Procrastination is a universal challenge, affecting everyone at some point.
Often for things that really matter to us,
that affect us personally
or that could contribute to a big change in our lives.
Procrastination is a barrier to achieving our goals. Today I'm sharing with you some techniques that have really helped me.
What is procrastination ?
Procrastination refers to the systematic postponement of important tasks in favor of less urgent activities, often due to a lack of motivation or difficulty in getting started. This can hinder the achievement of goals and impact productivity.
"Procrastination is the greatest thief of time."
Napoleon Hill
Why do we procrastinate?
Procrastination often conceals fear, especially the fear of failure. This fear can explain the lack of motivation and the difficulty in initiating a task.
Therefore, to overcome procrastination, the ultimate question is: Why do I keep postponing this task?
So, to answer this question, think about a task you procrastinate and note all the possible reasons why you might be afraid to start it. Then, based on your responses, try to identify the underlying causes.
Let's take an example of a procrastinated task: Writing a work report
The hidden fear:
The fear of not meeting your superior's expectations or producing unsatisfactory work.
The underlying causes :
–Perfectionism : The fear that the report won't be perfect can lead to delay starting writing.
–Lack of clarity on expectations : Unclear instructions from your superior can create uncertainty and contribute to procrastination.
–Lack of skill or confidence : Feeling insufficiently competent to carry out the task can lead to procrastination.
–Task perceived as too large : Seeing the report as a huge task can be overwhelming, encouraging postponement of starting it.
Therefore, if you understand your fears and the underlying reasons behind them, you will be better equipped to develop specific strategies for your needs, and you will be able to overcome procrastination related to that task.
How to develop an effective strategy to eliminate procrastination?
1.Establish clear and specific objectives.
Take the time to set clear and specific goals to prevent procrastination, ensuring they are realistic.
Then, break them down into sub-goals representing the necessary intermediate steps to achieve the ultimate target.
This approach will allow you to focus your energy on achievable steps and effectively measure your progress.
2.Develop a schedule and a task list.
To eliminate procrastination, put organization into your life!
Here's how:
Create a schedule and a to do list of task to effectively organise your time.
Identify your priorities, prioritize the most important tasks, and assign them a specific slot in your schedule to avoid being distracted by less urgent tasks. To combat procrastination, specify when you plan to accomplish each task, for example, “I will do it Thursday morning at 9 a.m. after my coffee,” and write it in your calendar.
Don't forget to schedule regular breaks to recharge and avoid work overload.
3.Eliminate distractions.
Distractions are the enemy of productivity. So, carefully examine your life and identify what distract you the most.
-Practice self-observation by placing yourself as a spectator of your own daily life for a few days.
-Take notes in a notebook of everything that distracts you throughout the day. By analyzing these observations, you will find out who your main opponent is!
-Then choose to put aside these sources of distraction when working on a crucial task. For example, turn off notifications on your phone, block access to social media, or find a peaceful environment conducive to maximum concentration.
4.Adopts time management strategies.
To overcome procrastination, you need effective time management. Properly managing your time helps you organize, makes tasks less daunting, and prevents procrastination.
You can adopt one of the following techniques to promote concentration while avoiding mental exhaustion:
–Pomodoro method : Work in short time intervals (usually 25 minutes), followed by a short break. After four sessions, take a longer break.
–Weekly planning : Take a few minutes every Sunday to plan your tasks and goals for the upcoming week. This will help you stay organized and focused.
–Elimination of unnecessary tasks: Identify and eliminate non-essential tasks to free up time for those that truly matter.
Conclusion
I wanted to share this because many people fail to manifest their dreams and live life to the fullest because of procrastination!
It's a habit that may seem difficult to break, but with the right strategies, you can overcome it and maximize your productivity.
Furthermore, understanding the causes of procrastination, setting clear goals, planning, and eliminating distractions are crucial steps to successfully combat procrastination.
Also, by adopting time management strategies and staying disciplined, you can achieve your goals and improve productivity.
Finally, Rome wasn't built in a day; awareness is the first step towards change. So, Implement changes gradually in your life and work on consistency. If you stumble, get back up and get back in the saddle.
*Photo by Kenny Eliason
Have a good week !
With gratitude,
Clara
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