Procrastination is one of the most common challenges that hinder many of us from living our most productive lives. It’s a nasty habit that follows us wherever we go, making us feel like we are always falling behind in life and can’t seem to catch up. It can be hard to stop ourselves from putting off important tasks in favor of more enjoyable activities. However, it is also hard to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day or to feel like we aren’t productive individuals. Just understand that you are capable of nipping procrastination in its butt and taking control of your life.
Becoming productive is not a switch that you can flip to automatically become your most productive self. It is in human nature to revert back to what’s comfortable and easy for us. Everyone’s journey to productivity will look different but without a doubt, it is a journey that with hard work and effort, will help you achieve your fullest potential.
10 Things To Do To Overcome Procrastination and Boost Productivity
1. Change Your Mindset
It is easy to put off tasks you don’t want to do. It’s hard to take on difficult or overwhelming tasks head on. You can take the easy route and keep putting off these tasks and as a result, keep putting stress on yourself for the increasing mountain of tasks you have still yet to do. Or, you can tackle that task as soon as you can and feel a sense of achievement, tickling off what needs to be done on your to-do list efficiently. In the short run, you might not feel like it makes much of a difference in your life whether you procrastinate or not. However, in the long run, it’s likely that you’ll feel unproductive or overwhelmed, seeking for a way to break out of your procrastination habit.
2. Stop Catastrophizing
Sometimes, we can catastrophize tasks and make them into a way bigger deal than they really are. These tasks will feel impossible or unbearable to do and we will often try to ignore this task for as long as possible. In reality, the task at hand is likely not as bad as you might think and will probably take you less time than you’d expect.
3. Prioritize Your Tasks in a To-Do List
Before the next day starts, write down the tasks that need to be done in order of urgency and importance. This will give yourself structure and a clear outline of the main tasks you need to complete and allow you to feel a sense of achievement every time you’re able to check something off your list.
4. Be Realistic
Set yourself up for success by making sure you only write down the tasks you think you will realistically achieve in a day. Making a long laundry list of all the things you need to do at some point will make you feel overwhelmed and you will inevitably fail. Be as realistic as you can and allow yourself to succeed.
5. Set Deadlines
When your tasks don’t have specific deadlines, it can be difficult to complete them in a timely manner. Be disciplined and set your own deadlines to prevent yourself from putting it off. As mentioned before, make sure you are being realistic to set yourself up for success and avoid any unnecessary stress.
6. Seek Accountability in a Friend
To keep yourself on track, it can be useful to share your goals and progress with someone else who can keep you accountable. It could be your partner, a friend, a work colleague, or even an actual accountability partner.
Create a Productive Environment For Yourself
When the area you surround yourself in is messy or filled with clutter, it can be difficult to remain productive. Maybe you’re working on that too so you can always visit a coffee shop or a library to help you stay focused.
7. Minimize Distractions
It can feel impossible not to look at your notifications when they pop up. Minimize distractions by turning on the “Do Not Disturb” function on your devices or putting them on silent. Even putting them in another room can be helpful in helping you stay focused. For many, completing tasks can be difficult when living with other family members or roomates. Consider asking those around you for uninterrupted work time.
8. Utilize Time Management Techniques
Trying a structured approach can help you overcome procrastination. The Pomodoro Technique is a popular technique, which involves working for 25 minutes, taking a 5 minute break, then repeating the process. You can adjust this technique based on your ability to focus. For many, 25 minutes may feel like a long time to go without getting distracted. Try working for 15 or 20 minutes if that’s the case.
9. Reward Yourself
Create a reward system for yourself because you deserve it! Once you complete a task, treat yourself. It could be your favorite snack or some leisure time. This positive reinforcement can act as motivation to help you take on your tasks promptly.
Conclusion
You can overcome procrastination and take control of your life with a little determination and the right strategies. With these 10 ideas, boost your productivity and lead a more fulfilling life.
