Procrastination can be a problem on occasion.It can be difficult to start a project that you don't like.There are specific techniques you can use to become more focused and productive on work, school, or home projects.
Step 1: You have to begin the task.
If you want to change your mindset and fight Procrastination, sitting down at your desk to start a project or buying materials for a home repair can help.If you struggle with Procrastination, the old saying that getting started is half the battle is true.Make your task enjoyable so that you can get started.If you have to sit down to file your taxes, it is a good idea to listen to music that you like or imagine how happy you will be once the task is done.If you get a refund.
Step 2: It's time to eliminate your known distraction.
Are you a fan of either of these sites?Is the company taking you away from work that you need to be doing?Don't use the internet while you work.It is possible to work with spreadsheets or other Office applications.If you need the internet for your project, make sure you tell yourself that you can watch your favorite shows as much as you want once the project is done.If noise distracts you, you might want to try foam earplugs or noise canceling headphones.There are foam earplugs in drugstores and convenience stores.
Step 3: You should set goals for yourself.
Procrastination can be the result of feeling overwhelmed with too many projects or having tasks with non-specific requirements.It can be hard to start.It is important to set realistic goals for yourself.A distant due date, no specific topic for the paper, or simply that there are more enjoyable ways to spend your time can make it hard to start on a major research paper.If you set concrete goals like choosing a topic early on or writing a page or two a week, then the large, intimidating project that you might normally procrastinate on won't simply exist in the abstract a few months down the road.You will be less likely to pull all-nighters at the end of the semester if it exists now.
Step 4: Be sure to minimize interruptions as much as possible.
It can be frustrating to get interrupted multiple times when you finally sit down to complete a task.Eliminating inconsiderate roommate or colleague interruptions will help you get to work.Silence your phone completely and set your email client to not alert you when emails arrive.If the phone is set to vibrate, it will still distract you as you can still hear/feel the setting.Inform your roommate or colleague that you have to get some work done because of a deadline.If you say that you can chat with them later on if they are free, but you have to get your work done, it will make you feel better.
Step 5: Prioritize your work.
We feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start.If you want to fight Procrastination, you need to prioritize your work in order of importance and deadline.It's helpful to use aplanner for this.You can see deadlines for current projects and look ahead to future projects with a weekly and monthly view.You can use the planners on your phone, computer, or tablets.If you choose to use an electronic planner, be sure to set audible alert because planners and calendars tend to have a smaller screen view that might not be able to show all tasks on a single screen.You can find the one that works best for you by playing around with planner/calendar apps.
Step 6: You can change the work environment.
Sometimes our work environment is the reason we don't finish something.If you find yourself working in the middle of a huge mess or with noisy neighbors that drive you crazy, you need to change your environment to be more productive.Try to do a quick tidying of your work space in 10 minutes.Throw out any trash if you organize papers.This will give you some breathing room and allow you to begin your work.If environmental factors beyond your control are the problem, then you might need to relocate your work space for the day.It's a good idea to go to your local library or cafe.
Step 7: The tasks should be broken into manageable sizes.
We can delay starting projects if we feel overwhelmed by them.If you break down projects into smaller goals, you can get started on your work.If you need to paint your bedroom, it can be a lot of work.If you make a goal to sand and clean the walls one day, tape everything off the next day and then paint on the third day your project will become more manageable, and you will be more likely to get started on it.
Step 8: Try to use productivity apps.
There are browser extensions and apps that will block your social media sites if you deem them to be time wasters.StayFocusd, Timeful and Pocket are browser extensions designed to help you stay on track.
Step 9: Take some mental health breaks.
Breaks can help you reset and refocus.Take a snack or a cup of coffee and think about what you need to do.If you don't have done more up to this point, use your break as a reminder.Stand up, stretch, and use positive thinking to tell yourself that even though you haven't accomplished as much as you wanted, you will come back to work.Sometimes a short break and a personal pep talk can help you focus.
Step 10: You should be rewarded for completing the tasks.
If you promise yourself something enjoyable upon completion of your project, you can help yourself get to work on it.You can tell yourself that you can binge watch your favorite show on the internet if you complete your goal or task.Having something to look forward to can help you fight Procrastination.
Step 11: Someone should be an accountability partner.
If you have a friend or colleague who struggles with Procrastination, you can use them as accountability partners.If you want to see who can get further on their work, you can either set up a friendly competition or use each other as support.Being accountable will help you stop Procrastination.If you catch your accountability partner checking Facebook during your work time, you can gently remind them that they need to be working, and they can do the same for you.When you catch the other not working, be polite.
Step 12: Set a timer so you don't fall behind.
Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and telling yourself that you have to work as hard as you can for that time.If the project is large, you need to work on it nonstop and give it your best for 10 minutes.This is an effective jumpstart strategy that fights Procrastination because the short time allotted is manageable and you can see the results of your hard work immediately.
Step 13: For some light exercise, walk outside.
It can be hard to be indoors all day worrying about what you need to do.Take a short walk in the fresh air even though it might seem counter productive.This can help you fight Procrastination.Ensure that you go back to work once you come back inside.
Step 14: If you procrastinate, don't be hard on yourself.
When you are struggling with Procrastination, be kind to yourself.Think about how you would treat someone who was having a hard time getting their work done.You might try to talk to them about how to complete their tasks.Do the same thing for yourself.Procrastination is not something to beat yourself up about.Accept that you have put off your work and make a fresh start.
Step 15: Don't waste time until it's perfect.
In a roundabout way, our obsession with perfection can cause us to Procrastination.Sometimes we will sit down and work hard on a project only to keep revising or fixing it until the deadline.You only need to do your best and submit your work.You should submit your work if you think it might not be perfect.It might not be perfect, but it can be great and ready to turn in.
Step 16: Be thoughtful.
If you don't complete the task, what consequences will you face?Will you receive a negative review at work if you fail to complete a report or write a research paper?If you keep Procrastination, what will happen?Sometimes a bit of reflection can help you with a project.It is important to remember to be objective about the possible outcomes.If the outcome is positive, you can delay the project or task in favor of more pressing work.
Step 17: Consider if there is a medical reason for your reluctance.
If your procrastination is bad and accompanied by other symptoms like sadness, you should talk to your doctor.There are many medical issues that can affect your ability to concentrate, focus, and be productive.