How frustrating is it when we have a mountain of work to do, and we have planned to be productive? It’s so disappointing when we look back at the end of a long day and realised we’ve actually done nothing. Below are a few ideas to beat procrastination and work towards a productive day.
How to Beat Procrastination in 123… steps.
1. Take breaks
When you aim to work hours on end, it never really works. Ideally, split your time between 30-40 minute intervals and have breaks of about 15 minutes in between. During this time get up and stretch your legs, have a walk around and clear your head. Go make a cup of tea and return back to your work feeling refreshed. These timed breaks will push you to work harder if there’s something to look forward to.
2. Listen to the right music 
We have playlists for the gym, the car and when we’re preparing for a big night out, but do we have a set playlist for when we work? Depending on the type of work, the music should follow accordingly. Find something that clears your mind and allows you to focus on what you are doing. I am a firm believer that the right kind of music can help you work more.
3. Plan
Some people work well under pressure, but not everyone can handle the heat. You don’t really want the quality of your work to suffer just because you didn’t plan out your time and schedule. Allocate the hours you have for the job, and plan how you are going to tackle each and every part of the work. The more detailed the plan, the more likely you are to remain busy. It’s Also important to leave room for error and amendments.
4. Follow a to-do list
The most satisfying thing is checking off your to-do list. Writing a daily list will allow you to focus on what needs to be done, and it will push you to try finish them all by the end of the day. Even if you have a few extra breaks, as long as your plan for the day is executed then you have succeeded.
5. Have something to look forward to
Whether it’s a nice meal for dinner, or a movie night, having something to look forward to at the end of a long hard day will push yourself to work harder in order to deserve that treat at the end of the day. You will only enjoy it more if you’ve worked hard for it.
6. Eat well, sleep well
Some basic well-being info, but catching some decent sleep and eating right will really help you focus a lot more. Feeling tired will just make you want to sleep, and if you’re working, all you’re going to be thinking about is sleeping. Some healthy homey food and sleep will get your mojo back in no time.
7. Have someone watch over you
If you find yourself wasting more hours in the day than you’d like, ask someone to watch over you. We are less likely to procrastinate if we’re under that kind of pressure.
8. Don’t check your email
One of the worst things you can do when you have a deadline is to check your work email. You are more likely to spend more time reading and answering that work email than actually working on the job you have. Bring out your to-do-list and check off a task before attempting to open any emails.
9. Exercise
A good workout is said improve concentration levels and increase your mental sharpness. It’s an all-in-all brilliant way to help you build your focus back and is also said to reduce stress, anxiety and help you sleep better.
10. Will Power
Time to suck it up. Procrastination is not even an option because the clock is ticking and work needs to get done asap! Just shake yourself, and get crackin’. Sometimes a good telling off from someone will put you right where you need to be.
Tried these tips? Please tell us if it helps you beat procrastination or not.
Content contributed by the creative team at The Pink Group.
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Good tips! Since becoming my own boss, I have sometimes found it difficult to stick to a schedule and get all the things done that I have planned for the day. I would add taking power naps to the list, they have helped me so much. A good power nap can make me feel very refreshed and full of new motivation to keep working 🙂
Hey Pau, thanks for adding your own wonderful piece of information. Having your activities well-laid out on a piece of paper has already defeated procrastination as long as you can pay homage to the piece of paper before your next line of actions.
Taking notes and following them is one of the great assets when you’re fighting procrastination; never ignore this wonderful gift.
Thanks for reading
Excellent post, good points all – thanks. This is something that I struggle with from time to time. The best cure for me is point # 9. I find that taking a brisk walk helps to clear the mind and helps to get me back on track. I also agree with Pau, a nap works wonders as well.
Enjoyed this.
Thanks
Donald
I have to admit that i am a procastinator. Ask me how hard it is to change this habit.
I like point number 7, Olawale.
There’s nothing like pressure to make us perform. And one of the things that puts us under pressure the most is the desire to avoid losing face.
Yeah Nathan!
You got the idea. Glad to see you around.
Hope all is going on well at your side too? 🙂