We all know a serial procrastinator – and if you can’t think of who it might be, it’s probably you.

Even if it isn’t something you do incessantly, it’s something we’re all guilty of from time to time, right? It can be so hard to remain motivated at all times, particularly in working hours. It always seems that bit easier to procrastinate and put tasks off a little longer.

The problem with this is it stems from productivity. The more you procrastinate, the less you get done, the more stressed you become, and therefore the more likely you are to procrastinate further. However, today we’re going to explore the art of tackling procrastination head-on.

Ask yourself “WHY”

The first step to stopping procrastination is to actively ask yourself why you’re doing it. It doesn’t matter if it’s an assignment you’ve been putting off for weeks, or you’re avoiding researching it online. There has to be a reason why you’re avoiding doing the task at hand.

A lot of the time, people think they’re procrastinating simply because they can’t be bothered to do something. Although this can certainly be true, it’s often to do with a lack of planning and organisation.

It could be that you’ve left yourself an unachievable amount of time in which to complete the task at hand, or you haven’t planned it efficiently. It could even be that you know it’s a big task, and you’ve allowed yourself to feel intimidated by it. 

Procrastination is aided by one thing above all else – and that’s excuses. Once you’ve figured out why you’re procrastinating, stop giving yourself excuses as to why it’s okay, and start looking for solutions instead. You’d be surprised at how this change of approach will revolutionise your productivity levels.

Divide and conquer

Usually, an expression used when describing some strategic and unpleasant behaviours, divide and conquer can also be used for the good when it comes to avoiding procrastination before it’s even begun.

If you know you have a lot on, look at the tasks, or one larger task, that you need to do. Then, figure out how you can subdivide the task at hand into smaller, more manageable sections.

Sometimes staring at a massive list, or one large task, can be intimidating – and when you feel intimidated by something, you’re far more likely to put off doing it. 

By dividing the thing you’re intimidated by into smaller sections, you can dedicate fixed amounts of time to each section. Because it makes the task seem overall less frightening, you’re far more likely to be able to conquer it – and successfully too we might add. It doesn’t matter if it’s something for work, something practical like tidying up, or something personal like writing thank you cards after a big party. Allow yourself to divide, and watch yourself conquer.

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There is no right time

We’re going to let you in on a little secret. There is no right time to do the task you’re putting off. The only right time is now.

Of course, there are wrong times. Don’t do it in the middle of the night, or sacrifice an event you’ve been looking forward to for months for it. But don’t think there is a “perfect” time in which to complete a task because when it comes around, we’d put money on you finding an alternative “perfect” time instead of completing it there and then.

Instead of sitting planning when you’re going to do the thing you’re putting off, if you’re free at present, do it now! Some people will wait for motivation that never comes – and that’s a fact. Successful people create their motivation. Be your motivator, and get things done. You’ll thank us later.

Give yourself a break

Finally, both mentally and physically, give yourself a break.

Mentally, stop being so hard on yourself! you can do this, and you will do this, and you’ll do it well. There’s no reason why you can’t! Always remember that you have everything you need within you to succeed in the task at hand.

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Physically, take a break! Every hour or so take five, ten, minutes to stand up, have a stretch, get a coffee and take some fresh air. You’ll come back feeling refreshed, and ready to get going all over again. The most productive people know the importance of breaks, so follow their lead.

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Image Credit:  Marten Bjork

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