Stop Procrastinating Now (not Tomorrow)

 From trivial tasks to major projects, odds are that you have at least one or two things you need to get done but can’t seem to get started on. This may come from feeling overwhelmed, being stuck in a routine that doesn’t involve these tasks, or perhaps you feel afraid to start, but the reality is that the work must be completed. Plus, the stress you feel from putting things off only mounts over time. So, here are a few tips to kicking the procrastination habit and making your time more productive.

Facing down any big job can be intimidating and overwhelming. The key to making a scary task more manageable is to break it down into several smaller projects. Create a to-do list, set deadlines that you know you can reach for each item, and find the tasks that can get you started on the whole affair. You cannot tackle the whole thing at once. Take things one task at a time and scratch off your list as you go so you can have visual proof of your progress.

Even with a set of more manageable goals to work toward, procrastination can still weasel its way into your life. This issue is less a matter of time management and more an issue of personal management. The most powerful tool of procrastination is the distraction. By identifying those things that distract you throughout the day you can remove the triggers of procrastination that transform your work time into wasted time. Close distracting applications like Facebook, Amazon, and Google Chat, turn off your phone, and slap on a pair of headphones to avoid regular interruptions by your coworkers.

Look for ways to keep yourself motivated in order to push through your list. Cover your desk in sticky notes, set alarms on your phone, and let others know about your deadlines to add a sense of accountability and encouragement to your routine. Generate a social support group going by updating your social networks about new goals and posting once they’ve been successfully completed.

Once you’ve finally plowed through a portion of your work you can reward yourself with short breaks. If you have made significant progress toward the completion of a major project, step back for an hour and take a walk, eat a treat, or chat with your friends online. The objective is to be proactive in setting goals, monitoring your progress, and avoiding burnout. Once you stop putting things off until later your procrastination will transform into productivity as your new work habit gives you a deserved sense of confidence in your abilities.