Habits to beat Procrastination
Procrastination generally affects everyone and is something we all would like more control over.
Embracing your urges and turning them into productive forms of procrastination is something we can all try but in the end, there comes a time when you just have to Eat that Frog.
Here are some tips, tricks and habits to try and get the job done:
Do the worst thing first
Eating that Frog at the start of the day gets rid of the mounting dread and fear and the rest of the day gets easier. First thing in the morning is also when we have most mental energy to tackle difficult tasks.
Learn to prioritise
Use the priority matrix to work out if the task should even be on your to-do list in the first place, and how much energy to devote to it. Urgent doesn’t always mean important.
Schedule time realistically
Misjudging how long something will actually take is a major problem for procrastinators. Keep time-sheets, set a timer, or use Rescue Time to see where the time goes, so you can judge more realistically next time.
Work out why you are avoiding it
Sometimes facing the reason for your avoidance head on is the only way to deal with it. What is so horrible about this task? Why are you so afraid of it?
Accountability
Tell someone what you’re doing and get them to nag you about it. Sometimes the expectations of others can keep us on track.
Two-minute rule
This usually applies to email, but if any task in going to take less than two minutes, it is quicker to just do it than it is to keep writing it on your to-do list.
Rewards
Some people use chocolate, some people use Facebook, but whatever it is, a carrot works better than a stick. Set a task and make sure you only reward yourself when the task is complete. Otherwise you are just procrastinating all over again!
Chunk your tasks
If you just write the word ‘essay’ on your to-do list, chances are you will never do it. Breaking a mammoth task down into chunks — such as: research, first draft, second draft, edit, proofread, reference list, format, print and bind — gives you more manageable tasks. It is easier then to decide when and how you will complete them.
Use apps + tools
One of my favourites is the Pomodoro Method. You can download the app or just set a timer on your phone. Do three sessions, 20-minutes each with a five minute break between. When you get to the end of the third session, take a longer break.
Think of the consequences
Try and project forward and think of the worst that might happen if you don’t do this task night now. In some cases you might realise its not all that bad, and maybe you shouldn’t even do the task. In other cases, such as not doing your taxes, paying a bill or making an important phone call might lead to penalties that you don’t want. A higher bill might be just the motivation you need to pay this one on time.
Seven-minute smash-it sessions
I like giving myself a time limit for unpleasant tasks. I set a timer and only ‘allow’ myself seven minutes to do as many annoying tasks as possible. I call it ‘killing moquitoes’. Little buzzy annoying tasks. It’s amazing how liberating it is to know you can only spend a short amount of time. I work like crazy and get much more done than you might think.
Work with your moods
Pay attention to the types of tasks you complete more easily depending on your location or the time of day. Most people work more productively in the morning, so don’t check your emails until after lunch. In the afternoons, I like to be creative so I save my project time for 3pm.
Batch tasks
Despite what you might think, multitasking is counterproductive. Switching back and forth between different task types slows you down. Don’t make phone calls or send emails willy nilly. List them all in one place, then when you have 5–6 on your list, do them all at once.
Alternate tasks It is a good idea to alternate between meaningful tasks and meaningless tasks. After a batch of blog writing, I usually wash dishes.
