If you’ve found yourself putting off important tasks over
and over again, you’re not alone. In fact, many people procrastinate to some
degree – but some are so chronically affected by procrastination that it stops
them fulfilling their potential and disrupts their careers. Follow these steps
to deal with and control procrastination:
Wake up early
The nicest part about waking up early is that it is quiet
and still. You can concentrate on a few big tasks as soon as you get up and get
a bunch of work done that would have taken many more hours during the bustle of
the day.
Go to sleep early
You can’t wake up early and work if you don’t get to sleep
early. We need to recharge and being tired is definitely a motivator to keep
procrastinating.
Clean and clear as you go
Sometimes we see how big a mess is in our lives and rather
than do anything about it, we procrastinate. If you spend 15 minutes a day or
just clean and clear things as you go (email, physical cleaning, tasks, etc.)
the load of things to do isn’t as big.
Cut the cable
Sitting in front of your TV isn’t a good thing (all the
time). Beat procrastination (as well as save some money) by getting rid of your
cable.
Follow a task list
It’s hard to get stuff done when you don’t know what to get
done. Have a task list with you to make sure that you have the right things to
do at the right time.
Time yourself
One good way to get to work is to set a specific time for
yourself to work. Say, 25 minutes (ie. Pomodoro Technique). After the set
amount of time, rest and do whatever you want for a little bit. Then work for a
set of time again.
Track yourself
One of the best ways to know where you are spending your
time and find free time to beat procrastination is by tracking yourself. There
are a host of apps for doing this. Find your weaknesses and change them.
Create a playlist
Jam out to some music to beat procrastination. Create a
“beating down procrastination to a pulp” play list that puts you in a state of
flow with your work.
Set “goals” for the day
At the beginning of each day identify a handful of things
that you want to accomplish. Some say three things. It depends on how large the
tasks are. Set a limite for yourself and work on each of them until they are
done.
Just do it
We have all heard the excuses. So, rather than make up new
ones, just hunker down and get to work.
