Are you a regular procrastinator?
You might not want to admit it, but most of us procrastinate from time to time. It’s part and parcel of being human, but it doesn’t really do much for productivity!
In order to hit deadlines and remain productive, you need to tackle procrastination head on. Of course, a little procrastination may be a good thing, but only in very small amounts. When you allow procrastination and a lack of motivation to take over your working day, it literally is one big waste of time, which could have been better spent doing other things.
Whilst sitting at your office desks, it’s easy to stare out of the window, put off tasks you don’t want to do, and panic about large jobs which seem like mountains at the start. Distractions are everywhere, and you need self-discipline and the ability to kick out these potential roadblocks in order to actually make progress throughout the day.
To help you procrastinate less, and get more done whilst sitting at your designer office chairs, here are 7 useful ways to procrastinate less and increase your productivity levels as a result.
Use Scheduling Rather Than To Do Lists
To do lists are simply lists of things you haven’t done yet, and whilst you might have good intentions to get them done, the reality is often very different. On the other hand, scheduling is a very effective tool. This means that rather than writing down what you need to do, you actually schedule time into your calendar to complete it.
Provided you remain realistic in how much work you block into a day, scheduling is a great way to reduce procrastination and get more done in the time you have.
Challenge Yourself in Blocks
Many people find time challenges very useful. This means you select a task you need to complete, you decide up on a time in which you’re going to do it, perhaps half an hour or 20 minutes, and you go for it. You challenge yourself to finish it in that time. If you can, try and shave off 5 minutes, but don’t allow quality to suffer.
Most of us have a slightly competitive streak, so challenges such as these are often very useful and quite good fun!
Visualise The Consequences
Whilst you’re sitting at your office chair, thinking about putting something off until tomorrow, visualise what tomorrow is actually going to be like. Are you going to have more work than you have time for? Are you going to be stressed? Will you feel overwhelmed? Then, picture how good you’ll feel when you actually complete the task today.
Visualising the reality of the situation is often enough to push you to complete it there and then, rather than putting it off.
Try The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a useful time management hack which allows you to get a lot done in a short space of time. You work solidly for 25 minutes, focusing completely, and then you have a break for 5 minutes, getting up and walking around, having a drink of water and switching off from work. You then repeat the process.
This ensures regular breaks, which boost productivity, but also give you a time challenge to work towards.
Promise Yourself a Treat
Some people find using gratification techniques very useful, so this is something you might be able to try. If you have a large task and you know you’re not going to enjoy it, promise yourself a treat at the end of the day, if you complete it. Obviously, if you don’t complete it, you don’t get the treat!
This can be useful when you’re facing a long meeting around the modern boardroom tables and you know it’s going to be hard-going.
Keep Your Brain And Body Hydrated
Never underestimate the power of water. When you’re thinking about procrastinating, have a glass of water and have a quick walk around the office. This could be enough to refocus your brain and push you to get the job done.
Take Regular Breaks
One of the main reasons that people procrastinate is because they’re tired. Take regular breaks and you’ll give yourself extra energy and focus.
All of these are very useful ways to reduce procrastination during your working day. You might not be able to kick it out completely, but you can drastically reduce it.