Beat Procrastination

Do you delay or put tasks off until the last minute and it's getting in the way of your productivity?

Let's face it! Procrastination is a common behaviour and it can be a challenging habit, but not impossible, to break. Here are some simple hacks for how to stop procrastination:

Identify the reasons behind your procrastination:
Take time to pay attention when you are procrastinating. Identify how you are feeling in the moment. Is it a belief that you won't succeed? is it overwhelm?. Understanding the cause can help you get to the root  of the issue.

Set clear and specific goals:
Instead of general ideas type of goals, create specific and vivid goals with clear deadlines. This will give you a sense of direction, help you prioritize, and create a sense of urgency.

Break the task into smaller, manageable steps:
Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.  This makes it easier to start and helps to maintain motivation and focus throughout the task.

Use a timer to stay focused:
Use the pomodoro technique. by setting a timer for a specific block of time, such as 25 minutes, to work without distractions. Then take a short 5-15 minute break before starting again.

Eliminate distractions:
Turn off your phone, log out of social media, and find a quiet space to work.  Put a do not disturb sign on your door if necessary.   Eliminating any potential distractions. Wear a noise blocking headset and play binaural beats to help you stay focused and productive.

Reward yourself for making progress:
Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments. Reward yourself for your efforts of completing the tasks as you had set out to do. This will help you keep you motivated and reinforces positive behaviour.

Use positive self-talk:
The language you use when speaking to yourself can greatly affect your mood and your actions. Positive self-talk can inspire action, while negative thoughts can contribute to self-doubt and procrastination. Focus on positive affirmations that can help build confidence and encourage progress. By consciously choosing uplifting language, you can shift your mindset and overcome the tendency to procrastinate.

Prioritize tasks: 
Prioritize what you need to do in order of  importance and deadline. This will help you to focus on the most important tasks first, and avoid procrastinating on them.

Get an accountability partner:
You can get a free accountability partner by reaching out to a friend or family member, joining a support group or online community, or using an accountability app.
​
Add it to your schedule:
Book your tasks into a calendar as if they are meetings. Embed your tasks in your schedule. This helps you to avoid distractions, stay on track, and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.

It's important to remember that overcoming procrastination takes time and practice. There's no "one size fits all". Keep trying different strategies until you find what works best for you. Overcoming procrastination is a process that can take time and practice. Be patient and kind to yourself.