Procrastinating is a human phenomenon, you know you should be working and getting that task done but another email has just come through or there was a really cute puppy on Facebook that you just couldn’t stop watching, and then the day has gone and you haven’t been able to get anything done. Your deadline is closer and then you start to panic, and just wish you started when you sat down the first time. It’s fine, it happens. Here are some tips to help you stop procrastinating and get more done.
- First things first, break down your work into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you keep up your momentum and make the work seem like less of a shock to the system. This way you will not be overwhelmed as much, because lock your focus in completing smaller, more specific tasks. This will help create an illusion of less work, so you will not mind sitting down to complete your todo list.
- Another similar thing you can do is create yourself a timeline. Give yourself deadlines to help break up your task, and again just like tip 1; create much easier to manage steps. By doing this you take away the feeling that you have more time to complete the task than you think you do. You create a sense of urgency, which helps to kick you into gear and get your work done.
- Change your space, instead of sitting at your desk, on your couch or at your dining table, why not sit in a coffee shop, get yourself a hot drink and enjoy the change of scenery before zoning in and getting your work done. This will take you away from your comforts, which usually takes your attention away from getting your work done, and put you in a fast paced environment that will almost trick your brain into more of a need to focus. Before you know it your task will complete and your hot drink will be empty.
- It may even be the space that was once your productivity hub has lost its effect. This just means it may be time to have a shift around, you want your workspace to be somewhere that inspires you. You want to have a space that makes you want to work and reach your goal rather than somewhere to cosy down.
- Just like changing your space, you should try to eliminate the procrastination triggers when you have a project that you really need to focus on. Things as simple as turning your phone on silent or turning it off completely to help remove the urge to check all of the notifications coming through. This may also include removing all your open tabs on your browser or removing desktop notifications. Take away the things that distract you until you have finished the task. Not only will you thank yourself once this is done, you will also create a pattern, which in the long run will help you with moving forward and holding your focus for future tasks and commitments.
- Even though sometimes you may not realise it, surrounding yourself with the right people can work wonders for your productivity. Being around those that push you to reach your goals and inspire you to do better. We are all susceptible to succumbing to influences around us, so why not help yourself that little bit more by only allowing those around you who truly lift your spirits and boost your desire to succeed. If it helps, get a work partner. Buddy up, so you can both inspire each other and keep each other focused.
- Often telling others about your goals and aspirations can help you create this “bubble” which will push you to reach your goals and even surpass them. You may notice, especially when people doubt you, you get an urge to keep going and all you want to do is prove them wrong. Just like finding someone who has already achieved what you are wanting to achieve can give you that push to keep going as you have an idea of your possible outcome.
- Something else that people often do not take into consideration is time, reflect on your goals, do they still relate to you and what you want to achieve? What you wanted a year ago may not be what you would want now, re-align your goals and get back to a place where you feel driven, to keep going and confident in what you want to aim towards.
- Another thing that often takes us off on a tangent is overthinking it. You don’t have to over complicate things, you’re capable of more than you think and more often than not you are the only person standing in your own way. By following the above steps you help take away that possibility of ever over complicating your tasks and goals and create a plan to help you boost yourself up and reach your true potential.
I will finish with this:
Be like a rhino!
By that I mean: 1) Make a decision, pursue a goal or overcome an obstacle.
2) Focus every ounce of energy into a full charge to reach your goal or defeat the obstacle in your way. A focus that is so intense that you may have to just forget about everything else in your life, even for a moment.
We each have the capacity to focus with a level of such intensity that far exceeds what we think is possible. Just that feeling when something absolutely has to be done, or a turn toward that threat. You take a deep breath, set your gaze, and charge like your life depends on it.
When you give 100% effort, it shows, putting in an all-out effort with a steely focus will ultimately help you to reach your goals and keep you on track.