Procrastination is the pinnacle of unproductivity.
Many people will procrastinate in their work day and for various reasons; whether it is distractions or mental challenges, putting off tasks can seem like the easy option. However, procrastination can turn into a vicious cycle which is often hard to break.
Consider the following three tips to stop procrastinating:
Reduce distractions
If you work in an office environment, you are bound to come across plenty of distractions. Whether it is noisy co-workers or the temptation to check your phone or social media it can be challenging to stay focused. Work out what is distracting you the most and then come up with a plan to avoid those distractions. This may be using noise-cancelling headphones, setting aside a time to check your emails or hiding your phone from your desk.
Change your self-talk
Negative thought patterns can stop you from starting a task; you may feel overwhelmed, stressed or even bored by a task. Try to change your thoughts by shifting your attention to the positive aspects of completing the task. Remind yourself of the reasons why you are doing the task, and what benefits it will bring.
Create false deadlines
Deadlines are useful in that they require you to act. Creating false deadlines gives a sense of urgency, helping you to get started. Deadlines can help those who procrastinate due to perfectionism, as it forces them to start regardless of the quality of the work. Starting is usually one of the hardest tasks for the chronic procrastinator, but once you start a task it is much easier to get into a rhythm and keep going.