When it comes to procrastination, I might just be the king of it. This, however, will not stop my in my daily stride to pump out tutorials and get work done. If you can learn to keep your thoughts in order, you too will be able to accomplish the tasks you always dreamed about. By following some of these simple tips to cope with procrastination, you will be in-control in no time!
- Take small steps.
Complete your tasks in pieces, just be sure that you wont continuously set them aside for later. It is easier to think of ways to complete smaller tasks to then get to the big picture. - Keep your benefits in mind.
Do you ever ask yourself, “Whats in this for me?” Think of the benefits you’ll have, after you complete your task. - Limit yourself to free time.
Get yourself a kitchen timer and crank it to 30 minutes. For that amount of time, you can play games, surf the web, read this tutorial, or do what ever you want. When the timer rings, you know its time to resume work for another 30 minutes. Do this as many times (in an organized fashion) till you complete your task. - Stay away from food (or limit yourself to it).
When you are procrastinating, its easy to grab a box of [insert your favorite food here] and start munching while trying to work. Its not going to happen! If this is the case, instead of grabbing the box of food, pour a limited portion of it into a small bowl and that is all you will get while trying to work. - Schedule yourself.
If your really good at procrastinating (thats bad), then you might have trouble following this. Get a small calendar and list what you are going to do everyday. If you don’t have a pen and paper, mentally plan these ideas in your head when you are laying in bed that morning (just don’t forget them). Plan and note due dates and prioritize tasks by importance. - Work Environment is Important!
The next time you are told to write a 6 page essay and have one night to do it, take yourself to the most calm, relaxing, least seductive place possible. It will be easier to work in a place where there is nothing to distract you from accomplishing your task, rather than writing it in front of a computer and checking your email every 2 minutes. - Shut the music… you know you want to.
When you are trying to perform a mental task such as reading or writing, don’t even think of turning on that new playlist you downloaded the other day. If it is impossible for you do this, then try not to listen to the music you like to “rock out” to while working. Turn on some classical or jazz music that might help you set the feeling for a calm workplace.
Though procrastination might be an unfortunate way of life, you can follow some of these simple tips to take control of your time.
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