We have a deadline, but instead of starting our work, we start dawdling and doing other less important duties. We are procrastinating and, by the time we realize it, it is too late. But… How to stop procrastinating?
The greatest danger of procrastination is that it takes us away from our main objectives. It is not only a matter of students putting everything off until the last day; nor does it only have to do with laziness. Many factors come into play: stress, anxiety, a desire for perfectionism, fear of failure, work overload… We bring you these 10 practical steps to achieving it:
1. Get to know yourself
Look at those habits that prevent you from crossing tasks out as done. By examining your daily routine, you will better understand the reasons why you procrastinate without realizing it. Once you find out what it is that hinders your productivity, solve it.
2. Get in contact with people who will motivate you
Locate people – they may be friends, colleagues, team members, acquaintances – with whom you can chat for a few minutes to get motivated. Look for those who are determined and enterprising, people you feel affinity to and you can look up to as an example. You can also read about other characters that will inspire you.
3. Share your objectives
A good tip to getting down to work is to tell others what your goals are. Share your plans with friends and family and, why not, on the Web. You can take advantage of everything that others tell you and it will help you set your course of action and stop procrastinating.
4. Redefine your goals, set realistic objectives
If you have been procrastinating for too long or you are prone to doing so, your goals may need some reshaping. Ask yourself what you want to achieve, think about what led you to the point where you are now. If your goals change, do not worry, you may discover more about yourself or your business.
Reject utopian goals and focus on realistic and achievable ones (pursuing the impossible encourages procrastination). Be patient.
5. Work in productive environments
Avoid working in areas with distractions (TV, movement of people, phones, etc.). Choose a quiet and separated place where you can concentrate and choose well who you work with.
It may interest you: put technology on hold for effective communication
6. The time is “now”
Perfection does not exist, and neither does the “perfect time”. Do not wait for it to arrive in order to do a difficult task, because that moment will never come and you risk being too late when you finally decide to get it done. Do not procrastinate by doing unnecessary tasks.
7. Be positive
Procrastinating means getting into a negative dynamic. A good tip to stopping that is thinking positively and replacing denial messages with others that will motivate you and make you take action.
Related post: 8 Toxic People You Should Keep Away From Your Teams
8. Be flexible
Planning is important, but it must be flexible. Strict planning contributes to procrastination because it causes a feeling of saturation. Do not let your agenda outpace you and reserve some spaces for your free time to relax.
You may also like: 7 Warning Signs That You Are Doing More Work Than Your Body Can Take
9. “Just do it”
As the slogan of a famous sports brand says: just do it. Make the decision to do that which you are procrastinating and start as soon as possible. The hard part is getting to it, because the obstacle is in our attitude. Make a list of the tasks that you know for sure that you will finish and commit to meeting that goal.
10. Rewards and small penalties
As an incentive to stop procrastinating, establish a system of prizes or rewards when you get to complete your previously set tasks. In the same way, think of small penalties to impose yourself when you do not meet your goals, but do not beat yourself up: eliminate any feelings of guilt. Many of the reasons why you procrastinate are in your mind; learning to forgive yourself is important for further improvement.
What are your keys to stopping procrastination? Leave a comment!
