6 Tips to Overcome Procrastination

One of the problems not only for students but also for employed workers is how to overcome procrastination. With the extended time or schedule given to you, it’s unexplainable why sometimes it could be tempting to do the work at the last minute. 

Others say it’s because your mind works better when it’s almost due and you’re in a rush, or maybe because of too much workload that’s beyond your capacity. But for whatever reason, procrastination can be a challenge. However, with the right strategies, procrastination can be overcome. Here, we’ll provide you with some tips to help you avoid cramming:

Create a Schedule

First, condition your mind by creating a schedule. Establish a routine and allocate specific time slots for tasks on your to-do list. That way, you’ll feel pressured to accomplish the task within the given time frame. Remember to put the ones with the earliest deadlines at the top of the list to meet them first.

Use Time Management Techniques

Look for time management techniques that will work for you to help increase productivity and reduce procrastination. For example, the Pomodoro Technique lets you work in focused intervals with short breaks (25 minutes of concentrated work, 5-minute break). Repeat until you finish your tasks. A time management technique is also helpful if you’re experiencing writer’s block, as you get to refresh your mind frequently.

Set Deadlines

Naturally, deadlines are already given for the work you are procrastinating on. But to help you overcome procrastination, you have to set a deadline for yourself, which should be earlier than the deadline. That way, you’ll start to learn to recognize missed deadlines and improve your time management. From there, little by little, you can work through meeting deadlines on time without procrastinating.

Eliminate Distractions

One key factor in procrastination is distractions. Identify and remove distractions from your environment, such as social media, noisy surroundings, streaming apps, and others, when it’s time for work. Stay focused on giving your individual attention when it is time to work, and just remember that you can scroll through your feed, watch movies, or play Jili all you want once your work is done.

Start with the Hardest Task

Another tip is to tackle the most challenging task first. This way, your energy and focus are at their peak, making it easier for you to finish it, compared to doing it at the last minute when your brain and energy are already drained. At least, if you accomplish the hardest task first, doing the easier ones will be like a walk in the park for you.

Identify Your Procrastination Triggers

Finally, if you want to overcome something, you have to find out what triggers it, and procrastination also has its own triggers. So, learn to recognize what triggers your procrastination. Is it laziness? Perfectionism? Failure? Boredom? Look at the root cause, and from there, you have to work on it.

Wrapping Up

We understand that it is not easy to overcome procrastination with a snap of a hand. But with a few tips, motivation, and personal accountability, we know that you can eventually do it. Just take it seriously and follow these tips continuously for continuous productivity and meeting deadlines in the future.