7 Useful Tips to Combat Procrastination

Sharon Moore September 30, 2014

Whether we deny it or not – we all procrastinate from time to time. It’s basically part of our being humans. While most of the time, procrastination is viewed as a negative behaviour which leads to nothing but anxiety, disappointment, and shame, research has shown that it actually has a positive purpose. A 2005 study of active procrastinators found that these people feel in control of their time and use it purposefully. They are also less avoidant, have lower stress levels, and higher self-efficacy than passive procrastinators.

But it is important that you become aware of how procrastination is affecting your life. If you think that is already making you less productive, inefficient, anxious and less happy about the outcome of your work, it’s time that you teach yourself how to manage procrastination.

The following tips will help you get started in the right direction.

Avoid chronic procrastinators.

If you keep hanging out with these people, sooner or later, you become just like them. Consider limiting the time you spend around these people, especially when you are trying to meet a deadline or working on a difficult task. Instead, spend more time with those who have positive and productive attitude. They may not only help you get things done quicker, they can also keep you motivated and focused on your task.

Reduce distractions in your environment.

Working from home? Consider designating a room or area that will serve as your workspace. It shouldn’t be in your room where you are just a few steps from your bed. Make sure that this area is serene and peaceful, has no TV and other forms of distraction. This way, you can avoid temptation as you work by purposefully. When working, consider disconnecting to the internet if possible to resist peeking on Facebook and emails, and other social media.

Revamp your workspace.

Is your work station making you feel less comfortable while working? Consider giving it a facelift. Maybe things are a bit too noisy, too quiet, too cold or too hot for your taste. If you’re working from home and you feel like you’re getting bored, consider working at a local park or in a coffee shop.

Get moving.

Just like with exercising, sometimes you just need to get moving to set yourself up in the mood to work. Before finally laying your hands on your task, go out for a 15-minute walk. Or, go to YouTube and dance along with a fun aerobic exercise. Exercising ups your energy levels, which is very important to beat procrastination and start getting things done.

Simplify.

When the task at hand is too overwhelming, we all have the tendency to procrastinate. It’s our body’s natural response (yes, we’re talking about the ‘fight or flight’ response). An easy way to stay focused and motivated is to break down that big task into smaller, achievable tasks. Come up with a timeline and strategy, so you won’t feel pressured while working. By simplifying things, you are making your life less stressful and easy.

Learn a new skill.

Sometimes, the reason why we procrastinate is because we lack enough skills and knowledge to perform a task efficiently. For example, you might be procrastinating when it comes to writing contents for your company’s website because you don’t know anything about SEO. Perhaps this is the time that you learn a new craft or skill that can help make your work life easier. Educating yourself with something, no matter how small that information is, can make you feel more confident and competent to get your task done.

Look for someone to help you.

Get all the help you can possibly get. Don’t act like you’re a superhero. Remember that like anybody else, you also get tired and that you don’t know everything. If you’ve been assigned with a task you think is too difficult, ask your boss if you can get someone to work with you. If it isn’t possible, ask a trusted colleague to help you out, and do return the favour when they’re in need of help too. You can schedule a time to work and each bring a piece of work which you’re having a difficult time completing.