5 Effective Strategies to Beat Procrastination

If you’ve ever found yourself putting off tasks until the last minute, you’re not alone! Today, we’re sharing Effective Strategies to Beat Procrastination and boost your productivity.

Let’s get started!

It's tempting to keep putting off the tasks we don't enjoy. Even though we know it will lead to more stress later, it's common to avoid starting or finishing things we don't really want to do.

Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute or past their deadline. It's not just a time management problem. Researchers suggest that it's a failure in self-regulation that leads us to act irrationally. We put things off, even though we know this delay will lead to negative consequences.

While some people are better at motivating themselves to tackle unpleasant tasks, procrastination is a highly prevalent problem. A recent survey conducted in the UK, found that nearly all participants admitted to procrastinating sometimes, while 75% described themselves as habitual procrastinators.

No matter how well-organised and committed you are, chances are you have found yourself frittering away hours on trivial pursuits (watching TV, scrolling through your Facebook feed, shopping online, etc.) when you should have been spending that time on work or school-related projects.

First things first, it’s important to understand why you procrastinate. Is it fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed, or maybe even perfectionism? Take a moment to reflect on what triggers your procrastination. Awareness is the first step to overcoming it!

Remember that time that you thought you had a week left to finish a project that was really due the next day? How about the time you decided not to clean up your apartment because you "didn't feel like doing it right now?"

We often assume that projects won't take as long to finish as they really will, which can lead to a false sense of security when we believe that we still have plenty of time to complete these tasks.

One of the biggest factors contributing to procrastination is the notion that we have to feel inspired or motivated to work on a task at a particular moment.

The reality is that if you wait until you're in the right frame of mind to do certain tasks (especially undesirable ones), you will probably find that the right time simply never comes along and the task never gets completed.

Waiting for motivation isn't the only problem that contributes to procrastination, however. The following are a few other factors that can play a role.

Present Bias

The present bias is a phenomenon observed in human behaviour that may result in procrastination. The present bias means that we tend to be motivated more by immediate gratification or rewards than we are by long-term rewards. This is why it feels good in the moment to procrastinate.

For example, the immediate reward of staying in bed and watching TV is more appealing than the long-term reward of publishing a blog post, which would take much longer to accomplish.

Depression

Procrastination can also be a result of depression. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a lack of energy can make it difficult to start (and finish) the simplest task. Depression can also lead to self-doubt. When you can't figure out how to tackle a project or feel insecure about your abilities, you might find it easier to put it off.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Procrastination is also pretty common in people with OCD. One reason is that OCD is often linked with maladaptive perfectionism, which causes fears about making new mistakes, doubts about whether you are doing something correctly, and worry over others' expectations of you. People with OCD also often have a propensity toward indecision, causing them to procrastinate rather than make a decision.

ADHD

Many adults with (ADHD) struggle with procrastination. When you're so distracted by outside stimuli, as well as internal thoughts, it can be hard to get started on a task, especially if that task is difficult or not interesting to you.

So, how do you manage and deal with procrastination?

Make a To-Do list

To help keep you on track, consider placing a due date next to each item.

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of tackling a huge project all at once, divide it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it less daunting and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

Set Specific Deadlines

Aim to set specific deadlines for each task. Instead of saying, 'I’ll get to it later,' commit to a specific time frame. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of your deadlines!

Eliminate Distractions

Identify what pulls your attention away from your work—social media, TV, or even cluttered spaces. Create a dedicated workspace and use apps that block distractions during your work sessions.

Reward Yourself

Set up a reward system for completing tasks. It could be a small treat, a break to watch your favourite show, or anything that motivates you. This positive reinforcement can make a big difference!

If you put things off sometimes, don't worry; it happens to all of us. It's often the tasks we dislike the most that get pushed off until the last minute. While common, it is important to remember that this behaviour can have serious consequences, including hurting your relationships, your personal achievements, and your ability to succeed at work.

Fortunately, you can do things to reduce that urge to stall. Understanding why you're struggling to get started can help. Remember to create a to-do list of things that need to be done and start small. When you feel the urge to procrastinate, force yourself to do just one small thing. Sometimes, just getting started is half the battle.

Got a burning question? Reach out on our social channels or email me at michael@purpleyak.co.uk

Thank you so much for reading.

Take care and I'll see you on the next one.