Procrastination is one of the most significant time drains in modern businesses. In most cases, individuals don’t set out to procrastinate, but several things can set the wheels in motion, which slows down progress and productivity.
To get out of the procrastination rut, take a look at these six things to beat it.
Set daily goals
If you’ve got a lot on your mind, it can be overwhelming to know how to get started. This then leads to procrastination and putting off that ever-growing list. Focus on each day separately, and in turn, this will bring larger projects together harmoniously. Get started with a to-do list. This type of record can help focus the mind, and getting those things down on paper can make space to think about the task at hand rather than worrying if you’ve forgotten something.
Get a good night’s sleep
When we’re tired, our mind wanders as the lack of concentration takes hold. Getting a good night’s sleep will help you feel rested and refreshed for the day ahead. It can also be a good idea to wake up early and avoid hitting the snooze button. By getting an early start, you are the most likely to feel more alert and ready to tackle the to-do list, rather than waiting until the afternoon when your motivation starts to wane.
Get a helping hand
Having a motivational work friend can do wonders for your productivity levels. Ask them to support you during the day, and if they see you straying from the path, they can provide a much-needed pick me up. They could also make you accountable for the work you’ve completed and could boost your motivation by setting goals and cheering you on when you reach them.
Learn something new
If you’re stuck in the same role for years, procrastination may start to take place more often as you become automated in your working practices. By taking up something new or completing a course to improve your time management skills with Corporate Coach Group, you will start to get more excited about the future and get stuck into work to boost your career prospects while keeping the procrastination at bay.
Use a task timer
If your work involves a number of tasks that take a specific time to complete, you could use a task timer to break up the routine. This is similar to the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks up the day into 25-minute chunks with short breaks to help eliminate procrastination. The emphasis is working smarter, not harder, and it’s a tried and tested method that many businesses use.
Eliminate digital distraction
One of the worst offenders for procrastination is social media distraction. We spend hours flicking in a hope that it’ll take your mind off the task at hand. Before you know it, two hours have gone past, and you’ve not completed anything. To take this distraction away, try moving your phone away from you, so you have to physically move to get it. Or, if you need it directly for work, set the apps with time restrictions, so they’re unavailable during work hours.