3 min read

10 Simple Ways To Turn Procrastination Into Productivity

2020-06-01

Beat procrastination and accomplish more with these great techniques! Self-discipline is rough. Especially lately when many of us are trying to work from home. Distractions are plenty and stressful tasks and deadlines accumulate easily. Therefore we often find ourselves procrastinating - avoiding our responsibilities and delaying important assignments. We’re here to help - take a look at our list of various activities aimed at turning time-wasting into productivity. It’s time to stop procrastinating and get the job done!

Make a list

We’re starting off our list by telling you to make a list of your own. Lists are a great way to start your working day and actually focus on getting things done. More often than not, our workload seems overwhelming and we don’t know where to start. As a result we tend to procrastinate. A list will keep things in perspective and help you focus on the tasks at hand - one by one!

Break things down into smaller tasks

Maybe you tried making a list for the day and realized it consists of just two or three things. It might not look like much but if the tasks at hand are substantial, the chances are you still feel overwhelmed. That’s when this step comes in handy. Try to break down the big assignments into smaller chunks. Smaller tasks are easier to carry out and suddenly the big stuff will seem easier to accomplish.

Eliminate temptation

Turn off your phone or your TV. Log out of social media. Get rid of everything that might distract you - even if it’s just for half an hour. Discipline yourself and observe what you can accomplish if you eliminate distractions.

Organize

A messy workplace is a distraction too. Likewise, all the clutter on your computer is also slowing you down. Declutter your workstation and organize your files and documents. Don’t get lost in the abundance of menial paperwork. Get organized and stay organized!

Research

Big procrastinators turn to their favourite activity any chance they get. Trust me, I know. If you’re in the middle of a task but find yourself suddenly stuck - don’t turn to procrastination. Instead, get more insight into your topic. Keep researching and immerse yourself into the subject. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself working even harder than before!

Ask for help

If you’ve done your research but are still having trouble, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Chances are your colleges or your boss will be glad to help. You might even pull them from their own loop of procrastination (yep, it happens to everyone).

Find inspiration

Maybe you’re not missing information, maybe you’re out of inspiration. Get creative and seek out extraordinary examples of similar work. Find inspirational people and get motivated. Even Pinterest boards are here to help! Inspiration is everywhere around you, you just have to look harder!

Start working on something else

You tried everything and still no luck? The important thing is not to give in to procrastination. Rather focus on a new task or on the next thing on your list. You can always circle back to this task. You will feel better once you accomplish other tasks and then this one won’t seem like such a big deal.

Give yourself a break

A weird advice to give to someone trying to deal with procrastination. However, taking breaks isn’t always a bad thing. Actually, it often increases productivity. If you’ve been working hard for a while and have ticked off a couple of things on your list, maybe it’s time for a healthy break. Breaks can be productive too! A 10 minute stretching exercise will do wonders for your body and your mind. Maybe you can do the dishes or take a short walk. Play with your kids or pets for a couple of minutes. Or just relax. This will provide a much-needed energy boost!

Reward yourself

Has the day been a success? Or have you accomplished an enormous task you’ve been postponing for a while? Don’t forget to reward yourself! This is crucial if you want to develop good work habits. The rewards can be simple - eat a piece of chocolate, pamper yourself with a spa day, watch a funny video or text a dear friend. The important part is to indulge in some self-care!