Procrastination is a timeless problem, and almost everyone unnecessarily tries to postpone some task, even after knowing there can be negative consequences. It is one of the most common challenges faced in professional spaces.
As per recent reports, employers bear hefty procrastination costs of about USD 10,396 on average every year. Besides, it leads to missed opportunities, loss of productivity, lower work quality, and unnecessary delays. Therefore, you must learn to improve your mindset to beat procrastination and take timely action.
You must read this:- 5 Best Corporate Training Apps Building a Case for Sustainable Agriculture and Certification
If you are looking for professional training and development solutions to improve your workplace skills, Education Nest can help you with the best courses led by seasoned industry leaders and experts.
Do you want to overcome procrastination and deliver your best performance at your workplace? Here, we have discussed some proven techniques to stop procrastination and get more done. Read on to find out.
Beating Procrastination
Procrastination and laziness are sometimes perceived as the same things, but actually, they are not. While laziness is unwillingness to do anything, procrastination is delaying it. There can be different reasons for procrastination, like the fear of failure, lack of motivation, time management issues, distractions, or setting unrealistic goals.
But how can you take over procrastination? Here are some tips to help you out:
Breaking Tasks
When you break tasks into smaller steps, they seem more doable and can be completed efficiently. You can choose to start easy tasks without feeling overwhelmed and stressed. For example, you can begin first with research if you want to write a report. Then, you can proceed towards framing the structure. In the next step, you can draft the content. Finally, you may proofread and double-check for any improvements. Thus, finishing these steps in fragments is easier than completing the whole task in one attempt.
Setting Deadlines
You do not feel the urgency to complete tasks sooner when there’s no strict deadline. You end up procrastinating and pushing it as long as you can. To avoid this, you can self-impose deadlines and try your best to complete them within the defined time limit. This way, you remain accountable for your own actions and try to finish them off even more compellingly. Besides, when you break down a task into smaller steps, try setting deadlines for each step. It will help you stay on track and improve your productivity, too.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is a structured method based on the principles of self-awareness and observation. It breaks down the time into focused work sessions with breaks in between, thus promoting sustained concentration. These small work sessions are called pomodoros and are usually scheduled for 25 minutes. The break sessions last for 5 minutes. This technique aids in establishing consistent work habits amd shrinks tasks into alternate pomodoros. Thus, it changes the concept of time into a measure of productivity, therefore preventing burnout and boosting motivation.
Hardest Task First
You are likely to be most productive at the start of the task. You are more energetic and motivated then and can dedicate work without getting distracted. Therefore, you can aim to finish the most challenging tasks first so you don’t get overwhelmed and stressed about these pending. You can work with clarity and focus at peak productivity hours, thus boosting your determination and confidence. Besides, once you finish off the complex parts, it cultivates a sense of achievement, creating a positive ripple effect.
The 2-Minute Rule
As per the American expert David Allen, if you can complete a task in 2 minutes or less, you must do it right away. This 2-minute rule is a powerful strategy that encourages you to take quick action and boosts your morale with small wins. You capitalize on small time windows and avoid piling up petty tasks. It thus declutters your mind, building momentum and gearing you up for larger tasks. Besides, you feel psychologically satisfied as the cognitive overload of pending work is taken off.
Final Thoughts
There’s no quick fix to fight procrastination, but staying consistent can make all the difference. Once you recognize the signs of procrastination, you should take small, manageable steps to combat it effectively. So, start implementing these techniques and give it your best shot.
Education Nest can initiate effective learning experiences with its comprehensive training programs, ensuring tangible outcomes for corporate growth and excellence. Its market-oriented personal and curated courses are tailored to your unique needs and thus assure the desired impact.
Reach out to us today for more details.
References:
