3 ways to beat procrastination this year.
It’s a new year, and it means an opportunity for a fresh start, a new job, and maybe a time to pursue a new business interest.
The beginning of the year always comes with so much hope, (maybe not hope maybe it’s just praying really that the new year is an improvement on the past year). Plans are made, goals are set and bam! It’s go time. And then an all too familiar feeling of “oh I will get this done tomorrow, there isn’t really any rush I still have time to submit that Proposal, update my CV or finish writing that book.
Procrastination can be very bad. It can give you a false sense that you are in charge when technically you are not. I mean, you make excuses as to why what you have to do can be done tomorrow or the day after. I will share just three things that have been helpful in beating procrastination. This list is by no means exhaustive and in no particular order.
1. Get a notepad, an organiser, day . Some of these tools are available online, and you can tweak it to your own specific work schedule. I would also add small stick on notes to your laptop, or even your work table. The chances are that the more you see what you have to do, the higher your chances of doing them.
2. Remove distractions. I have heard of some companies that do not allow their employees to browse social media sites during work hours. If we are all honest, social media sites can also affect your ability to focus on your work. Make a decision not to check your social media sites until you have completed your tasks. It is easy to get distracted and caught up in a viral tweet, or trend or a viral dancing video or new recipe.
3. Get an accountability partner. Sometimes, letting other people who genuinely care about you know you struggle with procrastination can be very helpful. They can help you by asking questions, ensuring that you have completed your tasks, or even done what you set out to do. While it is easy to lie to ourselves, it’s harder when someone is asking the tough questions. They can also help you, see where you need to improve on, or work through.
The goal is to overcome procrastination. There isn’t a hard or fast rule to this. These are just tips that are helping me become more effective.
