Procrastination is a lack of self-regulation that creates a delay in starting or completing a task. Often time’s procrastinators put off a task until the last minute, or worst case scenario past the deadline despite the negative consequences.
There are 2 types of procrastinators. The Passive procrastinators delay the task because of indecision while the Active procrastinators delay the task purposefully to create pressure so they feel challenged.
Which one are you?
Whether you’re a Passive or Active procrastinator, it is still the same issue at hand. You’re putting off the task despite the negative consequences. There are many ways you can reduce your impulse to procrastinate. Let’s dive right in!
Today I’m going to show you how easily you can learn to be more productive with:
- Five simple steps that help conquer procrastination
- Secrets of managing your time more effectively
- An easy technique to increase your productivity and efficiency
- How to buckle down and increase your motivation
- Easy ways to subtract daily distractions
Use these 5 simple step-by-step strategies to get rid of procrastination once and for all.
Break down your tasks
Create a checklist by breaking down the broader tasks into smaller ones. Chunking your work into smaller tasks relieve that daunting and overwhelming feeling of accomplishing the broader task.
This method increases your motivation and creates a sense of accomplishment; the work gets done quicker and keeps you engaged for longer. It’s also rewarding when you cross off the completed items from your list.
Set internal deadlines
Create a wish list for the day. This will manage your expectations in achieving your weekly goals and keeps you aligned with the broader timeline of your task or project.
Use the Pomodoro Technique for each small task. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that encourages people to create a sense of urgency. This technique is proven to conquer procrastination, limit distractions, reduce mental fatigue, improve focus, increase productivity, retain motivation, enhance project planning and streamline team communication.
Use these four simple steps:
- Pick a task
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Reward yourself with a 5 minute break
- Repeat 4x
These intervals are referred to as pomodoros. After the fourth pomodoros, reward yourself with a longer break of about 15 to 30 minutes.
Pick sustainable rewards that interest you.
A few examples you can use are:
- cup of coffee or tea
- quick snack
- short walk
- crossword puzzle
- few minutes gaming
- scrolling social networks
Enhance your mood
Creating fun stimulates your imagination, enhances positive energy, and kicks brain-blocking stress to the curb. People who add a little fun to their work are generally more productive and more motivated.
Try these three ways to reframe your work into fun activities.
Shift your environment by creating an inspiring workspace that lifts your spirits. Engage your senses with plants, flowers, artwork, motivational sayings, incense, scented candles and herbal teas.
Gamification keeps things interesting and fun for any task. Turn mundane tasks into games to lighten the mood and increase your motivation.
Music is scientifically proven to improve mood, productivity and cognitive performance. Turn on your playlist and start banging out that checklist.
Remove the negatives factors
Free your mind, use your time more effectively and increase your productivity by improving the factors that influence the problem. Here are a few suggestions to get you started today!
Clutter can feel stressful and chaotic. You may notice that distractions run high and productivity runs low when you work on a cluttered workspace. Take 10 mins per week to declutter your workspace. Take out the trash; organize paperwork, files and stationary. A clean workspace creates a free mind.
Cell Phones reduce our thinking abilities in general. The mere distraction of its presence (whether on or off) pulls our attention away while consciously focusing on other tasks. It is recommended to put your phone on silent and tucked into a drawer or out of arm’s length to avoid the temptation to take a quick look. This will help increase your productivity.
Environmental distractions are everywhere! We need to identify what is causing it and create a system to stop it. You can eliminate environmental distractions with these helpful tips: use headphones or earbuds to help drown out noise, check your email at certain times of the day, turn off notifications and alerts on your devices, or close your office door. This will help you use your time more effectively and increase your productivity.
Poor sleep quality increases procrastination rates. A consistent wake time is highly recommended to improve your sleep drive and results in helping you to sleep better at night.
Forgiveness
It takes 21 days to make or break a habit! Stop beating yourself up for past failures and forgive yourself already. People need time to heal before they can grow and flourish into a better version of themselves. Stop the negative self-talk and allow the healing process to take place. Be nicer to yourself and reward your small triumphs with short breaks and small tangible incentives.
Live life at its best!
I hope you enjoyed these 5 simple step-by-step strategies.
Now drop a comment:
What’s the #1 tip from this post that you want to try first?
Or maybe you have a question about something you read.
Either way, let me know by dropping a comment below right now.