Everyone's guilty of putting off important assignments at times. People often think they've got all the time in the world for their work. The deadline gets closer, meanwhile tasks stay undone. Chronic procrastination can lead to serious outcomes: from getting told off to losing your job. With that said, here's a bit of advice on how to stop procrastinating.
Tackling procrastination begins with getting to the root of the issue
Anyone can feel overwhelmed by their workload. First off, you've got to choose a top priority task. Before you start, figure out the reasons for your procrastination. Maybe you're scared of getting it wrong, or perhaps you're confused about the task. Don't be shy about asking your colleagues for a hand.
Today's a good day to make a start
If you're unsure how to tackle procrastination, the best move is to dive into your work straight away. If a task seems a bit too challenging and you reckon you won't have time to finish it, try this. Think of a task that'll only take 5 minutes and knock it off. Then, set a timer and try working on that tricky task for 5 minutes. Once you begin something, you're more likely to finish it, as you're prone to remember unfinished tasks. This way, your chances to tackle procrastination go up.
Break your working hours into chunks
Eliminate all distractions and focus on your work. We suggest breaking up an hour of work into 20-minute chunks with short breaks in between. The brain functions in cycles with highs and lows of activity. To reach top productivity, you need to be aware of these swings and balance your work and rest times accordingly.
Place a bet
Another way to boost your productivity is to make a bet with a mate. Set a deadline for your task. Then, offer your friend a bit of money, a coffee or lunch if you don't complete the task in time. This will give you an extra push.
Reflect positively on past cases of procrastination
Try not to be too hard on yourself for past episodes of procrastination. This problem often affects perfectionists and people who fear failure. Stay positive and don't let negative thoughts creep in.
We hope our article helps you escape the procrastination trap.
