We all know about procrastination. There is one more article to write, task to perform, project to be delivered or message to be done. There is still some time left before the actual deadline. In addition, there is also that series of other tasks that you like to do and enjoy more. You therefore decide to do that task first, so that you forget the most important task for a moment and still have the idea that you have actually done something today.
From time to time, even the most conscientious and productive professionals postpone important tasks. For some, going over a deadline is a rare and terrifying situation; other people thrive under the pressure of waiting until the eleventh hour. However, when your tendency to procrastinate begins to lower your overall quality of work and life, it's time to do a reality check and break this bad habit.
Taking small steps toward better time management can reduce your tendency to procrastinate and get you on track to get more done. This is what experts recommend stepping in with this unnecessary racing against time.
Take baby steps
If you are not highly motivated, take the smallest possible step towards your goal. After you take that step, you are more likely to continue taking more steps to achieve that goal. Instead of telling yourself to exercise for an hour, say you only go for 10 minutes. As soon as you take a step, it bypasses that part of your brain that normally warns you when you are trying to change something.
Concentrate on the reward and the steps
To overcome your tendency to procrastinate, focus on the reward when you take action. This assumes that the result is something you want.
Mountain climbers would easily become demoralized if they were to constantly focus on the sheer height of what they are trying to achieve. Instead, they focus on the top they want to get to, and they also focus on the small steps they take along the way. Not about how steep the path is.
We can learn a lot from mountain climbers about goal setting and achieving them. An important point is that focusing on the reward or result you want gives you an extra push.
Make a to-do list
The best way to overcome a natural tendency to procrastinate is to create a tough deadline for yourself and then put it on the calendar. Having a scheduled deadline that you commit to makes it easier to complete tasks. Treat the deadline the same way a supervisor made it, and then respect it the same way this boss would wait for you to complete the task.
Prioritize your least favorite task
Put the task that you usually push down to the very top of your task list. This way you can do this task first. It will make you feel like you've done something about it. And the other tasks will follow easily.
Turn off your phone and set a timer
Setting a timer (after putting your phone in airplane mode) can be an easy way to set an intention for yourself. You will find it easier to focus on. Breaking the time spent on the task into bite-sized pieces breaks a complex task into smaller, more manageable parts. If necessary, work with the Pomodoro timer technique to increase your focus and concentration.
Be kind to yourself
If you haven't met a deadline you've set for yourself, don't hit yourself too hard. The first thing to do to change the way you work is to stop calling yourself a procrastinator. Often we are what we think we are. Think about the future, not the past. At the same time, give yourself permission to be human. And give yourself some slack as you focus on making that extra effort to get the next job done on time.
Investigate the reasons why you procrastinate
Become a detective or a scientist about your procrastination pattern by noticing your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the situation when you feel like procrastinating. Write these down. Often, perfectionism, which we can experience as fear, underlies the tendency to postpone action. Once you understand your pattern, you can hold yourself accountable in a positive and self-compassionate way.
"Procrastination is the enemy of success."
Set up a few daily non-negotiable tasks
Sometimes you just don't feel like completing a task. This is where creating daily non-negotiable tasks come into play. A daily non-negotiable task is something you commit to doing every day, no matter what. Think of your daily time registration, 3-5 telephone calls to attract new customers, your daily “stand-up meetingWith the project team up to your commitment to yourself to spend 20 minutes a day sports. It's something you don't really have to think about anymore, because you already owe it to yourself.
Find someone to hold you accountable
Being accountable to another person helps us personally and professionally. Many of us know we have to achieve something and put it off and will not ask anyone for help. Ask for help and let that person know that you will do the same for them. Accountability implies commitment, that you not only abandon yourself, but also that partner. Find that partner who will help you overcome procrastination.
Reward yourself
Give yourself a small reward every time you tick a box on your to-do list. Make it a bigger reward for the less pleasant tasks. It could be anything from a cup of hot chocolate to a few minutes on Instagram if you like. You keep things interesting and stay motivated.
Finally, about preventing procrastination
There are other things you can do to cure procrastination. Think about the things that keep you from doing your job. Is your desk clean? Do you need a more ergonomic office chair? Do your morning habits make you less effective by the time you go to work? Do you need a change from your nighttime routine and more sleep?
With the will to change your habits, anything is possible. Even serial procrastinators can learn to worry less about perfection and more about meeting the deadline.
Sources including Forbes (link), Ink (link), ScholarshipPositions (link), Week (link)
