest potential.?

Click here for your free Whitespace Time Guide!