Two of my biggest flaws have always been perfectionism and procrastination.
Fortunately, I’ve learned to let go of the perfectionism mindset… mostly. It still haunts me on occasion though I’ve also come to realize that it’s not entirely a bad thing.
My procrastination, on the other hand, works entirely against all of the time management goals that I set for myself.
But what does it mean to procrastinate?
Procrastination is a problem that affects a person’s ability to function in a motivated sense. It can stop a person from being able to complete assignments in a timely manner and it can often keep people from performing well at a job.
Here are 5 essentials tips for how to overcome procrastination to increase your productivity.
Why do people procrastinate in the first place?
Usually, this kind of problem is something that comes as the result of many years of laziness that leads to a pattern of procrastination. Procrastinators are often people who feel that their work is sub par and they do not want to experience failure, so they put off the work until the last possible moment.
Procrastination is a huge problem because it can put lots of stress onto a person’s plate.
Performing tasks and different assignment is stressful enough without having to worry about putting things off until the last possible deadline. Because procrastination can lead to such high levels of stress, it’s important that it be taken care of very early on.
Procrastination is simply a psychological issue in which a person’s mind allows them to think that it’s alright to put off work.
Scientists have found that procrastination is a common issue for many people, both at work and at home.
However, you can prevent procrastination and the inevitable stress that comes from not getting your tasks completed on time.
5 Tips for Overcoming Procrastination for Increased Productivity
1. Understand procrastination. Why do you leave important things for the last minute and waste time on other activities?
* Scientists have been studying the brain and feelings to understand procrastination. A study, titled “Overcoming procrastination,” looked at why people put things aside despite knowing their importance.
* Researchers believe self-esteem and world views can affect procrastination. People who have low self-esteem and negative views of the world around them are more likely to avoid doing important things on time. They’re more likely to see no point in completing the tasks.
* However, procrastination can also be a simple bad habit.
2. Break up the work into smaller bits. Can your assignments or chores be cut up into smaller pieces?
* One reason for procrastination is that large assignments or chores can seem overwhelming and too difficult to finish. If you break up things into smaller chunks, then each piece can be accomplished easier.
* Making timelines and schedules for each part of the project can also help you stay on track.
Have you heard of the Pomodoro method?
3. Recognize your procrastination activities. Do you play games instead of working on your project? Are you checking social media instead of finishing a report? Track and analyze your activities.
* What do you do while you procrastinate? If you examine these activities and thoughts, you can catch them before they happen.
* Social media, games, and Smartphone messages are distractions. Emails and phone calls can also be an issue. Do you see how much time you waste on these activities instead of completing the actual task?
* You can eliminate the distractions and activities that keep you from finishing your work. Stop checking your phone and social media while you’re working on a task. Avoid playing the games until you’re done with your chore.
4. Get others involved. You may need to involve friends, coworkers, of family to help you. They can help you set goals, watch you, and stop you from procrastinating.
* If you have a friend or coworker who is also trying to accomplish an important goal, then working together can make the process easier. You can inspire each other to stay focused and finish.
5. Stop the excuses. Do you find yourself making multiple excuses for not finishing a project? Do you blame your health or the health of others? Do you complain about the amount of work or lack of instructions? Excuses can derail your efforts and lead to procrastination.
* Common excuses also include thinking that you can finish it faster if you are on a tight deadline or blaming your mood for not doing it. Another common excuse is waiting for the time to be right or just perfect. These excuses are unhealthy and waste your energy.
* Instead of coming up with reasons not to complete an assignment, focus on finishing it.
Procrastination doesn’t have to be a permanent habit in your life. You can avoid it and prevent it by following simple tips from scientists.
Kori
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