Are you a chronic procrastinator? Read this article first.
There are at least three factors as to why people choose to procrastinate including:
- The absence of a good habit or system in place
- Intolerance for particular emotions like anxiety or boredom
- And our own flawed thinking patterns
No matter what’s causing us to procrastinate, we need to take time to address these issues and take control again. Some of the ways we can address our procrastination issues include:
Create a System for Starting New Tasks
When it’s time to start a new task, whether it’s something on your to-do list or something you’ve never done before, you want to make sure you have a system in place to help get you going on the right track. You are less likely to put off a task if you have a system in place ahead of time to help you approach that issue. This can create a habit around the task and will make it easier for you to get it done on time.
You may need to experiment with a system that works for you. In most cases, the most direct option is going to be the best.
Become More Self-Aware
Take the time to become more self-aware about the fact you’re procrastinating in the first place. Once you recognise you’re procrastinating, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to overcome this.
Schedule Non-Negotiable Windows of Time
You may find it’s easier to complete challenging tasks when you write them into your daily schedule and set them as concrete goals. Rather than looking at the big deadline at the end, create a few smaller deadlines that you need to reach along the way and make them non-negotiable.
Mobile apps or planners can be effective methods to help and will give you a glance at your workweek so you finish your goals on time. Think of your schedule in terms of non-negotiable windows of time. When you write a task down in the planner, make sure that it’s done by the deadline, no matter what.
Eliminate the Distractions
When you have a task in front of you that you don’t want to work on, the distractions can seem unlimited. So, you need to find a way to limit these as much as possible so you can concentrate on the tasks at hand. Block your social media sites, turn off your phone, and close the door so no one else is able to come in and distract you. Figure out what your distractions are and keep them to a minimum.
Just Get Started
Sometimes, the hardest part of anything is just getting started. Rather than letting procrastination take over because you think the task is too big or you think you don’t have the time, just sit down and get started. Agree to focus on your work for half an hour with no interruptions. You’ll probably be surprised at how much you can get done in that time and you may find it’s easier to keep going and you end up getting loads done. Win!
Accept Imperfection
Perfectionists are the most common group who procrastinate. This is often because they make the task more difficult than it should be. Learn how to accept your imperfections. When the project is done, it’s unlikely it will be perfect. And that is okay. When you are able to accept this, you take away some stress and the burden, giving you more of a chance to actually handle the workload.
