“Whatever can be done another day can be done today”, once said Montaigne.
And yet, procrastination is a habit that is sometimes difficult to break. This tendency to put everything off until tomorrow can cause difficulties in the organisation, development and well-being of each individual.
The feeling of failure that can result from repetitive procrastination varies from person to person and is never pleasant.
Here are some solutions to consider in order to tackle procrastination at work and learn to complete tasks day by day.
Don’t put off reading this article, here’s what’s in store for you:
- 1) Organising tasks in stages to combat procrastination at work
- 2) Start with the most difficult actions and break them down into sub-tasks to overcome procrastination
- 3) Set up a work routine to get out of procrastination
- 4) Looking to the “after”, a solution to stop procrastination
- 5) Stay away from distractions to stop procrastinating
- 6) Use the POMODORO method by introducing breaks
- 7) Reward yourself regularly to cure procrastination
- 8) Make an inventory at the end of the day to stop procrastinating
1) Organising tasks in stages to combat procrastination at work
Procrastination is not just a problem for teenagers who put off their homework indefinitely: everyone is susceptible to it. In order for your fight against procrastination to be effective, it is first necessary to visualise the tasks you have to complete.
To do this, make a to-do list at the end of each day for the next day. This allows you to have a visual of the tasks to be done. Classify them in order of importance, urgency or difficulty.
In addition to being able to observe the progress of your work and the tasks you accomplish, making a to-do list is a considerable time-saver. All your remaining actions are listed in one place, making it easier to organise.
However, your to-do list must be achievable. Write down actions that can be done day by day, within your capacity. In this way, you are more likely to maintain your motivation over time.
2) Start with the most difficult actions and break them down into sub-tasks to overcome procrastination
Procrastination tends to occur when it comes to important, time-consuming or boring tasks. To combat procrastination effectively, these tasks should be done as soon as possible so that you are quickly rid of them.
If you don’t do them in the morning, you can schedule them for the times when you feel most productive.
In addition, you can break down larger tasks into subtasks: in this way, the task at hand seems less daunting and insurmountable. Hence the need to focus on tasks that can be done at each stage of your day.
The more your tasks are broken down into sub-tasks, the easier it will be to get to work.
3) Set up a work routine to get out of procrastination
For some people, routine can be reassuring and calming.
It gives a framework and a line of direction to follow naturally, without having to think. If setting up a routine can help you stay motivated, choose this alternative.
A routine can take many forms: starting your work with a cup of tea, playing soft music a few minutes before you get to the office, etc.
These simple and harmless actions are more soothing than they seem. They can be an effective way to get out of procrastination.
4) Looking to the “after”, a solution to stop procrastination
It is sometimes difficult to maintain motivation in the face of tasks that may be difficult or boring. To ensure that your willingness to do so is not undermined, it can be helpful to look ahead to the “after”.
Think about the satisfaction you will feel when you have completed your task.
You can also consider the benefits of sticking to your to-do list against the disadvantages of procrastination. After all, putting off tasks does not make them more desirable. So it is possible to stop procrastinating by remembering that everything passes.
The realisation of your present difficulty is a guarantee of future relief.
5) Stay away from distractions to stop procrastinating
There are many sources of distraction that can pollute your concentration and therefore encourage you to procrastinate. To overcome procrastination, set aside specific times of the day when you commit to working away from these distractions.
Isolate yourself so as not to be tempted to chat with your colleagues, disconnect from the internet to prevent yourself from going on social networks, turn off electronic devices that interfere with your concentration…
And remember that every time you lose focus, your working time is extended. This will make it easier for you to keep your full attention on the tasks at hand.
6) Use the POMODORO method by introducing breaks
The POMODORO method consists of defining a working time after which you give yourself a mandatory break.
Breaks are as important as the work itself: they allow you to rest your eyes from the screens and your mind from thinking, to relax your muscles and think about other things.
This way, once your break is over, your body and mind are in better condition to get back to work. This keeps you motivated and fights procrastination.
7) Reward yourself regularly to cure procrastination
Work must bring pleasure and satisfaction if you are to remain productive.
Rewarding yourself for the goals you achieve can help you overcome procrastination. These rewards can be anything from a simple coffee with colleagues to a walk, a massage session, a relaxing weekend.
You can also opt for pleasures that you are also used to putting off because of work.
8) Make an inventory at the end of the day to stop procrastinating
At the end of your day, it is necessary to take stock.
It allows you to track your progress, the times when you have been most productive and the times when you have been less so. This daily review can make it easier for you to prepare your next day’s to-do list, while allowing you to visualise your progress.
By keeping the satisfaction of having accomplished certain tasks, you save a positive dynamic that will allow you to stop procrastinating.
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Being organised, not getting distracted, completing your tasks on time … these are the ingredients for a successful recipe. Efficient organisation allows you to take more time for yourself. Stay optimistic and consider your efforts to regain control of your life.
Monitor your progress over time. If necessary, modify the anti-procrastination techniques according to their effectiveness and add new ones if you think they might help.
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