Dreading yet another deadline? Hate procrastinating but can’t seem to help it? I feel your pain. My apartment’s never cleaner than when I have a massive project deadline coming up!
I’ve struggled with procrastination both at home and in the office. And after years of all-nighters, stomach destroying extra-strong coffees, and last-minute work, I’ve finally managed to come up with a system. Read on to find out how to stop procrastinating and finally get to work!
1. Make Sure You’re in the Right Working Environment
Take a look around. Is the environment you’re in optimal for working? Does it make you want to be productive? It’s important to take note of how a workplace makes you feel. If it’s distracting, it might be time to switch it up.
Even when this isn’t an option for you, there are specific things you can do to improve your workspace. It can be as simple as organizing your desk or buying a pair of noise-canceling headphones to get out of the chaos and into the zone.
2. Break Down Your Work into Small Tasks
Sometimes, looking at the big picture can be overwhelming. Especially when it comes to the deadline for a big project. Split up the work into little steps and then complete them one at a time. This will make your big project seem much more manageable, and you’ll feel much more accomplished checking each step off the list as you go.
If you still find yourself procrastinating, maybe you haven’t made the tasks small enough for yourself. Break them down further and see how fast you can get each one done.
3. Remove Potential Distractions and Procrastination Tools
If you often find yourself avoiding your work, pinpoint what you are doing in those moments. Is your biggest distraction in your Bookmarks Toolbar? Are you making it easy for yourself to procrastinate? Make sure to check yourself and eliminate your procrastination tools.
If they’re right in front of you all the time, you’re only making it harder than it has to be.
4. Hold Yourself Accountable by Stating Your Work Goals
Telling not only yourself but others about the goals you have set for your work will often serve as a motivator to get the job done. If someone else is aware of them and checks in with your progress, you’re more likely to take action and accomplish what you said you would.
5. Surround Yourself with Individuals that Motivate You to Put in the Work
Who do you keep in your circle? Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate.
You are more likely to be a go-getter if you hang out with people that are also go-getters. Keep good company and growing a network of hard-working goal-oriented people are a sure way to have your work motivation at an all-time-high.
6. Get the Work Done, Worry About the Details Later
When it comes to productivity, perfectionism isn’t your friend. If you spend too much time worrying about getting every detail right, you’ll find yourself never getting any work done. It’s almost always more rewarding to complete the task and then go over it to improve it after the fact.
Don’t stress! Push through the work and then review.
7. Remember: There is No Better Time Than Now
If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to get started, you’ll probably never start. There’s never a better time than the present, and if you don’t start now, you’ll probably be stressed for more time later.
It can be tough but trust me, it’s in your best interest to live in the now and just do it!
Enjoyed reading our anti-procrastination strategies? There are many more tips and tricks where that came from. Leave us a comment below to let us know what you think and what you’d like to hear about next.