Procrastination is a pervasive struggle. Even for the most proactive among us, the urge to press pause becomes especially powerful as responsibilities and deadlines pile up and pile on. Add to that ever-present distractions – phones, tablets, TVs, and the attendant entertainment rabbit-holes – and procrastination can feel virtually irresistible at times.
While it’s easy to trivialize and even normalize it – as we often do – procrastination can be a harmful force, particularly when it hardens into a habitual practice. The repercussions can spill into both our professional and personal lives, jeopardizing opportunities and relationships.
In doing battle against procrastination, it’s best to be on the offensive rather than the defensive. For many, chronic passivity is a real temptation, but in order to secure victory over procrastination, we must be strategic and steadfast in our efforts.
Below are five straightforward and effective methods to make procrastination a thing of the past:
- Set achievable objectives. The harder our goals are to manage and accomplish, the more likely we are to give procrastination a toe-hold in our daily routine. Suffocated by unrealistic expectations, we seek the numbing though fleeting relief of our social-media newsfeeds and streaming subscriptions. To avoid such a pattern, break up substantial projects into bite-sized pieces. Establish checkpoints along the way, so that the Big Bad Deadline won’t feel as daunting to you.
- Let your work time be your work time, and let your break time be your break time. In other words, segment your day into time-frames exclusively for focused, continuous work, and windows specifically for brief but rejuvenating breaks. By keeping the boundary clear, you’ll be less likely to allow creeping distractions to diminish your productivity.
- Prioritize wisely. Procrastination often disguises itself as busyness. It’s easy to trick ourselves into thinking we’re being productive as we flit to and fro between one minor task and the next. The reality, more often than not, is that we’re neglecting our more urgent to-do’s in order to tackle the less pressing ones. Work hard to stay on top of your main priorities before attending to those on the periphery.
- Weave incentives into your work. As you set targets, add in little rewards along the way to mark your progress. Maybe enjoy a nice dinner out, or a day-trip to your favorite hiking spot, or a movie night with your family and friends. It’s okay to allow yourself a respite after a period of sustained work. It’s a healthy way to recognize a job well done and to avoid future burnout.
- Ask for assistance when needed. No one is superhuman. If you feel crushed under the weight and number of your responsibilities and, as a result, tempted to run to distractions, then seek help. Delegate well and often so that you can focus your attention on your most important assignments. Also, if you feel you would benefit from this, call on a trusted coworker or friend to be an accountability partner so that you’ll have an ally in your fight against procrastination.
The tactics above are intended to help you overcome the power of procrastination. Now, don’t procrastinate – put these into practice today!
