Although procrastination can be considered a common tendency among humans, it may end up turning into a serious issue once it becomes habitual. If you’re someone who constantly puts off your tasks and only works on them when the clock starts ticking, you’ll often find yourself trapped in difficult situations.
For example, you may lose important opportunities if you frequently waste time. Employers or clients will be less inclined to trust you if you frequently miss your deadlines. Procrastination may likewise lead to mental health problems such as lower self-esteem and increased anxiety levels – and it has even been linked to physical health issues.
Fortunately, there are many ways to beat procrastination and be more productive. Here are some ideas you might want to consider (right now!):
- Make a daily to-do list.
This solution may sound too simple but it can be really helpful. Writing your tasks down gives you a visual of what you need to do and allows you to organize them better. Ideally, you should also assign due dates for each item.
You can use a piece of paper or a software program to do this, whichever works best for you. This can be done early in the morning as you start the day or before sleeping at night as you prepare for the next day.
- Break down your big goals into smaller tasks.
Huge projects are normally overwhelming so it’s always a good idea to break them down into smaller, more actionable steps. You’ll reach your goals faster if you have a clearer picture of what you need to accomplish.
Author and inventor Don Lancaster once pointed out:
“Most impossible goals can be met simply by breaking them down into bite-size chunks, writing them down, believing them, and going full speed ahead as if they were routine.”
- Get rid of distractions.
Now that you have your sights set on your projects, the next move is to ensure you can focus on them and avoid distractions.
This could be somewhat challenging for those working from home. In some cases, a change of environment may be necessary so working from a cafe, a coworking space, or an office space for rent can help eliminate unwanted interruptions.
- Take breaks.
According to experts, taking breaks can effectively help in managing or preventing workplace stress. It resets the brain, helps improve concentration, and prevents burnout.
- Reward yourself.
Celebrating your victories can motivate you to keep going. So take time to reward yourself whenever you achieve your goals. This could be as simple as buying your favorite food, getting a ticket for an upcoming game, playing a new video game, or even just spending a little more time browsing on social media.
Final notes
As Benjamin Franklin said, “You may delay, but time will not.”
With determination and by practicing the right habits, it is possible to overcome procrastination – then you will be able to reap the many benefits of checking off tasks in good time. You will reach your goals, increase your productivity, and boost your self-confidence at the same time. Do it now!
