Procrastination is delaying a task or action, often until the last moment. It’s common for people to put off tasks they don’t want to do, and it can be particularly detrimental in the workplace, where deadlines are often strict and critical thinking skills are required regularly.
For many people, procrastination is a source of stress and fatigue in the workplace. But there are ways to tackle your procrastination head-on and not be paralyzed by your workload. Here are some strategies to help you overcome procrastination below!
Tips for Overcoming Procrastination
Break tasks into smaller pieces: Sometimes, tackling a large project can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks can make it easier to get started.
It’s common for us to feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of a project, so we procrastinate on starting it because we don’t know where to begin or how long it will take us. But if you break down the task into smaller pieces and do those pieces one at a time, you’ll find yourself completing it more quickly than if you tried tackling it all at once.
The more work that gets done right away, the less “leftover” there is to feel overwhelmed by. You’ve eliminated some potential stressors before they even become problems by using this approach!
Set deadlines: Setting deadlines for yourself can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. Make sure the deadlines are realistic, and hold yourself accountable for meeting them.
By creating a schedule or new task deadlines, you can “trick” yourself into staying on time to finish a project. For example, you need to complete a big presentation at work, and the deadline is 3 months away. Create a step-by-step look at that project and put a date next to each sub-task. Creating timelines for each task makes you more likely to complete the project on the deadline you’ve created.
Eliminate distractions: Distractions can be a significant contributor to procrastination. Try eliminating as many distractions as possible.
Is your desk in a noisy area? Do you have email notifications turned on? Try changing your environment and see if that helps productivity or focus. Or create a focus routine to help make a habit of focused work time. Setting your phone in another room can help you accomplish a task quicker, for example. Moving into a new area to work can give you the change of environment you need to be focused on.
Use a timer: Set a timer for a certain amount of time and work on a task until the timer goes off. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked.
Set a timer on your phone or computer and try to work uninterrupted until that timer goes off. By breaking work into smaller chunks of time, you can focus longer when you know there is an “end” in sight for the task in front of you. Just set this timer for however long and as many intervals as you need to complete the project you are working on.
For example, if you’re writing an article for work and have decided it will take two hours, set up a timer for one hour at first and then another after that, if necessary, until the task is completed.
Take breaks: Taking breaks can help increase productivity. Make sure to take breaks at regular intervals to avoid burnout.
There is nothing wrong with getting up from the task you are working on to give yourself a break. Go on a walk, close your eyes for a few minutes, or phone a friend. Then once you feel more relaxed, go back to the tasks you were working on. By allowing yourself to get up and take time away from your tasks, you can help eliminate some of the mental fatigue that might worsen your procrastination.
Communicate with coworkers and bosses about your plans to overcome procrastination.
Your boss can help in some way, such as by providing you with the resources you need or adjusting your workload. You could also ask them if they have any suggestions for how you can improve your time management skills.
Communicate with coworkers and bosses about your goals to overcome procrastination on work tasks, so they can support you in achieving them.
Procrastination can be a significant problem in the workplace, but it doesn’t have to be! By breaking tasks into smaller pieces, setting deadlines, eliminating distractions, prioritizing tasks, using a timer, taking breaks, and getting help when needed, you can overcome procrastination and become more productive.