We all procrastinate for one reason or another. It may be mundane tasks like filing or something that requires more time and therefore seems like too much effort. However, these tasks can build up and create more stress than you felt in the first place. To help you stop procrastinating and tackle your fears face on, we’ve rounded up some great tips to get you through it all. If prioritization is a struggle for you, check out this challenge on how to prioritize and manage your time. Now, read on to learn how to stop procrastinating!
When everything seems to beg for your attention at once, there are several strategies you can utilize to help put yourself back on the right track. You need to learn how to be more productive and learn how to prioritize.
Practice the Two-Minute Rule
Part 1 of the Two-Minute Rule comes from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done. If it takes less than two minutes, do it now. Author James Clear suggests Part 2. When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do. The Two-Minute Rule works because once you start doing something, it’s easier to continue doing it.
I like to plan for the following day during the evening before. I plan out meetings and daily tasks in “blocks.” – Deean Yeoh, Co-Founder of Amour Caché
Break it Down
If the task in front of you seems too daunting, break it down into smaller steps. This makes the task seem more achievable. Once you complete a smaller task, you feel accomplished and accomplishment encourages us to keep going.
Change your Environment
Many people do not realize the impact that your environment has on your productivity. Often times our “work” space and our “home” space can become one in the same. To improve your productivity and stop procrastinating, make a clear differentiation between the two. If you find yourself procrastinating, get up and change your location.
Find out what’s the priority and deadline of each of the task first and then plan it out on your calendar. – Jinrong “Agnes” Zhan, Co-Founder of Amour Caché
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions give you a reason to continue to procrastinate. Eliminate these distractions and set a fixed amount of time to spend on the task at hand. For example, put your phone in another room or try an Internet restriction app so you resist the temptation to check your emails or scroll through social media.
Practice the Pomodoro Technique
If you find yourself taking too much time on a specific task, take a mental break to stay sharp. The Pomodoro Technique recommends 25 minutes of work followed by a five-minute break.
Stop Waiting
Sometimes we wait for the “perfect” time to do something. There is no perfect time, the only time is now. If you keep waiting for this perfect time, things will never get done. Perfectionism is one of the biggest reasons for procrastination.
If your goal is to accomplish more in less time, then you need to develop the foundation for your productive work week.
This Time Management Challenge will help you learn how to manage your time rather than being managed by the lengthy list of items on your to do list. We will show you how to make small tweaks to your work habits to improve your productivity.
Let us know the tricks and tips that you use to stop procrastinating! If prioritization is a struggle for you, we hope you will join us for the challenge to start better managing your time!
