Do you know when you need to finalize a report but first decide to answer emails, organize the papers on your desk, take a good look at Facebook, get some more coffee, and do some other task that's not so urgent? This is called procrastination.
As the dictionaries define it, procrastinating is postponing or prolonging a situation that needs to be resolved. It's that old craze of leaving tomorrow (or the day after tomorrow) things that can and should be done now!
Procrastination can bring a number of bad things to your daily life, such as feelings of guilt, stress and anxiety. And of course that's not what you need, right?
However, if you have come this far, then it is because you are looking for ways to counteract this ghost of procrastination that prevents you from advancing in your life, career or studies. Did we get it right? Then the time has come to change!
Check out this list of 9 powerful ways to get there in the habit of procrastinating that will help you get to the end of the day with the complete to-do list.
Also read: 10 Habits You Must Avoid To Be More Productive
1. Set your priorities
Although you have several things to do throughout the day, some certainly have more urgency than others. Define which are the most important tasks of the day, which should be completed as soon as possible. These are the ones that should get your attention initially. Finishing the easiest tasks first may sound better, but don't be fooled.
2. Divide your tasks into smaller tasks.
If by the end of the day you need to submit a postgraduate article, separate this work into smaller parts. First you define which subjects you want to cover in each paragraph, then finish one at a time, connecting the ideas. When you realize, you are done with what you needed!
3. Start from where you are!
Sometimes the most complicated step is simply to start something. Since you have already divided your task into simple steps, simply start working on it. Don't wait for perfect conditions, just take the first step!
4. Create rewards for yourself
Yes, you can have your own reward system: a candy after sending a report to the boss, a peek at Instagram after cleaning up the mailbox, a Youtube video after drying all the dishes. But be careful that these breaks don't steal more than 15 minutes, okay?
5. Remember that done is better than perfect.
Many times we do not start a task because, deep down, we are afraid of not being able to do it. Send that thought away. Be positive and know that it is more important to do something the way you can than not even try.
Also read: 12 Things You Should Do Every Day
6. Use apps to help
The Pomodoro technique is one of the best known when it comes to productivity. It consists of working with focus for 25 minutes and then taking 5 minutes break. You can download an app or set the time on your phone's alarm clock. Try it!
7. Get rid of distractions!
If you have a more complicated task to solve, it is important that you can focus on it. So turn off the television or radio, put on a headset to block conversational sounds, do whatever it takes to keep your mind clear and focused.
8. Beware of Time Thieves
A simple glide through the Twitter timeline or a chat in the company cafe can easily take up to 30 minutes of your time. Be careful and use all your minutes wisely.
9. Make a habit of writing down your tasks.
There are different methods that can help you in this organization. You have to use specific applications and other people who don't give up the good old paper agenda. Choose which way works best for you and start taking notes! That way you will never leave a demand for the last minute for pure oblivion.
By following these tips you will be better able to do your homework and send away that feeling of guilt for not doing anything. Remember to share on your social networks and help more people who go through it!
Read also: 15 tricks that will make your work routine easier
The ONLY way to stop procrastinating | Mel Robbins (April 2024)
- 1,230
