Procrastination is something we all struggle with. Good news; it doesn’t have to control your life. There are so many easy fixes to overcoming procrastination, but first you have to understand what it means to procrastinate. Often times procrastination is mistaken for being lazy, though that may be the case sometimes- it isn’t the case all the time. Procrastination can come from many places like fear of failure, self doubt, or even feeling overwhelmed. If these apply to you it is important that you recognize this, and put the emotional side of procrastination away.
Tip #1: Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Often times we procrastinate because the task is a big task. We then just consider how time consuming the task is. What we could do instead is break it into smaller pieces. Then, once you complete one small step you’ll feel confidence to tackle the next step. For example, if your writing a paper. Your probably telling yourself that you have to write the whole thing in one sitting, instead try telling yourself that you need to write your introduction, or find evidence.
Tip #2: Work on A Timed Schedule
Working on a timed schedule will trick your mind into thinking that the task is less daunting. It helps you commit to accomplishing the task since your only at work for such a little amount of time. Once you begin, the initial resistance will fade and then you will soon be able to add more time. For example, working for 5 minutes then taking a break for 5 minutes. Then 5 minutes can turn into 30 and so-forth.
Tip #3: Eliminate Distractions
Let’s say you don’t have trouble getting started with a task, but once your working and you get a notification from your phone you tell yourself your just going to check it, then before you know it your scrolling on TikTok. Distractions are all around you and can instantly derail an individuals focus. To change this, it would beneficial if you put yourself into a separate room, away from any distractions like technology, pets, or even peers. The fewer distractions the easier it will be to accomplish a task.
With these strategies it’ll be easier to overcome procrastination. It is important that you remember progress is a journey, not a destination. You got this!
Research source
https://hbr.org/2017/10/5-research-based-strategies-for-overcoming-procrastination
