14 Proven Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Start Being Productive
Procrastination can act as a silent killer, slowly affecting our lives. There are two types of procrastination: long-term and short-term. Maybe you’ve wanted to water your plants for a few days but keep postponing it. This is what we like to call short-term procrastination. The long-term is way more problematic. For instance, maybe it has been a few years now that you dream about getting another job, yet you never resign from your position. The good news is that both types of procrastination can be fixed. Here are a few strategies.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Break It Down
Sometimes, we procrastinate solely because we feel overwhelmed by the task in front of us. But instead of thinking of the task as unmanageable, you can learn how to make smaller, more manageable tasks that can be done individually. Once you’ve tackled that small piece, you can move on to the next step, and each completed step builds momentum, making the overall task feel less daunting.
Use The Five Minute Rule
A hard part of beating procrastination is just getting started. You can try a simple (but effective) method called the 5-minute rule, where you tell yourself you’ll work on a task for just five minutes. When you finally get started, you’ll work through that initial resistance, and continuing and finishing the task won’t feel as hard.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions will only feed your procrastination, so do your best to focus on the task at hand. Identify your distractions (TV, texting, social media, etc.) and eliminate them when it comes time to get to work. This is the best way to stay focused, avoid giving in to the urge to procrastinate, and avoid the important things you need to get done.
Set A Timer
If you struggle with time management, try the 25-5 method: work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this for four cycles, and then take a longer break. This method can help you prevent burnout, keep your mind fresh, and accomplish a lot in just a short time without even thinking about the time that has passed.
Tackle The Hard Stuff First
We all dread tasks (like an awkward phone call, a difficult conversation, or a boring piece of paperwork), but putting off these tasks only makes them loom larger in your mind. Tackle the tough stuff first thing in the morning when your energy is high, and your willpower is strong. Once you’ve knocked out the hardest task on your list, everything else will feel like a breeze.
Reward Yourself
A reward system can be a really big motivating factor when it comes to procrastination. Set up small rewards for yourself after completing tasks (like a coffee break, a quick scroll through social media, or a treat you’ve been craving). The key is to make sure the reward is something you’ll genuinely look forward to and this will make it easier for you to stay focused.
Make A To-Do List
To-do lists are a classic tool because they have been proven to work. Writing down everything that you need to accomplish can help you organize your thoughts and make a clear road map for your day, which can really help you battle procrastination. Crossing tasks off your list can also be a visual motivator to keep going when it’s hard.
Find An Accountability Partner
It might be helpful to get someone involved in the things you need to get done. Your accountability partner can be a friend, coworker, or family member who checks on your progress and helps keep you on track. Knowing there’s an extra eye on your productivity can motivate you and help you beat the feeling of procrastination.
Visualize The End Result
When you’re in the middle of a task, it’s easy to forget why you’re doing it in the first place. Take a moment to visualize the result of what you want done and imagine how good it will feel to complete it. It could be the satisfaction of a clean house, the relief of submitting a finished report, or the joy of ticking off that last item on your to-do list.
Change Your Environment
Experiment with different settings to find the one that helps you feel most focused and motivated. If you’re finding it hard to focus in your usual workspace, you can move to a different room, a café, or even outside to get a new perspective. It can also remove some of the familiar distractions that might be contributing to your procrastination.
Stop Overthinking
Overthinking can be a barrier to getting things done, and if you get stuck in your head, you can get stuck in a loop of inaction. Take action when you start overthinking, starting with the next small step, and trust that you can figure things out as you go. Having something done is much better than having something done perfectly.
Forgive Yourself And Move On
If you’re procrastinating, it can be easy to fall into the trap of self-blame and guilt. Beating yourself up won’t help you get things done. It will just make you feel worse. Acknowledge it so you can forgive yourself and move on. The important thing is not to dwell on the past but to focus on what you can do right now to get back on track. Give yourself permission to start fresh.
Be Realistic
One of the main reasons why we keep procrastinating is that we are unrealistic with our goals. For instance, if you want to start reading more, setting up the goal of reading at least fifty pages daily is simply ridiculous. Instead, proceed with small steps. Start with a single page. This may seem like nothing, but the truth is that you will probably end up reading way more.
Find Enjoyment
Another common reason we procrastinate is that we don’t like what we need to do. Think about it. We always find the time for things we love, right? Let’s go back to our reading example. If you want to get into this habit, don’t start with the most boring book published. Try something easy instead. Maybe you can opt for a book you’ve already read and know you love.
